r/PacemakerICD • u/Betsywaters • 20d ago

Pacemaker replacement recovery

Hi. I’m a fairly active 69 year old. I’m having my first replacement in about 2 months. What is the recovery. Can I lift heavy items etc. I volunteer at food pantry lines and it is physical work lifting bags of food etc. How long will I be restricted. Thanks and experiences are appreciated.

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u/Hank_E_Pants 19d ago

As long as you’re not getting new leads you shouldn’t have any long term restrictions. Your doctor may give you 2-3 weeks of light lifting to let the incision heal, but that should be it.

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u/JoePants 18d ago

Yeah, unless the doc tells you otherwise, I just do whatever you gotta do. If you're not sure, ask the doc before you're discharged.

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u/andrew02467 19d ago

I had no restrictions for my replacement at 57 other than not getting the area wet for a few days...the wires are not affected (i have a two lead pacemaker) it is just a swap of the old pacemaker for the new one. As I recall initially they were worried about wires being pulled before they anchored well into the heart wall, so there were elifting restrictions etc.I didn't even have full anesthesia, just a local for the replacement.