Am I a candidate for pacemaker surgery?
Candidates for surgery usually experience a slow heartbeat that results in shortness of breath, less energy or even in heart failure.
Will the surgery be painful?
Doctors use local anesthesia to numb your chest, so you don’t feel pain, however, you will be awake during the procedure. You could feel some pressure around the area where the specialists are working.
What happens after surgery?
After surgery, you will have to stay at the hospital to continue being monitored. After returning home you might find some bruising at the site of the incision. Some patients can feel uncomfortable when lying in certain positions.
When do I need to replace the batteries?
Battery life is expected to be around 5 to 15 years. When the battery runs out of energy it needs to be replaced with a simpler surgical procedure that needs less recovery time.
What are some precautions I need to take after surgery?
Some devices may affect your pacemaker’s regular functions when being exposed to them for longer periods; such as microwaves, metal detectors or high-voltage transformers. Also try to avoid placing your cellphone directly over your pacemaker.