You will need a 2 week follow-up appointment with us to evaluate your surgical wound healing process. Call (602) 234-2800 to schedule this appointment if one was not made for you at the time of your discharge from the hospital. After the initial appointment you will have a important appointment in 3 months for pacemaker check when adjustments will made to the programming to increase device longevity.

Home Care for Your Incisions Site:
Proper care of postoperative incisions will greatly enhance the healing process. Keeping the area clean and well cared for will decrease risk of infection.

Taking care of your wound:

• Remove the large dressing over the ICD the morning after discharge if dressing was not removed in the hospital. Do not remove steri strips, they will either fall off or we will remove them at your 2 week follow up appointment.
• Shower as usual the morning after discharge.
• Don't scrub the incision area, just wash gently with soap, rinse and pat dry with a clean towel (do not rub).
• Avoid submerging your wound in a bathtub, swimming pool or Jacuzzi for 6 weeks.
• Some discomfort such as mild redness, itching and swelling may occur. These symptoms are part of the normal healing process. Don’t scratch the wound if it starts to itch.
• Protect your incision area from excessive sunlight.

Signs of Infection/Problem

• Significant redness, heat, swelling or severe pain.
• Fever of 100 degrees or higher.
• White, yellow, or greenish discharge from the wound or significant bleeding.
• Opening of the wound.
• Discomfort related to the wound should decrease every day.

DO:

• Continue to take medications unless told otherwise at discharge.
• Exercise per physician's orders.
• Put your temporary pacemaker card in your wallet (you will receive a permanent card in about 6 weeks in the mail). Take home your pacemaker booklet and read at home.
• Call if you experience any dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or any questions related to your pacemaker.
  

DON'T:

• Lift, push or pull over 10lbs. OR raise your arm (on pacemaker side) above shoulder level for 6 weeks (this includes golfing and tennis).
• Don’t have an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). You can have a CAT scan.
• You may use a cell phone if you use it on the opposite ear. Don't put a cell phone in your shirt pocket over your pacemaker.

Other
Magnets can affect your pacemaker. Please read enclosed materials and discuss with your physician if necessary.

Follow-up
Routine follow-up visits to monitor your pacemaker will be important to your health and the effectiveness of the device.  If you do not experience any problems after your pacemaker implantation, you will need a 2 week follow-up appointment at our clinic. Routine follow-up will be arranged at your first visit.  Follow-up from a home transmitter may be available, please ask our technician at your first visit. 

Your pacemaker is working at the time of implant and there is no reason to have your pacemaker checked sooner if you are feeling well. If you have problems, questions or concerns please call our office.