What happens after I have been discharged from the hospital?

Your doctor will tell you whether your skin stitches will dissolve spontaneously, or whether they will need to be removed during an office visit. Always follow your doctor's directions while you recover and begin to resume normal activities. Some suggestions that will help in your recovery:

• Bathe, exercise, and walk according to your doctor's instructions.

• Do not lift more than 10 or 15 pounds until your doctor gives permission.

• Strictly limit movements of the arm that could dislodge the leads, as instructed by your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever, or if there is redness, swelling, or drainage at your incision or if your arm is swollen or painful.

• Do not wear tight clothing that may irritate the skin over the pulse generator.

• Refrain from activities or contact sports that might cause a blow to your implant, such as karate or football.

• Do not place a shotgun or rifle against the chest wall on the side of your implant.

Let all your doctors, dentists or any emergency personnel know that you have an implant. You may need special antibiotics before and after dental work, including teeth cleaning, or surgery. This is a special precaution against major infectious complications. The wound, which should be kept dry, and the pocket under the skin will be sore for a few days.

Print this page