Care & Follow-up

Home Instructions for Patients with Pacemakers or Defibrillators

Below are some home instructions for patients with pacemakers or defibrillators. Please read carefully as they discuss many things to be aware of, activities you should or should not do, concerns regarding proper care, and issues you should call your doctor about.

Initial Care of Site:

Do not use ointments, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, etc., on your incision site.

Change the dressing as directed by your physician. At each dressing change observe the site for any drainage, redness, or swelling. Notify your physician if any of these are present.

You may sponge bathe after hospital discharge. You may shower as directed by your physician. If in doubt, please call the office for clarification.

Activity:

Take it easy the first 2-4 weeks at home to avoid damage to your pacemaker/ICD (device).

Do not lift the arm on the side of the device above shoulder-level for 2 weeks.

Do not push or pull anything for 2 weeks.

Do not hit or rub the incision site.

Do not “fiddle” or play with the device under the skin.

Avoid activities like heavy lifting, running, or contact sports.

Do not lift more than 10 pounds for the first 2 weeks.

Ask your physician when you may drive.

Concerns:

Microwave ovens in good working order are safe to use.

Cellular phones may be used, however you should not used it on the same side as your device or place it in a pocket over your device.

Strong magnets such as a MRI or hand-held security wands should be avoided.

Strong electrical fields like radio towers, ham radios, and arc welders should also be avoided. Also avoid leaning over the open hood of a running car, as its electrical field can interfere with the function of your device.

Carry an ID card that contains information about your device. You may need to show this to security personnel.

Advise all healthcare and dental providers that you have a device before you receive treatment.

Call the toll-free number on the back of your id card if you have other questions or concerns.

Call Your Doctor If:

The incision site becomes painful

The incision site has drainage, redness or swelling

You have a temperature of 100.4 or more

You have hiccups that will not stop

You have a fainting spell

You have twitching of your chest muscles

A physician can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 352/375-1212 or 386/487-0118.

Follow-Up Care:

Make and keep a follow-up appointment for one week after discharge so we can check your incision.

Make and keep regular appointments with your doctor and with our device clinic so we can assure your device is in proper working order.