Pacemaker Follow up

Day of Discharge

• The day after your procedure you will have a repeat chest x-ray performed to ensure the correct position of the pacemaker wires.
• A representative from the pacemaker company will come and check your pacemaker before discharge. They will give you a booklet that will tell you about your pacemaker.
• Your Cardiologist may change your medications but this will be explained to you.
• You may need some mild pain killers at home, tell the nurse if you require us to get them from the pharmacy prior to your discharge.
• If you normally take a blood thinner the doctor will tell you when to recommence this.

After discharge from hospital

The dressing on your chest must remain intact for 7 days. The dressing only needs changing if it lifts off. It is a good idea to have this done by a nurse at your GP’s surgery. If this is not an option, contact your Cardiologist’s rooms and they will make an alternative arrangement.

After 7 days remove the dressing from your chest, then gently wash the wound in the shower and carefully dry with a clean towel. Report to your Doctors if there is any discharge from the wound. You maybe asked to attend the Cardiologist’s rooms for a wound check.

You should not do any heavy lifting or straining for 4 weeks. During this time it is important that you do not lift your left arm above your head, as this could cause the pacemaker wires to dislodge.

You will be given a temporary identity card before your are discharged, this has important information about your pacemaker. You will receive a proper one in the post in a few days. It is important to carry this card with you at all times. It is a good idea to let a close friend or family member read the pacemaker booklet and familiarise themselves with the information.

You will need to make an appointment to see your GP in a few days time and you will be given a discharge letter to give to them.

Your Cardiologist will ask you to make an appointment to see him at a later date.