Mom had a chest x-ray this morning and the doctor told her that everything was working just fine. Her pacemaker is set between 70 and 115 beats per minute. Therefore, if she "exercises" (read that as walks to Gilmart), the pacemaker will accommodate that. She says that she does feel a difference. My sister says that since she is recovering from surgery, she may not feel much of a difference just yet, but she will as she heals.
The pacemaker was inserted just under her collarbone. Mom has a pretty nasty scar at the moment. It's 2-3 inches in length and is pretty red. There are no stitches. Apparently, they "glued" it together... whatever that means in medical terms. We will diligently watch for signs of infection. And Mom will take her antibiotics faithfully for 3 days. Picture of incision at the end... do not view if you are squeamish.
Mom has a list of instructions to follow. She cannot raise her left arm above her head for 8 weeks. She cannot lift more than 10 lbs for 8 weeks. She can no longer go through metal detectors and cannot even have the hand wand used on her. She has a special card for her wallet that gives her membership into a special club for pacemaker wearers in order for her to avoid these things. She will not have to be hand searched if she travels.
She does not have to avoid microwaves, computers, cell phones, etc. as pacemakers wearers did in the past. She is supposed to use the cell phone on her right side rather than her left, but other than that, there are no restrictions with electronic equipment. It's pretty interesting what progress is made in a decade or two.
Mom is feeling well and is taking phone calls. We have not determined if she'll go to Bingo on Friday yet, but we'll take every day as it comes.
Again, thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers. We appreciate it!
Here's that picture of Mom's incision. Avoid if you are squeamish.
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