11 weeks on.

Finally, the little hole at the end of my scar is healing although it is still an odd colour and feels as if there is a lump underneath. In a couple of days I see my cardiologist.

I have a number of questions for him. What exercise I can do, why do I get the pains in the skin over the pacemaker, as if the skin is stretching, am I safe to use and iPad/tablet, if I have to keep my mobile phone some distance from the pacemaker. Can I do lifting and carrying yet, as I'm keen to get out into the garden to clear it for Winter, to do some digging and get my bulbs planted ready for Spring.

The week after that I can get another blood test done for a further check on my cholesterol.

The operation seems a long time ago now, but the memory of the actual procedure is still very vivid, along with the constant reminder from the scar. That reminds me of another question, whether I can start using Bio-oil on the scar to reduce the redness.

Roll on Thursday or I'll have too many questions to get through in my appointment time.

8 Weeks On

8 weeks after the operation and it's business as usual for everyone around me. The events of the last few months has become a faded memory and people have finally stopped asking me how I am with a specific reference to the pacemaker and have gone back to asking how I am in the usual way of being polite but not really interested in the reply.

The scar has finally all healed together and I am hopeful that once I have seen my cardiologist at the end of the month, that I will be able to start using Bio-oil on it to reduce redness of the scar. I am still unable to wear my bra strap over the scar and it is permanently off my shoulder and hanging down my left arm.

Often the skin that is stretched across the pacemaker unit is tender and I'm not sure if that is ok or not, so that is one for the list of questions to ask at my next appointment although things are changing so quickly that by then, it may not be a problem anymore.

The damage to the office block I drove into has now been completely repaired, the internal decoration and carpets are all done and it looks really posh. It's nice not to be walking past the damage several times a day, reminding me of the accident. Not to have visitors asking what happened as they are taken upstairs to their appointment. Now, the only comments we get are about how nice it looks.

Medical Alert Bracelet or Medical Alert Watch Tag?

As the heart condition I have was only found after an accident in my car I have been very aware that should I be involved in another accident, whether my fault or someone elses, it would be crucial that any medics attending should be aware I now have a pacemaker fitted, in case I am not able to tell them.

While I was sat at home recuperating I spent time on the internet looking the options. I considered a number of bracelets. I am unable to wear necklaces because of a problem with my neck. There were  number of websites that offer medical alert jewellery but a lot of it wasn't my style. I eventually decided on the SOS Talisman and order the gold plated bracelet. It came very quickly and, as well as the bracelet and info strip there was also a sticker for my car window, which I was quite pleased with. The screw on cover kept working loose and so I needed to check it each morning. Neil did offer to 'nip' it together for me but I was concerned in case we couldn't then open it as and when it was necessary.

After a week I returned to the office after going for my flu jab and discovered I had lost the cover to my bracelet. A bit frustrating. I could buy a replacement cover but it concerned me how easy it had been lost, and felt it would be a constant problem. I do carry it in my handbag, but can't wear it anymore!

Full details and styles can be seen on this website: http://www.sostalisman.co.uk/

So, back to the drawing board for an alternative. Neil came up with the idea that we should look for something to do with my watch, as I always wear it and we found a company in America that did metal tabs that attach to your watch strap and were a fraction of the price of the bracelet I'd bought, even including the postage. And this is what it looks like:

You get a gold coloured and a silver coloured tab in each pack along with an identity card to carry in your purse/wallet which has all your personal details and details of your condition, and has the universal medical alert logo. They are made of a special metal alloy which is non-allergenic. Neil put it on my watch strap in seconds as it just moulds around the strap and will fit metal, leather and fabric straps and when I wear my watch I am completely unaware that it's there. I don't have to worry about losing it and know if I am in an accident or taken ill the medical staff will know to look for my ID card.

It gives me a little extra peace of mind.

A little problem.

As much as I am healing well from the implant, I do have a slight concern over the my scar. At one end one of the disposable stitches did not drop off as it should, instead the skin started to grow around it but didn't heal over it, it left a little hole. We have been keeping a close eye on it and while ever there was no inflammation or leakage it was ok. I kept it clean and use an antisceptic spray twice daily. 

Up until last Wednesday everything looked fine, and then there was some leakage and it left a raw looking hole, very small but a worry.

The following morning I rang my aftercare team and they suggested I should make an appointment with my doctor and have it checked out. I managed to get an appointment for later that day and she confirmed that, at the moment there is no infection, but to be on the safe side I have another course of antibiotics. 

The thought is that this is my body naturally expelling the rogue stitch and that over the next couple of weeks it will start to heal properly. Time will tell and in the meantime I just have to keep a close eye on it and let the antibiotics do their stuff.