Discharge Advice for Patients Following a Pacemaker Box Change

• Check your wound site daily for any signs of bleeding, swelling (swelling can mean that it is bleeding underneath the skin) or infection (redness, hot to touch, oozing). Contact the Cardiology Day Ward immediately on 01305 254990 and you will be asked to come in to have the wound checked. If it is out of our hours, go to the Emergency Department.
• It is important that you limit the use of your arm on the same side as the pacemaker for one week. Do not use it to push, pull or carry heavy objects. This is to allow the stitches to pull together and allow the wound site the chance to heal.
• The clear, protective dressing should remain in place for seven days. It is ‘splash proof’, therefore you can shower, but you should avoid standing in the full flow of water to prevent the dressing lifting up as this can risk infection. If it does start to peel up at the edges, please see your practice nurse at the GP surgery to have it renewed.
• Avoid having a bath or swimming until the stitch has been removed and the wound is healed and dry.
• If you have a removable stitch, this will need to be removed at the GP surgery seven days after the procedure. You will need to arrange this appointment yourself. If you have concerns regarding your wound site, please contact the Cardiology Day Ward on 01305 254990.
• It is normal for the wound site to be bruised and uncomfortable initially. Please take one to two Paracetamol 500mg tablets four to six hourly and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• You will be given a new pacemaker ID card, which you should carry with you at all times. You can dispose of the old one.
• Please refrain from driving for one week following your pacemaker box change. This is DVLA guidelines.

For any further advice, please contact the Cardiology Day Ward on 01305 254990, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm.

About this leaflet

Author: Laura Starr, Senior Sister, Cardiology
Written: January 2017
Updated approved: March 2020 and June 2024
Review date: June 2027
Edition: v3

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk