How Long Is the Normal Recovery Time From a Pacemaker Operation?

Patients who undergo a pacemaker operation are typically allowed to be discharged on the same day as the surgery or the day after. They feel fine after just a few days. Patients may experience minimal discomfort following the procedure, which can be alleviated by non-prescription pain relievers, states Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities by the time they get home. However, caution should be exercised to ensure that the pacemaker site remains dry for at least 2 days after the pacemaker implantation.

Patients are also usually advised by their physicians to refrain from performing strenuous tasks or doing heavy lifting for about 4 to 6 weeks, notes Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This is to avert accidental displacement of the pacing leads.