Life After a Pacemaker: What Changes and What Stays the Same

So, the doctor says you need a pacemaker. Let’s be honest, it’s a scary word. You hear it and think of hospitals, wires, restriction, maybe even old age. But here’s what no one tells you right away: just because you have a pacemaker now doesn’t mean life slows down. In fact, for many people at American Medical Center in Dubai, this is when things finally start to feel stable again.

What Does a Pacemaker Actually Do Inside the Body?  

A pacemaker is a small medical device that sits just under your skin. It’s light, discreet, and does its job quietly, most patients don’t even notice it’s there. It goes just under your skin, near your collarbone. Wires from the device go into your heart and send tiny pulses when your heart gets off rhythm or beats too slowly.

You don’t feel those pulses. You just feel better.

First Things First: What Can You Still Do?           

Almost everything. Once you’ve healed, you can go back to work, hit the gym (with some limits), travel, and enjoy your day like you used to. You can use your phone, watch TV, and yes, stand in front of a microwave.

Stuff People Say That’s Just Not True   

Let’s bust some common myths:

“You’ll set off alarms at the airport.”

Not likely. But yes, tell security about your pacemaker. They might skip the scanner and just wave a wand. No drama.

“You can’t use a phone or laptop.”

Totally false. It’s best to avoid placing your phone right over your pacemaker, like in a shirt pocket on that side. Normal use is fine.

“You’ll feel it working.”         

Most people don’t. You might feel a little tired at first or notice your heart is more steady, that’s a good thing.

“Only old people get pacemakers.”       

Not true at all. People in their 30s and 40s, even athletes, sometimes need one. It’s about the heart, not your age.

What You’ll Need to Adjust (Just a Little)

The first few weeks are important.

You’ll have some soreness where the device was placed. You may be told not to lift your arm above your shoulder on that side for a bit. No gym, no stretching above your head, and definitely no heavy lifting.

After that?         

You ease back into things. Walking? Yes. Work? Yes. Driving? Most likely, just confirm with your doctor. At American Medical Center in Dubai, we guide patients through every step of recovery to make sure they return to daily life safely. Cardio workouts? In most cases, yes, once your cardiologist gives you the green light.