Avoid wearing magnetic bracelets and magnets near your chest. Will I need to have another pacemaker? People who drive for a living, such as bus and lorry drivers, will not be allowed to drive these types of vehicles for at least 6 weeks after the pacemaker is fitted. When can I exercise or play sports again?

Women may need a new bra with wider straps. Avoid exposing your wound to sunlight in the first year as this can cause a darker scar. Will I have to have my stitches removed? You should avoid strenuous activities for around 4 to 6 weeks after having your pacemaker fitted. After this, you should be able to do most activities and sports. These may be every 3 to 12 months, depending on the type of pacemaker you have and how well it works.Most modern pacemakers can store information about the state of the battery and the performance of the pulse generator.

You must also tell the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and your insurance company that you have a pacemaker.

When can I exercise or play sports again?

The British Heart Foundation has more information and advice about how to start exercising again after having heart surgery How can I care for my wound?

The original lead or leads can usually be left in place, although occasionally they'll also need to be replaced. How often will I need follow-up appointments? But it's important to keep your arm mobile by gently moving it to avoid getting a frozen shoulder. A physiotherapist can show you how to do this.

But you should avoid positions that place pressure on the arms and chest for the first 4 weeks of your recovery. Changing the batteries involves replacing the pacemaker box with a new unit. This is a simple procedure that may or may not require an overnight stay in hospital. You may be able to feel the pacemaker and it may feel uncomfortable when you lie in certain positions, but you'll soon get used to it.

Other types of medical tests are safe, but always tell the person treating you that you have a pacemaker. TENS machines MRI scans are not usually recommended for people with pacemakers because they produce strong magnetic fields.

When can I leave hospital?

If after having the pacemaker fitted and leaving hospital you feel you're not getting as much benefit as you imagined, your pacemaker may need some small adjustments. If you feel dizzy or your heart beating faster while using an electrical appliance, simply move away from it to allow your heartbeat to return to normal. Mobile phones