Patient instructed to restrict vigorous activity or lifting heavy objects for a week or two. The incision site is usually completely healed after two or three weeks. During this initial period you should watch for signs of bleeding or infection, such as swelling, increased redness or worsening pain, and let your doctor know if any of these signs occur. You will need to have your pacemaker checked periodically to see whether it is functioning normally and to make sure its battery has plenty of energy. Usually, these pacemaker checks are done by telephone every month or two (using a special device your doctor will give you for telephone follow-up), and by visits to your doctor's office once or twice a year.