Received my pacemaker 4/9

I am new to this board. I received a PM 4/9 last Thursday after experiencing a fainting spell at the casino. I thought maybe I was dehydrated and not well from having cocktails and not eating. When they keep me and ran tests because my heart rae was in the 30's I started to worry. The Dr suggested a PM I asked for some time on a monitor at home to make sure it wasnt a fluke thing or cause by diet pills. When I finally attached the monitor they were alerting me the next after noon to get to the ER. I felt fine which confused me and still went to class to take my test and finally admitted myself in the hospital when my monitor went crazy for the second time. I was experiencing a complete block. I had the PM put in the following morning and happy to get it over and one with. I was wondering if anyone experienced any dizzy light headed spells? I did yesterday Easter with my family and it scared me which caused some anxiety. I still am not feeling like myself is that due to surgery or is my experience abnormal. I still feel a little heavy chested. I did go to class on Sat and went out for Easter. I was also wondering about caffeine, is it allowed or does it effect anything? I was very active, working out 5 times a week ate very healthy but was a social drinker and smoker 2 times a week on average. Of course I quit smoking and using any type of diet pills. Will my drive and energy come back? I want to start training for running. Thank you for all your post that I read and made me feel better.

Awsomegood

7 Comments

dizzy spells

by angybaby - 2009-04-13 02:04:41

I too experienced dizzy light headed spells which is symptomatic with heart block ,my heart would also go out of rhythm and 'pause'before starting again,very uncomfortable.Caffeine is a stimulant and has been known to cause palpatations if drunk to excess,i limit myself to 3/4 cups a day max....It took me a few weeks to feel anything like back to normal,and less tired than i was,but now i have no problems and live a normal life,sometimes the pm may need tweaking a bit after it settles in,but i'm sure you will be ok and feeling 'normal 'soon.feel free to contact me anytime,take care.

av block

by Tracey_E - 2009-04-13 03:04:48

Welcome aboard!

Anxiety is normal! It'll take a few weeks to recover both physically and emotionally. Your block was corrected as soon as the pm was turned on, but it'll take some time to recover from the surgery and for your organs to recover from being deprived of oxygen, which is what happens when your hr is very low. You should feel your energy come back over the next month or so.

Caffeine is ok with most doctors as are diet pills but both could be a bad idea. Stimulants make your heart beat faster, you're trying to regulate your hr... so it's up to you where you draw the line at what's ok and what's not.

If you have any questions about your block or living with a pm, please ask away! Many of us here have the same condition.

Ache Where My Pacemaker Is!

by Seniorcitizen - 2009-04-13 05:04:38

Hello All: I had my second pacemaker put in in December of 2007......It is larger than most which makes it able to be seen by anyone if I am in a bathing suit or something. At any rate I am monitored on the phone every 3 months and usually see my surgeon every 6 months and my cardiologist every 2 months.....I have been having an ache feeling where it is and the area kinda hurts or sometimes anyway......Has anyone else had that and if so why would I be having it now.....Perhaps I sleep on that side too much.....Help good people.....Joan

hang in there

by Johnnybravo - 2009-04-14 02:04:23

I went and saw the doctor today after one week pacer was put in on4-6-09 and am amazed at the difference of how I feel today compared to this past weekend. The doc. is your best friend and be sure and do as the doc.ask. The heavy-ness has slowed down and most of the pain in my arm and shoulder have stopped. I see the pacer check up person on 4-21-09. These people on this have saved me from alot of unknows. welome and keep talking.Johnnybravo

fainting spell at the casino

by ElectricFrank - 2009-04-14 12:04:40

I thought you were going to say you won a large jackpot!
G:

The pacemaker settings are probably not optimum for you. At implant most cardiologist's leave the settings at the default ones from the factory until the first checkup. If the first scheduled checkup is too far in the future you may need to ask for one sooner.

In the meantime I would go easy on high exertion activities like running. As far as caffeine etc., the pacemaker doesn't have much affect on their effect.

frank

give it time.

by bowlrbob - 2009-04-14 12:04:43

My pacer was put in on an emergency basis too. I also was at a casino. I also did not win the big one. But we both got a prize. I am active like coffee and a few drinks. In my case I was released with no restrictions by my EP. I was told I can do anything I did before. So I do. I still haven't won the big one. But I am still trying. It took me about a year to catch back up with all that had happened. But I did catch up and I feel great. So will you i am sure. Bowlrbob

I feel the dizzy spells too

by Ridin4Christ - 2009-04-15 04:04:04

Awsomegood,

I can relate to those feelings. I had my ICD put in the day after you. I just talked to the EP nurse and thought maybe it was the antibiotic they gave me. She said she would check with the Dr. and get back to me. being dizzy is getting old. Best of luck to you. I feel your pain!

Ron

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