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hi everyone, i had my pm put in july 17th, starting to feel better although still having to baby the left arm..wondering...has anyone had any bouts of depression after having a pacer put in? not sure if its because im unable to do things at this time and its getting to me?

3 Comments

Depression

by ElectricFrank - 2009-08-14 01:08:35

I haven't heard any comments on depression recently, but several year ago there were quite a few. It can be a jolt suddenly being confronted with a heart that needs some help. Keep in mind that there is a big difference between feeling a bit down or sad, and real depression. The word gets tossed around a lot without regard for its real meaning. Then you mention it to a doc and wind up taking an antidepressant, which really gives you reason to be depressed.

Give yourself a few weeks. Start building up your activity as the arm is less sore. Any keep in mind that the conditions that require a pacer are nowhere near as serious as many other cardiac conditions.

I'm 79yr with a pacer for the last 5 yrs. I regularly go Jeeping over rough country and have been at 13,000' all with no problems. It's a neat little device we have implanted. I would say "don't let it get under your skin", but that is where it belongs. (:

best,

frank

takes time

by Tracey_E - 2009-08-14 07:08:42

Finding out your heart isn't as healthy as you thought can be a blow and the emotional adjustment is harder on some people than the physical. Give yourself time to heal, to get back to your old activities.

Know that it's normal! Sometimes something as simple as a walk outside in the fresh air can help. Talking it out here with others who've been through it, can help. For me, knowledge is power. Once I learned about my condition and felt like I understood how my pm works, I mostly just felt grateful to have it.

As Frank said, if you have to have heart problem, electrical problems are the best kind to have. Our hearts are usually structurally fine and the pm more or less fixes our problems. I've been paced since 1993 and lead a full, active life. I hike, ski, work out, am a mom and business owner. Most people don't even know I have it, they just see another busy mom.

If the down feeling doesn't go away in a few weeks or is enough to keep you from functioning in your daily activities, you should mention it to your doctor.

Hey yes! yes! yes!

by Hot Heart - 2009-08-19 05:08:52

I was 55 but thought i was 25, shocked depressed felt old but now few months on absolutely fine. Hope you soon feel better

HH

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