constant lack of energy

I had a pacemaker implanted when I was 15 years old due to complete heart block. I have never been on medication at all and have never regularly seen a doctor due to lack of insurance coverage. Basically I am healthy other than that but I have always had a lack of energy. I feel so tired all the time. I can drink a ton of coffee and nothing. When I work very hard at all my face turns really red and I tire easily. If I were to run up 20 stairs and back down I would be breathing heavily and my heart pounding. I've always had low blood pressure but sometimes orthostatic hypotension, it comes and goes. People that don't know how I feel just think your lazy because they dont know what it's like to feel so drained for no reason. My family isn't simpathetic in the least. Does anyone else have this or know why I'm so tired?

3 Comments

Get thee to a doctor now!

by heartu - 2010-04-26 04:04:53

Pacemaker at 15. Have you ever had it replaced? When was the last time you had it interrogated? Perhaps the battery is low and you don't know it. It could be anything

You need to see a doctor (whoever implanted it, EP, cardio, whatever) to check it and yourself out. Your life is priceless. Take care of yourself first and worry about how you will pay up last. Doctors are understanding and in the business of saving lives. You can always work something out.

I can relate

by bini - 2010-04-26 09:04:07

Hi,

I think you should talk to a cardio about this but, I do know what you are going through.

I have been suffering from low BP for many yrs. I also have othostatic intolerance as well. I was diagnosed with an illness called Postural Othostatic tachycardia syncope. Before I was diagnosed I was also called lazy, and I even had a doctor tell me that I shouldn't get married bc I started getting these symtoms before my wedding.

I would try to see a doctor and have him/her run more tests.

Good luck!

Christine

constant lack of energy

by dr.who - 2010-04-27 12:04:00

Actually my battery was replaced in 2003 and a lead replaced in 2007 I believe. I have never let having a pacemaker keep me from doing anything.I have always felt just like everyone else except for the scar. I have never let it bother me either,never tried to hide it.It's part of me and apparently God wants it there. Anyway I just feel so tired all the time no matter what I do. Some days are better than others. I don't worry about the doctor. I know when it's my time to go then I'll go and not before. Most of the time the doctors have turned out to be more costly than helpful. I can't afford to keep seeing different doctors to find out whats wrong. I actually had one doctor to say it wasn't possible to feel dizzy when you stand up and be fine when you sit down. He said he didn't see how that was possible that I was doing that. So I never went back.My cardiologist couldn't find the problem either. I almost passed out driving home from the cardiologist office after being tested and they found nothing wrong. So when it happens I deal with it and go on.

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker is the best thing that every happened to me, had I not got it I would not be here today.