Anxiety...
Hi,
I'm 41, generally good health and normally very active. 2 months ago I was diagnosed with low blood pressure and signs of anemia. Several GP's late I was referred to YDH and informed I had a Heart Block which required a pacemaker, one week later I'm in coronary care awaiting procedure.
I'm now two weeks post op and getting to terms with my new elecrical device but needed to talk to fellow patients about what happens next! Forgive me for being naive, but I'm still not feeling confident or full of energy like I was told to expect! Am I trying to run before I can walk?
As I am self employed I have tried to return to work without much success... it seems up and downstairs excercise does not agree with my body. I am yet to have a first check up at the Pacemaker Physio, maybe I should shut up until they assess my health?
Apologies again, just needed to get it off my chest..(no pun intended)
6 Comments
New Pacemaker Information
by Bob1929 - 2010-07-19 05:07:33
The following is long and may not tell you a whole lot, it may give you some ideas for questions during your first visit.
Living with a pacemaker or ICD:
With advances in technology, pacemakers and ICDs generally last 5 to 6 years (depending upon usage and the type of device) and, in most cases, allow a person to lead a normal life. In addition, advances in device circuitry and insulation have reduced the interference risk from machinery, such as microwaves, which, in the past, may have altered or otherwise affected these surgically implanted cardiac devices. Even so, certain precautions must be taken into consideration when a person has a pacemaker or ICD.
What precautions should I take with my pacemaker?
The following precautions should always be considered. Discuss the following in detail with your physician:
Although it is generally safe to go through airport security detectors (they will not damage the pacemaker or ICD), inform airport security personnel that you have a pacemaker before you go through security, as the device may set off the alarm. Also, is you are selected for a more detailed search, politely remind security that the hand-held metal-detecting wand should NOT be held over the pacemaker for a prolonged period of time (more than a second or two), as the magnet inside the detecting wand may temporarily change the operating mode of a pacemaker.
Avoid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines or other large magnetic fields, as these may affect the programming or function of the pacemaker. Also, the rapidly changing magnetic field within the MRI scanner can, in theory, cause heating of the pacemaker leads. In general, there are alternatives to MRI for persons with pacemakers, but if your doctor determines that you absolutely need an MRI scan, discuss this thoroughly with your cardiologist before proceeding. If he or she and you agree to go ahead, you should be closely monitored by a cardiologist, with a pacemaker programming device immediately available, during MRI scanning.
Abstain from diathermy (the use of heat in physical therapy to treat muscles).
Turn off large motors, such as cars or boats, when working on them (they may temporarily "confuse" your device).
Avoid certain high-voltage or radar machinery, such as radio or television transmitters, arc welders, high-tension wires, radar installations, or smelting furnaces.
If you are having a surgical procedure performed by a surgeon or dentist, tell your surgeon or dentist that you have a pacemaker or ICD. Some surgical procedures will require that your ICD be temporarily turned off or set to a special mode; however, this will be determined by your cardiologist. Temporarily changing the mode on your pacemaker can be performed noninvasively (no additional surgery is required), but should only be performed by qualified medical personnel.
Always carry an ID card that states you have a pacemaker/ICD. It is recommended that you wear a medic alert bracelet or necklace if you have a device.
You may have to take antibiotic medication before any medically invasive procedure to prevent infections.
Always consult your physician or device company if you have any questions concerning the use of certain equipment near your pacemaker/ICD.
Can I participate in regular, daily activities with a pacemaker/ICD?
Once the device has been implanted, people with pacemakers/ICDs should be able to do the same activities everyone else in their age group is doing. When you have a pacemaker/ICD, you may still be able do the following:
exercise moderately, upon advice from your physician
drive your car or travel if cleared by your doctor
return to work
work in the yard or house
participate in sports and other recreational activities
take showers and baths
continue sexual relationships
When involved in a physical, recreational, or sporting activity, a person with a pacemaker/ICD should avoid receiving a blow to the area over the device. A blow to the chest near the pacemaker/ICD can affect its functioning. If you do receive a blow to that area, see your physician.
Always consult your physician when you feel ill after an activity, or when you have questions about beginning a new activity.
How can I ensure that my pacemaker is working properly?
Although your pacemaker is built to last several years, you should always have it checked regularly to ensure that it is working properly. Different physicians may have different schedules for checking devices, and most are checked in the home using a telephone and special equipment provided by your device manufacturer.
Battery life, lead wire condition, and various functions are checked by performing a device interrogation. During an interrogation the device is noninvasively connected to a computer using a magnet and a special machine.
Your physician may ask you to check your pulse rate periodically. Report any unusual symptoms or symptoms similar to those you had prior to the device insertion to your physician immediately.
Always consult your physician for more information, if needed.
What is the pulse?
The pulse rate is a measurement of the heart rate, or the number of times the heart beats per minute. As the heart pushes blood through the arteries, the arteries expand and contract with the flow of the blood. Taking a pulse not only measures the heart rate, but also can indicate:
heart rhythm (abnormal rhythm may indicate a heart disorder)
strength of the pulse (a weak pulse may indicate a fast heart beat in which some beats are too weak to feel, heart failure, or a low volume of blood in the circulatory system)
The normal pulse rate for healthy adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. The pulse rate may fluctuate and increase with exercise, illness, injury, and emotions. Girls ages 12 and older and women, in general, tend to have faster heart rates than do boys and men. Athletes, such as runners, who do a lot of cardiovascular conditioning may have heart rates in the 40s and experience no problems.
How to check your pulse:
As the heart forces blood through the arteries, you feel the beats by firmly pressing on the arteries, which are located close to the surface of the skin at certain points of the body. The pulse can be found on the side of the lower neck, on the inside of the elbow, or at the wrist. When taking your pulse:
Using the first and second fingertips, press firmly but gently on the arteries until you feel a pulse.
Begin counting the pulse when the clock's second hand is on the 12.
Count your pulse for 60 seconds (or for 15 seconds and then multiply by four to calculate beats per minute).
When counting, do not watch the clock continuously, but concentrate on the beats of the pulse.
If unsure about your results, ask another person to count for you.
Anxiety
by Pookie - 2010-07-19 10:07:42
Hi.
Anxiety is very very normal. Many of us here have experienced it after having a pacemaker or defib. It's perfectly normal.
We all deal with anxiety differently and at different speeds, so please be patient with this as it does take time to wrap your head around the entire procedure.
A lot of us have had to ask our family doctors for help. Sometimes they can give you Ativan or Lorazepam, something to take the edge off.
And then there are some of us that have had to seek counselling. I am one of many. It really does help.
This site is chock full of amazing and wonderful caring people who will help you too!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember - You are not alone.
Take care,
Pookie
Hey I love York!!
by Hot Heart - 2010-07-21 05:07:19
Daughter went to uni there.
It's a massive massive shock, thought my world had ended, and felt awful.
Eighteen months on feel great, do sooooo much more than people 20 years younger than me.
Read the posts, go back and look at some of the comments a lot of us made in our early days, I was scared sh..less!!! It will be fine, come on here it's a little device to give out heart a bit of help.
Hope you soon come to actually forget its there. You'll soon be jogging around the shambles!
HH
Thumbs Up
by mrskid - 2010-07-21 06:07:30
Just been for Pacemaker Physio check, didn't sleep a wink last night, nervous for all the wrong reasons.... got a big thumbs up and 'fit to fly' for my holiday on Sunday. Phew.... I had a brilliant afternoon, walking around my hometown with a spring in my step and a big smile on my face. Thanks to everyone for your support and kind comments.... I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to my next chapter..
Can you heal
by STONEY - 2013-01-24 09:01:06
How do you wrap your head around having a rate responsive unit implanted after living a very fullfilling and active livestyle. I had the operation 6 weeks ago and started having anxiety attacks. Had my check up yesterday and it was all thumbs up.The anxiety is a bit of a depresser at this stage. My doc explained again that my response unit is very simple since it is only implanted to assist the bottom chambers to tick in line with the top chambers. My heart"s top chambers still beat on there own and the unit is only due to a signal lost to the bottom chambers. I was diagnozed with a slow heart rate after I had a traumatic incident. This spiked a slow heart rate. My question however is, can a traumatic event cause bradycardia slow heart rate and can it heal. I stopped smoking now for five months as well, not that I however was a great smoker. Maybe one a day. I decided to start exercising again, in case it helps with the anxiety. Heavan know's why I have anxiety since I am a very strong person overall. Maybe thats the reason. I feel weak now.
You know you're wired when...
You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.
Member Quotes
I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.
Thanks
by mrskid - 2010-07-19 05:07:16
Thank you.... I can feel the weight of anxiety lifting off my shoulders already!!