Very Tired

Depends

by ElectricFrank - 2010-09-12 02:09:44

There should be nothing involving the pacemaker that would cause you to be tired all the time. In fact, the usual effect is more energy.

Having said that there are things associated with the whole situation that could be causing a need for sleep.

1. How long have you gone needing a pacemaker before getting it. Many of the conditions result in low blood flow to your body and over time it causes changes that take time to heal. For instance low blood flow to the brain results in tiredness and low energy. I was fortunate to have the pacemaker implanted only a few days after my HR dropped to 40 and then on down to 26.

2. At 3 days since implant you are still recovering from a surgical procedure with possible after effects of anesthesia. I avoided this one by having the implant done with only a local anesthesia and no sedatives. Since I was fully awake when they turned on the pacer I felt the surge in energy and felt like running around the hospital.

3. Finally, keep in mind that a pacemaker isn't a cure all for everything. A lot depends on your overall health and condition.

Maybe some of these ideas will help. I suggest giving yourself a week or so before getting too concerned.

frank

Thanks

by reese7968 - 2010-09-12 05:09:40

Thanks everyone for the comments. I think I will give it a week and see how things go before getting concerned. I have another question. I have one semester left before I receive 2 degrees...one in Electronics and one in Instrumentation. Both of these fields deal with magnetic fields to some degree. Can anyone here tell me if I can still work in these fields or tell me where to go to find more info about it? Google wasn't much help.
Thanks,
Reese

Hello Reese

by 8thID - 2010-09-12 08:09:14

Welcome! This is just a thought--have you checked your heart rate lately? I know that sounds strange, but about 11 days after my implant, I started to feel extremely tired and sleepy all the time. This went on for a few days until my 2 week check-up. I was checking my heart rate and it stayed around 52. I knew this wasn't right, but didn't see the doctor until my scheduled 2 week appointment. During my appointment, they informed me that I was in complete (3rd degree) heart block. The PM tech and doctor made one quick adjustment to my device and I've felt great since then. I wish you the best. Take Care!

Jeff

Me Three

by The Fish - 2010-09-12 09:09:09

Hi Reese
It took me about 10 days before I really started feeling like I was getting my energy back. Take it easy, sleep when you need to. Check with your Doctor if you have any concerns at all. Welcome and all the best.
Howard

Me Too

by New Me - 2010-09-12 09:09:19

Reese, As a 61 Yr old who always had far more energy then she knew what do to with it most times since birth my Mom always told not wanting to sleep, that is how my life continued until being diagnosed with A-Fib, it was a part of life and honestly thought it was anxiety..more going on then one person should alone, not part of the subject for you...then the doctor say having worn a ECG this old heart of mine stops for up to seven seconds coming out of A-Fib..ah...that's what the feeling is so the doc convinces me to have this thing in me, for at least four days just as you exhausted thinking well this isn't any better then A-fib without PM. Some say the surgery is easy, everyone is different, mentally I was not prepared for this but to give you hope, I'd like a little myself of life but it does turn for you, get out and try to walk a little at a time, a little more the next day, four days later you may not be able to go as far but the next farther, strength comes back hoping along with adjustment....remember its you and your own speed of recovery

ENERGY PLUS

by Robg - 2010-09-12 11:09:09

I had my pacemaker inserted 48 hours ago and I feel great but, made sure I had got to bed early. A good 10 hours of good solid sleep did a world of good. Robert

Me Also

by biker72 - 2010-09-12 11:09:19

I went through a 7 hour ablation procedure for A-Fib and wound up with a pacemaker.

I went back to work the day after I got out of the hospital. Probably not a great idea but I think it did help in the recovery. Those first few days were rather exhausting..

Electronics and Instrumentation

by ElectricFrank - 2010-09-13 01:09:05

That's my field. I taught it for nearly 20 yrs.

There shouldn't be any problem working in the field. There are a few places like high powered transmitters, power generation/distribution, or very large magnetic fields, but these are only a small part of the job options.

Since you understand the circuits you are working around you should be able to make reasonable decisions yourself. You could likely get information from the pacemaker manufacturer about acceptable interference levels. The last thing you want to do is bring the subject up with your doctor or personnel managers at companies. Neither one understands the technical aspects of the situation and are most likely to give a CYA answer.

Since getting my pacer I have been in the field of 1000 watt ham rigs, carried a large woofer from my Jeep into the shop (with it held close to my body), made measurements on the electronic ignition and alternator of my Jeep with out any problems. I notice you have an ICD so you might want to be a bit more careful than I am since having it fire could be a problem.

If you have any more questions either post them here or send me a PM.

congratulations on getting the degrees,

frank

Me Four

by ABelle - 2010-09-13 02:09:57

Hello Reese,
Welcome to the club. Hopefully your feeling better. I had my pm implanted a little over 3 months ago, and unfortunately it took my quite a while to stop feeling overly tired. I'm 31 and have always been an extremely active person so it's taken me a while to adjust to the change in energy levels. I'm back up to walking 30 mins twice a day, and hiking / biking on the weekends. But I still get winded from the excercise and I find myself going to sleep much earlier than I used to. It does get better though. My advice now is to rest up and let yourself heal. Best of luck with your recovery. Anna

Thanks Everyone

by reese7968 - 2010-09-13 05:09:30

Jeff, I checked my pulse and it's running around 70 bpm.
I have actually had more energy today. I've been up for almost 9 hrs straight. That's a huge improvement since implantation. lol

Frank, I just can't thank you enough for the advice concerning my pacemaker and working in the Electronics and Instrumentation field. The info you shared with me just now was invaluable and I'm grateful for it. Thank you again.
I had no idea who to ask and I'm sure I would have ended up talking to either the Doc about it or personnel, and would have gotten one of those CYA answers you were referring to.

Thanks Anna for the heads up. It looks like it will just take me awhile to get my strength and energy levels back. Thanks again,
Reese

tired

by deewithgreeneyes - 2010-09-18 11:09:11

I am 51 and was very active before the pacemaker was put in 3 weeks ago..tired still but getting better as I have found to rest when I am tired. Seems to get worse if I push myself. I don't know about you but I am very anxious and depressed..and here I am a retired RN..go figure..they say we make the worst patients! LOL

Be brave and patient

by RSS - 2011-01-27 01:01:53

Pacemakers are a boon for bradycardiacs, u have to just be a bit brave and patient after the implant.
After a few weeks u r back to normal doing ur daily chores without any fuss.
I had my implant on 21st Jan10, and here i m today happy, healthy and enjoying life by the GRACE of ALLAH.

Rest is good

by Sherry B - 2020-04-21 14:42:14

Its been almost 3 weeks since I had my pacemaker put it and I still get tired alot. I do try to walk short amounts a few times a day. Its really up and down with my energy level. Im taking 4 weeks off work before I go back. Hope my energy picks up by them. I do get depressed at times about it. Im 72 

Good luck to you Reese