One week old!

I have had my pacemaker for one week. Yesterday the Dr removed the dressing from the surgery site of my pacemaker. Now i can feel it move in my chest. I had trouble sleeping last night. I am also an active 'older' athlete and wonder how i am going to get used to this very uncomfortable feeling in my chest? I would appreciate any advice given. Thanks.

6 Comments

one week

by APgirl - 2010-09-28 05:09:08

Hi
I have mine a week today. I have noticed that i now sleep in short bursts, as it wakes me up when it'kicks' in. it is still a little uncomfortable and i have the oddest sensation of leads through my chest. However, at 47, I couldnt walk far, was shattered all the time, with pains in my chest and tingling in arms and legs, the day after implantation, I have boundless energy, no pain and yesterday walked 2 miles!
this all happened over the course of 3 months but i think i have got used to the idea more than my family or friends.
O
n balance, i am happy to learn to live with the 'odd' feelings and learning to sleep again.

looking forward to long walks for many years to come :)

APgirl

Older Too

by New Me - 2010-09-28 10:09:42

Had this gizmo four weeks today, feel me moving, feel it kicking at me, "lady" hardware is so uncomfortable, trouble sleeping, will this change? some say it becomes a part of you that you do not notice...I think not...hold on Carl whether some say or not its an emotional, physical adjustment!

Over 4 months now

by Edouard - 2010-09-28 11:09:15

You describe yourself as an "older" athlete. I think of myself as such because I engage in competitive swimming at age 58. I was introduced to "Pac-Man" some four months ago. The surgeon inserted my friend in my left shoulder. I see the bump and I feel an occasional itch. When swimming intensively, it seems to me that my left bicep gets tired more quickly than my right. There's no doubt that Pac-Man IS an intruder.

However, there is no real discomfort and I found that I got used to its presence very quickly, perhaps after a week to 10 days. I don't know if I'll ever really forget that it's there, but prefer having it around to doing face plants at inopportune moments.

I hope that you and your friend will soon learn to cohabitate peacefully.

Good luck

Edouard

adjusting too

by willowrose - 2010-09-28 11:09:48

I too have had my little friend for four weeks, I am sleeping better now with it, I have always like to sleep on my left side which seems to be out now. I did find that if you prop your arm with a pillow it feels better. I will say too it is a big adjustment. Good luck and welcome to the club, this has helped me more than anything.

"Older athlete"

by woody - 2010-09-28 12:09:34

I'm not "older" - I am OLD softball player - 71 years
Have had my PM coming up on 5 months (5/4/10) - after 6 months I am going to try to play again.
I am very concerned about quick reaches with the glove hand-left & swinging the bat - I may not be able to play SS anymore - may have to move to outfield (boring)
As for the feelings you are having - I have had them too - sleep is off & on - "funny" feelings from time to time - I don't know if I will ever get use to this thing - I can't keep from touching it!
I still can't believe this happened to me - I am in excellent health - no meds - played football for 13 years , coached football for 7 years, officiated football for 15 years & played tournament level softball since I was 25 - NEVER thought I would have a heart problem - OH WELL you can see I am still adjusting
I will let you know what happens after I go and play
Woody

michelle

by michelle1971 - 2010-09-29 11:09:46

It does get better. Ive just had my 3rd PM implanted at the age of 39. I didnt have any bother with the other 2 but this one was a bit more uncomfortable, Its been 5 weeks now and I hardly notice it so it should be ok once you get used to it. Good Luck

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Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.