should I still be tired
Got my PM 5 days ago, should I still feel tired and a little lightheaded? Could I need an adjustment? I check my pulse and it has been running about 72-80. Before the PM it would drop to about 37. Just wondering if anyone else felt tired after the PM.
6 Comments
Thanks
by lanew - 2010-11-09 01:11:52
Thanks Pookie, I sure am glad I found this site. alot of good people and good info. they should give this site out to you when you leave the hospital.I called my Doc and I will be seeing one of them this Friday, but I'm not sure if this is the one who will have the Rep to adjust anything.the pacemaker I have is a two lead made by BIOTRONIK, it's not the one that you can call and your Doc can see what is going on from home.The Rep use to work for Medtronic, they look the same to me, but I am still a baby pacer right now.
Hi again:)
by Pookie - 2010-11-09 01:11:53
What you describe is how I felt before I got my pacemaker too. I was tired a lot but I thought it was my age (42) and I had never exercised in my life so I know I was (and still am) lazy. I had a bit of lightheadedness but it always seemed to come at the end of my work day so I contributed it to being on the computer all day.
I wore a Holter Monitor for only 24 hrs and my heart rate dropped into the low 30s while I slept too. That's when the cardiologist said "pacemaker".
Great advice above...get lots of rest and once they adjust your settings you should feel a lot better. Sometimes, keep in mind, it may take several trips to get your pacemaker "tuned" just right for YOU.
Take care
Pookie
Yes
by Heidiglassmeyer - 2010-11-09 12:11:33
Welcome to the site!
Although my memory is starting to fade since I had my implant I do recall a period of time that I did feel tired and lightheaded. I remember thinking everyone is so happy with their pacemaker and I feel like crud! Everyone heals differently and we each have varying issues that required the PM. Try not to get discouraged. As Frank said, once you have your settings updated hopefully you will feel much better. If you are really concerned I would call your nurse and ask about your symptoms.
Hope you have a speedy recovery!
Heidi
Hi:)
by Pookie - 2010-11-09 12:11:34
You're only into your new life with your pacer for 5 days...you are still healing. Please give yourself more time. Some (not all) doctors say it will take 3 to 4 months before you feel better.
All of Franks points are bang on....especially the settings. Most people are sent home with what Frank said - default settings - then during your first "interrogation" (check up of your pacemaker) they will change some of the settings for you. Make a list of questions you have and take it with you to your appointment! Tell them exactly how you have been feeling. Ask them to explain the Rate Response to you. Find out if your Rate Response is ON or OFF. Even ask them for a print out of your interrogation and we will help you understand what it all means.
And YES is my answer to your question - I was extremely tired after having my pacemaker. Frank is right - when you are put to sleep - sometimes it takes some people a long time to get that out of their system.
You didn't say why you needed your pacer. And were you lightheaded prior to getting it????
Are you a bit anxious or stressed because sometimes that can make your heart rate go up. Are you on any new medications??? - those can make you tired or increase your heart rate as well.
Do you know when you will have your first check up? If it is (in your mind) a bit far off, perhaps you can call and ask to see if you can have your appointment changed to an earlier date.
Just remember -- we are all here to help you in any way we can and please feel free to ask as many questions as you want.
But again, give yourself some time.....you're healing.
Take care,
Pookie
Thanks all
by lanew - 2010-11-09 12:11:42
Pookie I got the PM because my HR would drop to 37, I don.t think it drop that low all the time, I had this bad leg pain for 2 days so I work at the VA Hospital so I decided to get it checked out, they gave me a shot in my hip, next thing I know my heart rate is up to 99 100, that must have been high for me, my heart felt like it was going to jump out my chest. the next day I felt so bad I went to the ER and it had drop to 38 40. they said I must have had a reaction to the shot. go back to work and wait and see if it comes up, the next day it would not go up over 60 even when walking, so I went the next day to my Cardie Doc and she put me in the hospital so they could watch it thru out the night and day, then they came in and said that it had drop in the 30s that I would need a pacemaker. but I was feeling bad here and there for a long time . I would get lightheaded driving to work and by the time I got there I would get out of my truck and it felt like it took all I had to walk to the shop. I would sit down and rest then go out to make my rounds I would feel short of breath. I didn't understand because I would walk 3 miles aday when I got back home, I always felt so good after walking. I guess the walking got my HR up to that feel good place. I will be calling my Doc today and see if I can get in to get this thing checked out.thank you all for all the info, it does help.
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Depends
by ElectricFrank - 2010-11-08 11:11:26
There are so many things that can affect recovery after a pacemaker. Here are a few:
* How long did you go with a HR of 37 before getting the pacer? During that time your body and its organs weren't getting a normal supply of blood, which can cause them to deteriorate. It may take some time for them to recover.
* What kind of anesthesia did you have for the implant? Some types can produce effects that last a while.
* I'm sure you need to have your settings updated. The pacer comes from the factory with default settings that are intended to get the patient going. They are never any where near right for best results.
As for my experience I had the best of all 3 of these. It was only a couple of days after my HR dropped until I had my pacer. I chose to have only a local anesthesia at the incision site, but no sedatives or relaxation meds during the surgery. I was raring to go after the surgery and never looked back. However, I did have some limitations until I demanded that my settings be updated.
Best of luck and welcome to the site,
frank