First Timer-please help

Hi everyone. Just joined. First pacemaker was installed this past Monday...evidently got a bad virus in the heart a few months ago. My heart muscle and arteries are in wonderful condition...no damage. Now, trying to live without lifting the left arm. no heavy lifting, etc...you know the routine. Will the depression go away? I had just skied four hours on Friday with my family. In good shape. Blood pressure and cholesterol always ideal. Feeling so sad and concerned about the future. However, I am grateful. I was going to die without it. My heart rate was going down into the thirties. Please help me.

10 Comments

Hi again:)

by Pookie - 2011-02-10 06:02:13

I just looked and you are the same age as I am:)

We already have 2 things in common...lol

Pookie

Hi !!!!!!!!!

by Pookie - 2011-02-10 06:02:36

I am SO glad you found this site. You will find the members most supportive and helpful. So, may I be the first to welcome you to the club:)

Depression - a lot of us experience it. It is actually very normal to find yourself depressed, stressed, or full of anxiety after having something done to your heart - it's normal !!!!!!!! Just wish our doctors would tell us this BEFORE they give us a pacer or defib.

I think (just my opinion) that some of us become depressed because we are grieving our life the way it was, why did this happen to me, and we can become anxious regarding what our new future is going to bring with a hunk of metal in our chest.

However, I think I'm pretty safe in saying that 98% of us who end up depressed will eventually come out of it...it just takes time. It also may take a frank & open discussion with your family doctor and sometimes they will give you something like Xanax, Ativan, or Clonazepam to get you over the hump. Some of us have even gone further and have sought help from a psychologist or a shrink (I actually still go to both).

You need support. Family & friends are great, but sometimes we may feel guilty "dumping" on them, so if you choose to go to a psychologist or a shrink, you can dump on them all you want - that is why they exist:) But keep in mind -- you now have all of us.!!!!!!!! and we're free, no charge:)

It will take time. But bottling up your feelings won't do a thing, so please don't go that route. I found that the best thing to do (for me) was to try and keep to my normal routine as much as possible. Keep busy.

We are always here - 24/7 - so please feel free to vent all you want or to ask questions and there is never a stupid question...never, so don't be shy to ask anything.

You'll make it!!!!!!!! We all did:)

Again, welcome and I truly hope you feel better soon.

Take care,
Pookie

Relax

by sallybags@email.com - 2011-02-10 08:02:54

Just got mine 2 weeks ago and I felt the same way.After the 1st week started on treadmill. I played basketball 4-5 nights a week and was a little depressed,but doctor told me I will be able to play in another 2-3 weeks.Just got off the treadmill today and did a little over 2 miles in 30 minutes. Just going slow at first ,but felt great. Keep a positive attitude and the more you go on this site the better everyone will make you feel.Best of luck and health.

Rose

by donr - 2011-02-10 09:02:57

One question - Do you ENJOY being depressed? If so, you will get worse! If not, there is great hope for you.

Separate out in your own mind questions about the PHYSICAL nature of your ailments - ask us about them. We aren't physicians, but we've BTDTWTTS! We can help you with them.

Then ask us about the depressing issues. Ditto the last statement.

If you want to get over a bout of it & fight to do so, you'll get out.

Right now, you are in the post op state - restrictions simply because of the cuts you picked up in a knife fight w/ a surgeon. You still are not a cripple. Do what you can, keep busy & especially as physically active as you can. That can be depressing - especially if you have nothing that you MUST do - like go to work; go to school, etc. Activity is the best medicine for this stage - it shows you that you are not a cripple.

You have already taken the first step - recognizing that w/o your PM you'd be dead. Now you must take advantage of that gift that you have been given & live your life to the fullest. That is God's gift to you, through the talents of someone else.

The best.

Don

Thanks everyone!

by trose - 2011-02-11 05:02:57

Oh my! I am so grateful to everyone who replied! Today has been a much better day. Yesterday I tried not to use any pain med...big mistake. Then my dad hugged me and moved my shoulder up and down...kind of scared that may have moved the leads. Would I know if it did?

Anyway, my family has been so awesome and funny. No, I am not a depressed person EVER so this is quite strange for all of us. With yall's help, (yes, I am southern!), I will get through each day! Thanks again. Bless you!

Welcome!!!

by donb - 2011-02-11 09:02:10

WOW!!! You had skied for 4 hours just prior to your PM implant? Now that's a plus, reminds me of my 10 day stay in the hospital just prior to my 1st PM. I was litterly burning the hospital halls during my stay in the hospital 18 years ago. Finally it was decided I would'nt get old if I didn't get a PM. So on the 11th day I got my life saving PM friend.
Best advice to avoid the blues is the same as posted above. Get your legs in motion and prove to your mind that your body is OK, as a matter of fact maybe a lot better. I got out and walked & walked, couldn't believe the stamina with my new device. I was very fortunate not to have the mental set-back as most PM patients experience. I know in my case I would have fallen into the same depression trap had I not had the physical stamina to do the walking. Skieing for 4 hrs just prior should tell you also that you can put on some miles walking and break-in that PM. Use that PM, all 4 of my PMs' still haven't slowed me down (much) at age 79.
DonB

Welcome

by Sue H. - 2011-02-11 12:02:01

This is a great group of people and there is nothing posted on here that some of us haven't dealt with and anxiety and depression are very common after a pacemaker implant. I still feel the medical profession doesn't support us the way they should. They implant this little computer and say ok now you're fixed but they don't know what a shock that can be to our emotions. BUT the people on here do! I am so grateful for their support and caring and the good advice they give. You will start to feel better once you realize that this little computer they put in your chest is watching your heart for you, therefore you don't have to worry about it...easier said than done right? Good days will eventually outnumber the bad ones as you continue your healing process. Good luck and we're all here to help you.....we've all been through it. Best to you... Sue (aka Magster)

Great help

by johnl - 2011-02-12 04:02:51

All of the above comments have been a great help to me today as I was on a downer but have now been given the kick I needed , thanks all,

No Worries!

by Hubbsy - 2011-02-12 05:02:37

Got my first one at 44 and just had it replaced with a new lead... now 48. We're all here cuz some guy decades ago had a great invention! I always look at how lucky I am and how worse it could be with an ailment with no cure.

Enjoy it my friend... where it like a badge of honor and you will feel much better. And I'm likin' the scars! Gives me a good reminder every morning while brushing my teeth that life is worth living.

Best of luck!

Hang in there

by drashmore - 2011-02-12 11:02:36

Got mine in Dec '10. Have had several issues since then but there is a corner you turn and things get better. Almost back to work full time.

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

Member Quotes

Yesterday I moved to a new place in my mind and realized how bad I felt 'before' and the difference my pacemaker has made.