New Pacemaker

My pacemaker was implanted on Tuesday.  I am sill tired, not sleeping, and get out of breath.  I keep thinking that I am tired and out of breath because I have not had a good nights sleep.  Also, teary this morning, many phone calls but no one has come to visit.  Had a real pity party.

I am almost 76 and used to exercising as well as using the treadmill. I tried the treadmill for 5 minutes yesterday and was exhausted. Am I just being impatient or should I contact my Dr.?

Thanks

10 Comments

New Pacemaker

by chicom - 2011-04-16 04:04:34

Thanks for responding so quickly.
I have been using the pillow to support my arm in bed. but always appreciate a reminder.
I wil call on Monday if I don't feel any change, It is Patriots Day here in MA but I ould imagine that somebody will be available
Annette

I would call your doc but it may be

by janetinak - 2011-04-16 04:04:52

that an adjustment is necessary & that should be done soon. As I understand it the PM comes with a factory setting & it gets adjusted based on your needs. So I would call Monday & get an appointment, explain what is going on. I had to have my PM adjusted up 'cause I was doing more & helped SOB. I was about 7 yrs younger than you are when I was adjusted for my increased activity. As to the sleeping. Do you know why you are not? If it is pain get something for that or sleep alos. use a pillow to support your arm on the PM side, things like that help.

Let us know how it goes., We are here for you.

Janet

Hi chicom

by johnl - 2011-04-16 05:04:37

Just a note to say welcome to the club. The emotions will calm down soon, just remember you have many friends and sources of advice here. Best wishes to you, John

emotions

by sixpac - 2011-04-16 09:04:50

I am at 3 weeks now. Emotions up and down alot. I wake up every night 2 or 3 times then awake at 4. I go in for a reset in a couple of weeks. I already had one because I was having difficulties pain in the neck artery was thumping hard. I hope this helps you we are not alone.
John

Don't push it

by ElectricFrank - 2011-04-17 02:04:57

Remember you just had surgery a few days ago. Are you keeping the treadmill settings down? I was about your age when I got my pacer and was walking 3 miles in a few days, but that was on flat land. Another thing that can make a difference is how long did you need the pacer before you got it. In my case it was only a few days after my HR dropped to 40 and then on down to 26 the night before surgery. If I had been required to wait for several weeks as some have the lack of good circulation would have affected how long recovery took.

There are lots of factors,

frank

New Pacemaker

by chicom - 2011-04-17 07:04:40

Once again, thak you for thecomments, advice and words of comfort. I really appreciate all of your thoughts.
My husband had to go to the hospital last night. Fortunately friends were here to drive us to ER. My son in law cameto bring me home at 2 a.m. My dusghter took me over today. Fortunately he is doing better and willprobably be able to go home tomorrow. Another friend will bring him home. What a week.
I have been reaing many of the other posts and they do address the concerns that have. Very glad that I found this site
Annette

Early days

by jlo - 2011-04-17 12:04:49

I think you are expecting way too much of yourself, for most of us, this is no magic fix, it takes time to recover, first from the surgery, and secondly the emotional effect it has on us. Yes i know there are those of us who are able to get up and going, almost immediately, but for the majority, i dont think it's like that at all. Whatever your body is telling you, is normal for you, at this early stage of recovery. It must be hard being on your own at this time, maybe people have not visited, because they think you need to rest. which is true. So take it easy, some days will be good, some not so good, but with time will get better.

pity party

by gardener - 2011-04-18 05:04:39

I am 6 weeks on from having my first pacemaker and have been a bit miserable in the first few weeks when I felt really unwell and in pain. I too felt that few really seemed concerned enough. I think that many people seem to think that having a pacemaker fitted is a very simple procedure that will almost insantly make us feel better and even cured from whatever the trouble was. I have found this quite irritating, which hasnt improved my mood either!
For me things are getting much better, the pain is a lot less and I think I may even feel a bit better than I did before the pacemaker.
I hope you make good progress yourself.
Take care.

need possible PM regulated

by Sidman - 2011-05-02 11:05:27

Chicom I believe you possibibly need your settings adjusted.The PM maybe! to low or alittle to high in pacing the rythymn I had to have mine adjusted several times because I was feeling tired and just,anxious.But,I have an enlarhed heart as well.Just,recently I had a device theraphy done where they check the PM.one of my leads needed reentergized hmmm,I have a ICD which is has a built in defiburator.I am due for a new one shortly I have had mine 5 yrs.Been a lifesaver.Good luck on getting the problem worked out.Keep me posted!

Excuse my spelling

by Sidman - 2011-05-02 11:05:59

Chicom please!forgive my spelling>some of these medical words can be tricky I really hate it when I try to help someone and misspell words.Forgive my ignorance lol

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So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.