How long to feel better
I had a pacemaker fitted 10 days ago after my pulse rate had dropped to 30. I had passed out a couple of times so was hoping this is the solution. The only difference I feel is that I no longer pass out. Still very tired most of the time and do not feel safe to go any distance. People tell me that after a week or so I should feel much better, but that is not the case. CanI really expet to be my old self in time and play bowls again and go away on holiday? Something I can only dream about at the moment.
7 Comments
Not everything is heart related
by lbdina - 2014-04-25 02:04:24
Your PM will make sure your heart beats at a minimum rate, and if required at a higher rate during exertion, and IF this was you only problem, you should feel much better soon.
However, you may have other issues that a PM cannot solve. For instance, I have lSSS, but also ow blood pressure. My PM keeps my BP from crashing due to slow (or no) heart rate, but it doesn't address BP directly. The autonomic nervous system controls dilation of blood vessels and other things which affect blood pressure. So, my heart could be beating at 70 bpm, but my BP could still be 100/55, in which case I feel light headed, especially when getting up quickly. Low BP also makes me feel lethargic.
I agree with WJS that you need to fill in your profile and provide adequate details so people can provide better responses. Are you taking meds, what other issues do you have, etc.
High expectations
by jimcummi - 2014-04-26 01:04:20
Thanks for your observations, My expectations are most likely a bit high, but so many people have told me that I will be back to normal in 2 to 3 weeks.
The only way I feel better at the moment is that I no longer have the feeling I am going to pass out. I do get out but find I can not walk too far without being exhausted.
My blood pressure has never been a problem. It has always been around 170/65. It is when my pulse dropped to around 30 and I passed out a couple of times that it was decided I should have a pacemaker.
I now realise it is going to take a lot longer.
3 months for me afterwards
by jessie - 2014-04-26 01:04:54
my pulse went down to 28 that day and it was very hot and humid outdoors. i remember leaving home to go for yet another ekg and had no idea that i had been walking around like this at times for 3 months as that is how long it took to discover what was wrong with me. so after implant it took me 3 more months to really feel good and have a lot of energy. everyone is different. soon i was feeling great again. hope this helps. jessie
Take your time.
by Bobdeham - 2014-04-26 04:04:50
About 3 weeks have passed and I'm 64 and I feel much better but not back to a 100% yet. Have a rash but my Family Dr. is taking care of that problem. Still a bit tired those I do more every day. I had the same problem heart rate dropped to 35 and I was very sick. I could breath much easier after the PM was installed. Still it is surgery and it take time to come back. Too close for me.
Gene
It takes time
by LisB - 2014-04-28 10:04:27
It takes time to heal from the surgery and from the trauma of heart block. Psychologically, it's pretty stressful. But, you will feel better. It is almost a year from me and I feel much better than I did. If you still feel draggy after a few months, see if you can have the bottom setting number increased. That did help me. I had it increased from 60 to 70. I go everywhere I want and can bowl and do just about anything, and with more ease than I could in years. Give yourself time.
upper Limit
by jimcummi - 2014-04-29 10:04:30
Thank you Lisb. I now realise I am not giving myself enough time, it is only 2 weeks. Would be nice to think I will be able to go back to bowling in time, as that was my life.
May request the upper setting as my setting at rest is 60 and before I had this problem it was 70.
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Member Quotes
I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.
probably so
by wjs1954 - 2014-04-25 02:04:09
with no stats in you profile, age sex other medical issues? just guessing
but you should start feeling better as time goes by...
get out keep moving do what you can see how you feel.
do not over do and do not give up......