Shocked and depressed

Welcome to the club.

by Sabah - 2016-12-01 10:28:46

I totally agree with Angry Sparrow. I went through crying spells right after my diagnosis as well. My mother died young of the same heart condition (related to auto immune disease) and I just kept remembering her painful journey, I have now come to realize how lucky I am to have my device. My EF is slowly climbing and the symptoms that were keeping me from enjoying life have lessoned. I had my device placed in Aug and now I forget it is even there most of the time. Sometimes something will happen (like today when a patient kicked me while I was putting her shoe on or I sleep in a strange position) and it will be sore for a bit. I put ice on it and the pain goes away. My device is a large one (pacemaker and defib in one, about the size of a pack of playing cards) so it gets bumped sometimes, but I have felt so much better! I did not even know my EF was low and when I was diagnosed I did feel some relief. I had gained over 50lb and knowing why has made me feel so much better. Now I am loosing weight and much more active. I gets better. There are so many advances in cardiology that make our lives so much better. We are here for you too so don't feel bad about crying on our cyber shoulders! 

better days ahead

by confused - 2016-12-01 16:14:06

Hi and welcome!

That would be hard having the surgery spur of the moment.   Mine was a thought out situation that I kept putting off and thank goodness I finally gave in and did it.  I feel so much better.  I am still quite new (7 weeks since surgery).   The pain at first isn't fun but will go away before you know it.  You will more than likely be tired for a few weeks also so don't be alarmed.   Make sure that you do move your arm around though even if it is painful.   If not you are taking a chance of getting frozen shoulder.

Don't over do it though.  I am sure they told you to not lift your arm above shoulder height for a while.   My doctor told me 2 months so I am listending to him.

Sorry you had this sprung on you so suddenly but be thankful that these little devices are available for us that need them.  

Lurk around and do some reading here because you will learn alot and knowing you aren't alone in your feelings really helps.

Good luck in your journey.

Tammy

Surprises

by Ncrespo3 - 2016-12-01 17:17:54

Hey, I can relate to the shell shock of getting it out of the blue. I went to the ER when my pulse was dropping to the 50s while exercising and had 2nd degree heart block they but in a pacemaker five hours later. This was the Wednesday before the most recent one. Found this site the same way you did a few days ago. With you on the shoulder pain, feelings of shock, and trouble sleeping. We'll get through this, it'll be okay! 

I've read a few people's stories and they all seem to be doing remarkably well. I immediately stopped nearly passing out when getting up the stairs to my apartment and can feel when the PM turns on; so it has been a benefit so far. 

Shocked and depressed

by Good Dog - 2016-12-02 17:22:16

WELCOME!

I too had my PM inserted suddenly after working all day. Went to the ER with a pulse of 35 bpm after work. The next day I had a pacemaker. I can understand the feelings you have, but I have to tell you that it all worked-out very well for me as it does for most. I was 38 at the time and I have had this thing for 30 years now. It hasn't changed my life even one little bit. So you can and should go on to live a completely normal life with the same longevity as if you didn't have a PM. Just hang in there and it will get better!

I wish you the very best!

Sincerely,

David

shocked and depressed

by Picker - 2016-12-04 00:18:39

I do thank everyone for their comments and support. I have had some very strange feelings since Tuesday. Pains in the side of my left arm and a gradual speeding up of my HR to 100/110 rate, which seems high although my blood pressure varies within an acceptable range.

My stiches are being removed on wednesday by my GP so I am going to ask him about the pulse rate. I suppose because I am new to all this, that I am preoccupied with all the worries of failiue, infection, wires dislodging etc.

I am very grateful for the support and was very heartened by David's 30 years of success.

Best wishes to everyone that replied, it really does make a big difference to me and I am sure it will to others to come.

Malcolm