Coping with the pacemaker
I had an implant in mid-January of this year, was released two days later and ended up back in the hospital for two days about a month later due to atrial fibrilation. I'm a 78-year-old retired military who considered himself in relatively good health up to this point with no warning signs that I can recall. Since the pacemaker implant I find myself suffering from panic attacks on a regular basis and many sleepless nights. I know these are panic attacks but can't control them. Dr has prescribed Lorazapam but I don't like taking it unless I'm really desperate.
Is there anyone who has had the same experience and what have you done to combat it? Would certainly appreciate any advise.
4 Comments
Panic Attacks
by dumb - 2017-02-26 00:23:06
Some members report having panicatt attacks. When something threatens you, your brain goes into Fight or Flight mode, in most cases the brain sorts out the event that has caused the need to take action.
Since you realize you are having panic attacks and you realize you need some help you are ahead of most people.
Chemicals are one option, therapy is another. Working your way through the fact you now have a computer implanted, is also a option.
Seeking help sooner is better. Panic attacks often grow to be unmanageable if not nipped early on.
I went from a full active life to clinging to life within a few minutes. I ended up with P.T.S. it was awful. The attacks would come out of nowhere, any time, any place. I had learned years ago how to control my fear, yet I was having P.T.S.
Now I rarely have a slip, however it required time and work.
1. Recognize
2. Accept
3. Occupying mind with something manegible.
4. Breathing, by controlling my breathing, my mind calms itself. If my mind is working on another problem, the fear and anxiety lessen then leave.
Time, wanting improvement, working toward improvement works. Sometimes you need to learn new coping skills. Some times chemicals are needed. Physical activity also helps, walking, running, cleaning all help the mind focus, if your mind is focused on a task it will cancel out the panic urge.
Didn't have your problem
by Theknotguy - 2017-02-27 13:44:21
I didn't have your problem per se. Like Iron Will I did some things to help. Drank a lot of water, had sessions with a psychologist, got active and stayed active.
Psychologist was about taking control. Once I understood what I could and couldn't control it really helped. Also worked with EP for some "what if" scenario situations. Then when I had the unreasonable fears I could recognize them as unreasonable and act accordingly.
Know about the abrupt chang in life. Was walking down the trail with the dogs, then woke up six days later. Talk about a life change.
Anyway, life is better. Can do everything I did before pacemaker plus a lot more. I've got a good heartbeat now. Oh, and I have afib problems too.
Hang in there.
don't assume they are panic attacks
by belsheart - 2017-03-01 03:41:37
Ask your EP if what you feel as panic could be arrythmia. That's what happened to me. Once I was put on Metoprolol XL, I have not felt anxiety or panic again. Especially since you already have had atrial flutter or fib, I would ask if they can do another EP study and see what's going on. It could be something as simple as too many PVCs....and there are ways to take care of that (beta blockers, ablations, etc.) As a therapist myself, I ASSUMED I was having anxiety when that wasn't it at all. One mimics the other.
If it does wind up being panic attacks, there are ways to cope with that as well. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss further.
good luck
You know you're wired when...
You have a dymo-powered bike.
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My ICD/pacer is not a burden. I still play tennis and golf.
Sometimes taking control can reduce stress
by Terry - 2017-02-25 23:34:41
Studies have shown that if the pacemakers lead is located in the heart so that the cardiac conduction system is bypassed there is a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, as well as a 10 to 12% risk of heart failure over time. That is why doctors minimize ventricular pacing or place the lead at what is called the His bundle for a natural, physiological ventricular activation. See His-pacing.org
All the best
Terry