How long before I feel less tired?

 Good morning and thank you for the welcome. This is my first visit to the site and I am so impressed by the care and help that is available by members for members. 

I am a young 77 year old lady and I had my pacemaker inserted last Monday 13th March 2017. The reason for my having it was sick sinus syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. 

 Prior to having it I was having some good days but some days when I was extremely fatigued and I was hoping that the pacemaker  would remedy the fatigue, and enable me to go for walks and be active every day, not just the good days.  The wound site is fine and not painful  

Any advice based on experience would be gratefully received 

Thank you 

 

4 Comments

Fatigue

by Loonylil - 2017-03-17 10:34:47

hi there. In answer to your question, it is not long since you had your pacemaker implant so you are likely to be still recovering from the process.

in my case, when I look back, improvement was fairly gradual, and I think it was about 2 months before I felt "right" again. Energy levels have continued to improve, regular exercise is important, fresh air when possible. 

From your description, you seem to be healing well, so I'm sure you will be fine!

best wishes to you ❤️

Time

by Grateful Heart - 2017-03-17 10:59:30

I was going to say the same thing.  Noomin, it's only been 4 days.

Give it some time.  Improvement will come.

Grateful Heart

Patence

by Gotrhythm - 2017-03-17 11:06:40

Having a pacemaker installed is a simple procedure but there's not "nothing to it." Even people far younger than you will need some recovery time--say a week or two. :-) Seriously, more like a month, and sometimes longer. Pacemakers have come along way in their ability to simulate a natural heartbeat, but having one is still a big change from what you had before. Your heart needs tp get used to being paced.

In addition, right now, your PM is just working off the default factory settings which may not be optimal for you. Sometimes people need several adjustments  to get the best response. For me, taking my rate from 65 to 70 bpm made a huge difference in how energetic I feel.

For now, take care of the incision, don't wear a sling, hang out with people you like, and gradually and gently increase your amount of exercise everyday. You'll get there.

Adjustments

by DaisyGrammy - 2017-03-22 23:19:19

I've had my pacemaker for 14 years I would recommend talking to your doctor and letting them know that they can adjust your settings. It was a life-changer to me the first three months I could barely move but when they changed my settings to 70 beats per minute instead of 60 beats per minute it was like I was New Again. Talk to your doctor and talk to him about adjusting your

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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.