New Pacemaker

New Pacemaker

by Keithchesterfield - 2017-11-24 15:23:14

I also had mine fitted a week ago and already I feel 10 times better than before the fitting.

My wife insists I do as little as possible but I'm champing at the bit to see what the initial improvement is.

I now walk up to a mile or so without feeling short of breath but my legs feel weak because I'm not used to walking that far – a hundred yards in the months before my pacemaker would have left my legs aching.

My breathing was not good and I was quickly out of breath and needed to rest.- that now seems to be behind me.

I thank my lucky stars that I was sent to the A&E department and for the first few days I felt overwhelmed with relief that I was given the chance to live life reasonably normally by having such a minor but vital operation.

A few tears have been shed but already, with seeing the change it has made in me, I realise that I've been given a 'second' chance and must take a positive outlook in life.

I wish you well and hope that positivity is you rule of thumb in the many years to come.

Keith

New Pacemaker

by Champak - 2017-11-24 15:33:03

Thanks Keith! I'll definitely try and stay positive! My problem is that I used to be very active - walking around 5 miles a day or working out at the gym. Very healthy lifestyle - so am not really sure how/why I needed a pacemaker. Will I be able to get back to an active lifestyle? I love traveling - is it fine to fly with a pacemaker? I guess I'm very nervous still and want my life back. I'll keep your words in mind and keep a positive outlook.

New Pacemaker

by Keithchesterfield - 2017-11-24 16:04:01

I don't see why you can't do anything that you did before.

We have a Motorhome and yesterday we booked a weeks holiday in France over New Year and we intend walking as often and as far as possible once we get there.

As for flying, just avoid the Security check-in devices, and you'll be fine – thousands of Pacemaker users travel in planes without problems.

I was walking around with a dicky ticker for a long time and now I have an almost pristine one so doing what I normally did years ago is what I intend to do – and hopefully you can do the same.

https://youtu.be/Vt6C4B96LlU

Hello Champak

by Mapleshaz - 2017-11-24 18:44:00

You have a lot on your mind and each question that gets answered will generate a new question. It will never end because new things are always being introduced. Even the more seasoned from this site have questions. Use google and use the search tool above on the right. Research is key. Pace yourself and listen to your body (your heart and your legs!) I wish you well. ❤️

life after

by Tracey_E - 2017-11-24 22:11:51

You can be as active as you want after you heal, and you'll probably feel better because your heart rate will keep up. I'm the same age as you but have been paced since 1994. No one looks at me and sees a heart patient. I hike, ski, kayak, do crossfit, whatever I want. 

Electrical problems happen at random, often when we have no other health issues. Staying active keeps the muscles strong, eating well keeps the arteries clear. Nothing you did differently could have prevented this, nothing you did caused it. Most of us do not have other health or heart issues. 

Check my comments

by Theknotguy - 2017-11-25 00:35:18

Check my comments to the guy with questions about the EMI interference shield.  Post four years and I can do everything I did before the pacemaker and a lot more because I have a good heartbeat now.  So life does get better.  

I can't get my heart rate above 120 because of afib and medications, but I do walk.  I figure if the dogs get tired before I do I'm doing OK.  I also volunteer at a hospital taking people out when they are discharged.  I figure as long as I'm pushing them out I'm doing OK.  

Hope everything else goes well for you.  

New Pacemaker

by Champak - 2017-11-25 01:41:03

Thank you all for your posts! I'm so glad that my niece sent me this link. I'm truly encouraged after reading your comments and by going through the site!

3 years

by rolson - 2017-11-29 10:05:05

I'v had mine for 3 years now,  we travel in our RV, spend time at Disney world,  snow birds in Missouri and Arizona.  Make sure you get doctor permission and then do whatever you want.  I was a basket case 3 years ago but every year gets easier and now I'm back to my "normal". If you have any concerns or feel weird,  talk to your doctor or your PA. That's what they are paid the bug bucks for.