Quality of Life

 I was diagnosed with six sinus syndrome and my doctor has recommended that I get a dual chamber pacemaker. I’m only 42 years old so this came as a bit of a shock. But my grandfather and aunt died of this in their sleep, both before the age of 50. So I know it’s something that must be done. My question is, has anyone else with this condition had a pacemaker and then had improved quality of life? The reason I was diagnosed with this was because I was exhausted, short of breath, waking up in the middle of the night with my heart palpitations. I have felt pretty bad for a few months now. After the pacemaker is in, will these symptoms go away? I asked my doctor and he said “I hope so.” I guess I’m looking for some hope. 

4 Comments

hi

by bluevelvetcake - 2018-07-10 19:13:35

I got mine a month ago and I am 43. I had a dual pacemaker put in for a grade 2 block. I didn't know anything about anything when I got it, it was very sudden I needed it. The first week and a half of recovery was much more painful and draining than I had expected so I got sort of depressed. Then suddenly I just better and then great. I had so much energy in the beginning that I couldn't sleep and even now I can't sleep well. I used to just hit the bed and be out. I also got back to jogging which I was just too tired to do for the last few months. With all this new found energy I realized how drained I'd been for the past few months. I hadn't really realized it because I was used to it and thought I was just aging. Now I'm a bit less energetic towards the end of the day because I've been doing so much stuff with my energy. I just have so much more motivation to be busy and active all the time I can't explain it.  Winding down at night has become easier. Also my chest pain I was having is gone completely. I do have a weird pinching sensation but the original pain that brought me in thinking heart attack is gone. My crazy strong palpatations with long pauses then strong fluttering is about gone Night was the worst time I couldn't even sleep now that is gone. I get them once in a while during cool down on exercising or I'm made at my teenager. my shortness of breath is gone. I can now have a conversation without panting. I tell you this was my experience. I hope this is how it goes for you too!!

That’s awesome!

by HoosierMama - 2018-07-10 20:39:19

That is such wonderful News! I’m so happy for you. I would love the same response, as I have a toddler I’m trying to keep up after! Thank you for sharing your story with me. I’ll keep you posted after my implant on Aug 3. 🤞🙏🏼

Life after pacemaker

by Gotrhythm - 2018-07-11 14:13:20

There are no guarantees, but to the extent that your symptoms are being caused by a heartbeat that is too slow, a pacemaker should definitely improve your quality of life. You should feel better than you have felt in a while.

Some people feel better immediately, (I did) some people take longer to heal and for their hearts to adjust.

But most people go on the live absolutely normal lives, feeling well and able to do anything they wish.

One small piece of bad news though. The pacemaker will not make palpitations go away. You will probably still feel them occasionally. But hopefully, you'll feel so much better they won't bother you as much--because now that you have a pacemaker you'll know that your heart isn't going to stop.

Thanks

by HoosierMama - 2018-07-15 12:12:59

Thank you for telling me about the palpitations. For me, it feels like someone is wringing my heart. It does not feel good. So I hope that will diminish some but now I know, they won’t go away completely 

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