2 weeks out

I finished week 2 - went back to work for 4 days.  Was a bit sore off and on but so glad to be out of the house.  Today I went outside for a walk.  I pushed myself at work to walk 5000 steps a day and then going outside today was such a treat!  The last time I walked outside I ended up in the ER and got the PM!  So I was a bit trepidatious about it, but was very proud when I did. 

Wound looking pretty good.  I have noticed that when I start my walks, which are not fast, I do feel some effort in my chest; not exactly short of breath, but effort.  I am pretty fit and this entire episode was a complete and utter shock, so, of course, I want to be able to go back to the old usual.  But, that's not going to work after going through this insertion.  I have my first cardiologist appointment next week.  Lots and lots of questions.  I'm wondering if I need my resting bpm lowered to 55 from 60?  They already upped the top end to 145 from 130 and I've gotten it up to almost 110 just walking around the office.

Otherwise, feeling good 2 weeks out.  Sleep is still interrupted, but I think a lot of that is stress, along with the tight neck and shoulders.

Reall appreciate this forum; it's great to have others to talk to about all the newness.

 

 

 

2 Comments

Excellent news!

by LondonAndy - 2018-12-08 18:55:17

Glad to hear of your progress.  If you are concerned about how the wound will look, once it has properly sealed (ie 6 weeks or so) you might want to consider applying a cream to it.  I rubbed Bio Oil once a day for most days for the best part of a year, and the scar is almost completely invisible - even my pacemaker tech had to look really close to find it at my last checkup! Other posters here suggest other creams.

As for rate settings, I think i would say don't rush into changes.  It does take a while to get used to your heart working properly again.  I used to think a lower minimum (mine is 60 too) would help me sleep more readily, but I got used to it and no adjustment was needed.  Others will be able to say more issues to consider, I am sure.

Very Nice

by MAPacer - 2018-12-09 22:54:23

Keep it up!  I'm almost 3 mo out and just jogged 3 miles on the treadmill.  Talk about trepedation I passed out twice while on the treadmill, so it was a big mental hurdle.  I guess you have to trust the device.

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

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The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.