New pacemaker

Hi guys

Im now 7 days with my new pacemaker and still very much in pain and discomfort. It's feels like the pacemaker is pressing against something in my chest and is very uncomfortable when walking. Is this normal and will there become a time where I don't feel it and can just get on with my life. Feeling very down at the moment. 


6 Comments

It's only been a week!

by AgentX86 - 2020-07-15 15:32:40

In the very near future you barely remember that you have it. It'll be like your bellybutton. You know that you have one but don't waste time gazing at it.

One week for me too!

by bcubed - 2020-07-16 10:39:05

So glad I fouund this Club.  It has been an adjustment to the pacemaker (restricting physical motions /activity) but I feel a lot of improvement in my condition (Chronotropic Imcompetance - my pacemaker set to 60 resting and 120 high, normal for me had been 40 and couldn't get above 95).   I was just wondering (everyone is different) how long (days or weeks) did it take for you to feel like you were back to normal, body adjusted to the pacemaker conditioning?  For me an 50% increase in resting  heart rate.

Hello Crooksy05 and bcubed

by Gemita - 2020-07-16 14:56:52

you are both newcomers and I hope you will soon feel a lot more comfortable.

It is always worrying at first when we don't know what to expect, especially when everyone keeps telling us implant procedure is a piece of cake and we will be back to normal in no time.  It isn't quite that simple, is it?

It took me at least three months before I began to feel better with pacing and with the discomfort of the procedure itself and with the device in my chest.  I couldn't get comfortable at first and couldn't decide which side to sleep on, but it really does get easier for most of us fairly quickly.  Of course some of us have trauma from the implant procedure (my husband did with extensive bleeding and other complications) but thankfully this is quite rare.

I hope you both recover quickly but if you need reassurance or are concerned about anything, don't be afraid to ask your doctors for advice.  Good luck

hope you're feeling better every day!

by ckn - 2020-07-16 22:37:38

Always ask your doctor about any specific issues, but keep in mind that so many people have pacemakers and they are not walking around in pain all day! They're living life normally. I agree with Gemita that I was told how easy the surgery was and for me it took longer than I expected to feel normal, but I got there. Hang in there, talk to your dr if you're concerned or something feels wrong, and keep in mind that you're still healing. Good luck and I hope that you feel much better soon!

It Takes Time but Gets Better

by ShanaBer - 2020-07-17 02:46:15

Hi ! have had mine for just about 3 weeks now and it definitely does start to feel better as the incision are starts to heal. Having the bandages off felt so good and after having my first check up and getting it adjusted I do feel great. I am looking forward to a few weeks from now when I can get back to doing all the things i love!

Note - I did get a fluffy padded thing for my seatbelt when driving and it really helps to keep the seatbelt from pressing/digging into the pacemaker area. I actually saw it recommended here and ordered one on Amazon.

Hang in there!

Pacemaker

by sugdaro2005 - 2020-07-20 04:57:21

I felt the same way when I got mine in 2009. My problem was one of the leads. Eventually, after about 6 to 8 months, I was ok. I had a great support system of friends and family and this site helped a lot.

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

Member Quotes

But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.