Check up

Had my 3 months check up 2 weeks ago at the pacemaker clinic, cardiologist and family physician. I have a BS dual leads top chamber at 17% and bottom 0%. Doing ok , been dealing with anxiety and confidence. Doing better since then walking daily 30 minutes, getting out more to friends and family. Starting physical therapy next week for frozen shoulder and arm pain. Cannot drive yet. Went walking at a pumpkin farm  50 minutes was exhausted and not doing well with hilly walking. My Dr. Said 3 days in iICU takes awhile to recover. Went I see dr. My blood pressure goes up I get nervous then it goes down after awhile. Feeling good at home staying active. I hope everyone is having a good day.


3 Comments

I wish there was a cure for anxiety

by LondonAndy - 2023-10-14 11:07:21

I am not a sufferer myself, but a number of friends are and so I see the negative effect it has on them. I am almost the opposite! When I got my pacemaker, I carried on with life as normal and didn't even think if there were things I should avoid doing! But 10 years later I haven't had any isues, and so I hope you will gain confidence as time passes.

Did you wear a sling anfter the pacemaker surgery? I am wondering if that is why you have the frozen shoulder - most clinics don't do that now.

Hugs

by Lavender - 2023-10-14 21:55:42

It sounds like a lot to handle. At three months I can only think you weren't using your arm enough. I was driving a week after getting my pacemaker. 
 

Fear makes agoraphobia. You need to speak with a behavioral therapist. They will have you challenging yourself by doing something you're afraid of little by little so your brain realizes you're not in danger. They might have you go with friends at first, later go with friends but have them wait in a car while you shop, and gradually go alone. 
 

I was fearful too. Anxiety lingered seven months. I forced myself out. I would get anxious at luncheons wanting in and out fast. I'm a homebody anyway. But you need to be independent.  
 

Michael Sealey is on YouTube and has several self help meditations to retrain your brain. 
 

I have white coat syndrome too. Inevitably my pressure is up at any medical provider even though I'm not afraid. I have now started taking my blood pressure at home, taking a photo of the machine and adding them to an iphone album. When I am due to see a provider. I print the pics on one screen and take it along. 
 

May God send you perfect peace and healing. May He remind you that He is ever present and always with you. 

Cardiac Re-hab. Classes

by Penguin - 2023-10-15 07:34:09

Pleased to see that you’re getting out more in spite of the frozen shoulder and anxiety.  It must be a pain being unable to drive!  I hope that the physical therapy (physio?) helps with the frozen shoulder - sounds painful. Sorry you ended up with this.

Re: Exhaustion. A re-hab exercise class for cardiac patients may help you re-establish better fitness. Are there any in your area? They help not only with the stamina side of things but also with getting out and meeting other people who have suffered cardiac issues.  Inevitably participants talk about what they’ve been through and I found that this helped me a lot because I opened up about what frightened me and saw other people managing and coping with similar issues.   It also helps to have nurses / or a nurse around for reassurance when you start exercising again and are feeling a little fragile.  Maybe see if you can find a class. It can really help. 

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I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.