Depression? & Coping & Support

Just thought of what I went through 6 yrs ago and after reading all of the posts from the last month or so, I found that some of us have (or had) experienced anxiety, stress, and/or depression. So I found something I posted a very long time ago and thought I'd share it again....along with the replies from other members. Hope it helps someone out there:)

Heart Disease & Depression
Posted by Pookie on 2009-04-16 23:12

If only my doctors at the beginng of my pacemaker journey would have taken the FEW minutes it would have taken to explain that SOME pacemaker and defib patients MIGHT experience stress, anxiety and depression, I would have felt a lot better during my first 2 years.

I went through the hardest time of my life ever and when looking back, it was pure hell. It was to the point that every night I prayed I wouldn't wake up the next morning. Every morning when I did wake up, then I was angry because I knew I had the entire day in front of me being in pain, scared, stressed to the max (even had panic attacks). It was just awful.

Please keep in mind though, that I had died twice (after pm implant) due to my heart bleeding into my heart sac, which eventually go so full, my heart stopped beating not once, but twice, so that ended up being an unexpected emergency surgery, all totalled I've had 5 surgeries for this one pacemaker and spent 10 days in the Cardiac Critical Care Unit.

Also, people with chronic pain....well, it's been documented, that depression goes hand in hand with pain. Pain to me can be either physical pain or mental pain. Pain is Pain.

What we have all gone thru being heart patients is a tremendous hurdle for many. So I guess my point is to just be aware and if you're feeling anxious, stressed or depressed, please let your doctor(s) know as there really is good help out there...plus this site is very informative and encouraging and supportive. The members on this site were always there for me and without them, quite honestly, I don't know where I'd be today. I thank my lucky stars every day that I stumbled across this awesome sight. The members here are SO understanding and helpful.

I found this article that might help:

Sept. 29, 2008 -- Heart disease and depression are so common that all heart patients should be routinely screened for depression and referred for professional help if necessary, according to new recommendations issued by the American Heart Association.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20080929/check-all-heart-patients-for-depression

Even if this helps only one person, I'll feel like I've accomplished something.

We are all human beings trying to get thru life the best we can, but sometimes, we must reach out for support.

thanks
Pookie


4 comments

anything to do with the heart
Comment posted by jessie on 2009-04-17 11:12.
is a life changing event in anyone's life. depression surely can follow. some are not able to come to terms with this.they then should go for help. also chronic pain is a very depressing event as well. i did have a bout with it but surgery thank god relieved it. i do remember for one summer having to take pain killers and i hated it so i can only imagine someone being like that for years.i am now okay thnak god. jessie

I agree Pookie ......
Comment posted by Magster on 2009-04-17 12:13.
Many of our doctors just don't get the emotional issues connected to receiving a pacemaker/defib.

I had asked my doctor about support groups that meet in my area and my doctor's comment? What would you need that for with a pacemaker implant? I looked at him as he left me speechless......so I thought oh drop it, there won't be any cooperation here.

They assume that once they put this little computer in our chests we will hop off table and do a jig and go home feeling terrific. Well as many have said on this site...not true for a lot of us.

They don't understand that for some patients, the emotional issues are bigger. I think part of the problem though is many people won't admit how much they suffered with depression after an implant.

I admire you Pookie for being so open with your emotions and I know it will help others.

The support I got from the great people here when I was dealing with the anxiety and the depression after my implant, helped me realize that the feelings I was having were normal and not to be looked at as crazy. I thank you all for that and am so grateful for the day I did a google search and found this site!!

The emotional issues that people suffer after receiving a pace maker are very real and for many very big and so glad it is finally coming out in the open.

Only then can we all help heal each other make it through our recovery and come to realize these feelings we're having are normal and eventually with time and the support of others on this site we will begin to feel better emotionally.

Sue (Magster)



friends near and far
Comment posted by searchingwoman on 2009-04-17 16:58.
Pookie,

Thank you so much for this posting. Many times I feel so anxious. I can only imagine what you went through.

This site for me has been a Godsend. I really value my new friends that are near and far away.

You guys are always in my heart!

Hugs,
Donna

Wow Pookie,how are you today?
Comment posted by denise713 on 2009-07-08 10:48.
I was searching for your story because I wanted to say how sorry I was that you fely scared about the CT scan. I am still at a loss as to what is right & what is wrong..

But more to the point, you are so right about the emotional/anxiety part of all this. My first cardiologist dismissed my anxiety and depresssed state and I felt as if I were just one weak "blubbering mess" but I had every right to cry and feel low, the day this happened, everything changed, my life as I knew it was diferent. I had to learn to adapt to not being that human humming bird that most likely took me to heart disease to a slower paced lifestyle.

I'm still depressed and anxious at times but I have slowed down, I'm trying hard to smell the roses & enjoy a good rainy day so I can have a good reason to lay down more often. I still find it hard to take it slow.. I have to remind myself that i'm not able to go that fast or my body lets me know!!

I don't think our docs are trained in compassion 101. There are some where it comes naturally but others have tough time at it. My female doc is the total opposite of my old male team. Not to say men can't be compassionate but this lady is much better suited for my needs..

Great topic & I'm glad you keep waking up..

Respectfully, Denise



6 Comments

dpression/coping

by kaym - 2011-03-02 01:03:58

My PM was my 7th procedure or surgery. I was always calm and ready to move forward. With the PM I was terrified probably since I was not convinced it was necessary. Upon arrinving at the hosptial I told 4 nurses that I needed something for anxiety. Fell on deaf ears. At my checkup I asked the EP where one could find info on what to expect and he looked at me like he had seen a ghost! Thank goodness for this site. You have all helped me understand this new trip through one of life's events. Thank you one and all!
Kaym

A great help

by johnl - 2011-03-02 03:03:11

Thank you Pookie for your post and info.I still suffer from bouts of depression ( nearly a year since my pm friend was fitted )and your post has helped me understand things a bit more, I,m glad we are not alone and I,m so pleased to be able to use this site. Love to all.

heart problems and depression

by SMH - 2011-03-02 08:03:39

thanks so much for posting your thoughts. i thought it was just me. i had to have the pacemaker because my heart rate was so low that my heart kept stopping. after the surgery and i came home, i literally thought i would lose my mind. i had never had an anxiety attack before did not even know what it was but i now know that was what was happening. no one ever suggested help for me except a prescription for ativan which i never took. it has been almost two years and i still have problems coping. i discovered this site on my own. it sure would have helped to have someone to talk to right after the surgery. SMH

WOW!

by donr - 2011-03-02 09:03:36

Pookie: I never knew depression was a side effect of PM implanting. Have you all ever opened my eyes.

For a short while - several hours, I was reduced to a state of quivering protoplasm immediately after being told I needed one. But - my Cardio's head nurse was the one who sprung it on me, 'cause she had spent several hours reviewing & poring over telemetry recordings in the hosp basement. Of course, she had HIS blessing. Now SHE was compassion & understanding personified! BY the time HE came to see me that evening, Wife & I had had a chance to talk it over & decided that it was not the end of life as we knew it & were ready to carry on. Other than the anxiety of going through the surgery, all was well. I came out of the hosp a new man, ready to take on the world, starting w/ Arnold Schwartzenegger. THAT good! Boy, was I spoiled & blessed.

Since then, I've had my ups & downs, but depression has not been one of my issues. I claim no superiority, just plain, dumb luck! AND a stupendous support group including my cardio, his head nurse & especially my GOOD WIFE.

I know about depression associated with sufferers of cancer and major heart surgery. I have several friends who have been there with those diseases. I skirted the depression when I went through prostate cancer treatment about 7 yrs ago. Fortunately, I read the notes of a psychiatrist who talked about what he called the "...5 D's of PC..." The only two I can recall are Depression & Death. The other three were inconsequential, I guess. Seems they also apply to heart procedures.

Reading all the stories here has given me a new perspective on what can happen to PM hosts. I never realized it was prevalent till now, & all of the sufferers here have my understanding & compassion.

Compassion does not mean just soft, warm, cuddly kind words. On several occasions, I've been grabbed by the shirt front by the Head Nurse & all but literally slapped back onto the straight & narrow. Good Wife sat by & helped her.

Man, was I ever living in a Pollyanna world w/my recovery & coping w/ realities of follow-on complications. I think a lot of it has to do w/ the character of the medical team I have found - totally by accident - here in the far-out burbs of Atlanta. Starting w/ my cardio, who is extremely approachable, patient & understanding; continuing on to his RN's, who are a mirror image of him & on to the rest of his LPN's & technicians, who are likewise created in his image. In the 8 1/2 yrs I've been with him, I've never gotten the answer to a question asked of his staff "...I can't tell you - you have to ask the Dr." He has good people, keeps them & looks after their professional development. Access to professional help is but a phone call away & even messages left on Voice Mail to "Please call me" are answered. What that does for morale is indescribable.

I have been amazed by the lack of support others here get. I only wish you could move here in north GA to share my team.

Don

wow! i said that!

by jessie - 2011-03-02 12:03:53

just kidding...i remember well that summer....and the depression and anxiety and how i felt. i am also finding out most recently that rheumatic fever in childhood could have been the reason for my arthritis and the early onset of it. life is quite strange at times and i guess we find things out eventually but it would have been nice to know this. thanks karen for reminding me of my post and just how far i have come without realizing. jessie

A very important reminder!

by johng - 2011-03-03 01:03:00

Another THANK YOU pookie.
I had almost forgotten the rough time I had after the PM installation.
It is almost four years ago now, and my lifestyle today is really great. The physical effects of the operation were minor (not at the time). The anxiety/depression were much worse, and harder to overcome.
BUT.......the good news is it does get better.
At 72 yrs, and heading for a road trip from Daytona Bike week, I love the little electric box of tricks.
I know it's still in there somewhere, my Doc. says it's good for another 4 years.

Enjoy every day,
Johng

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