I'm a pacemaker virgin! feeling a bit low!

Hello from UK!

Well I am the proud (?) owner of 'Gerry' the Pacemaker from 24th July 08. Feeling somewhat low generally as four weeks ago I didn't even know how ill I was!

I was just getting a bit breathless going upstairs and feeling a bit tired.... I just thought that was me being a busy 43 year old mum of two!

So imagine my horror when a routine test showed a pulse rate of 35!!!! I was admitted into Poole General Hospital for my pacemaker procedure!

That was a disaster!! as the surgeon could not get the leads to go in my vein on my left side!! so the procedure was postponed till the following week where 'Gerry' was sucessfully implanted on my left side!!!

So here I am with two incision scars over my chest and a lovely lump which is very bruised and a low self esteem to boot!

Sleeping is a problem as lying on my back seems to be the only option at the moment!!

So can you tell me please.... when will things get better!!!

I am trying to be positive but the whole thing has been a complete shock to me and I would love to hear from other pacemaker owners!

Thanks for taking the time in listening to me waffling on!

Take care,

Louise xx

5 Comments

In shock

by rayan - 2008-08-04 10:08:47

Hi, Louise:
I went through the same thing, working one day, next in the hospital for a week. I get that low feeling also, didn't want to anywhere. Before surgery was so happy, now I am soo low. I had my PC/ICD, surgery on June 10th.
I too am hoping this feeling goes away. My heart rate was 154, so mine was the opposite of yours. But they placed mine right up near my collar bone, and I know it's there 24/7. I also need another surgery on Aug.28th. Because they didn't connect one important lead , as my hearrt works only 15%. New surgery will include a lead to the bottom of my heart muscle, because one side works & and the other side doesn't. What I am trying to say, they don't work togeather, I am always so tired. Good luck to you, I know exactly how you feel.
Take care:

Hang in There

by Bionic Man - 2008-08-05 06:08:39

Hi Louise,
I also had a low heart rate and felt lousy prior to my implant. I got my pacer on 6/25. I had the surgery twice in the same day because a wire was defective and needed to be replaced. It's been six weeks since my surgery and things are getting better. I was also sleeping on my back for comfort but not anymore. I'm 45 and when I had my implant I was told I'd be back to my normal routine in a couple of days. They were wrong. Everyone is different but it is a big adjustment. I am feeling much better now. I guess I did need it.
Be Strong and you'll get through it. This website is a big help.
Good Luck

P.S.

by jcheezer - 2008-08-10 04:08:52

My husband named my pacemaker. Her name is Penny. Penny the pacemaker lol

I hear you

by jcheezer - 2008-08-10 04:08:53

Hi, I also received a pacemaker not too long ago, July3rd, then a lead replacement on the31st. Im still recovering but I do think the tiredness goes away. Just before going in again on the 31st I was starting to feel pretty good, not my old self(whatever that was it has been so long!) but feeling better. Im now 9days post op and things are looking up. Having a device like the pm inserted definetly takes some getting used too. Im sleeping more comfortably now and my heart has started to settle down as well. I found that there were a few days that my rate was down to 45 when it should not go below 60. Im going for a check up on the 13th and hopefully they can adjust things. Just hang in there, all we can do is pray that our technicians know what they are doing and allow time for our bodies to heal. Take Care, Jean

loopy lou

by jessie - 2008-08-18 12:08:52

took me awhile but finally reading some posts. i went thru the same actually. i did not know how ill i was. i felt like a walking dead man which i literally was. pulse of 28 the day i was implanted here temporarily. the dr. had a hard time getting my lead in as well. in my body it goes across then down. finally he figured it out not a moment too soon. so yes it is a bloody shock. i have had mine for 2 years this wed. can hardly believe it. i feel good but must take care of myself and only be around people who have my best interests at heart. thank god that my husband does. i am very fortunate for that. so yes i was in 3rd degree heart block. just went for my check recently. take care write if you get time. fondly from across the atlantic. i live in canada across from michigan literally. the ferry is 5 minutes. good shopping . lol jess

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