Still getting used to the idea...

Hi - this is my first post. I had a Medtronic "adapta" dual chamber pacemaker fitted five days ago. I'd had shortness of breath and had been a bit lightheaded in the previous weeks but just put it down to working too hard.

I blacked out while driving with no warning. Somehow I managed to cross six lanes of traffic without hitting anyone else. The car smashed into a concrete barrier and was completely destroyed. I had to be cut out but thanks to lots of air bags got away with just some bruising and whiplash.

They decided to do an EPS after a few days in hospital and discovered sick sinus syndrome and a bundle branch block.

Got the pacemaker two days later. Still a bit sore and very tired. I'm trying to work but only managing a few hous a day.

Interested to know how long before people tend to feel ok again? Suspect mine is a bit the accident still but I get tired very easily.

Nice to know this website exists.

6 Comments

Wow!

by sputnick - 2009-05-13 04:05:50

You must have someone watching over you up there! Hopefully tou will be feeling better soon, and this time without the tiredness and dizziness. I had my pm fitted nearly 4 months ago and I have more energy now than I have had for years. It takes a while to getused to it all both physically and mentally but it can make a big difference to your quality of life.
Get well soon, best wishes, Jan

Good grief!

by bambi - 2009-05-13 10:05:01

Your horrible experience is exactly why some of us need our pacemakers/ICD"s! I've seen some postings where members have said they are only paced 1% of the time, and question whether their devices are necessary. Your story shows us what can happen if they weren't paced that 1% on the road! I'm so glad you survived and I wish you a speedy recovery!
Bambi

It takes what it takes.

by bowlrbob - 2009-05-13 11:05:02

My pacer was done on an emergency basis also. I think it was hardest mentally. Once over the shock though I believe recovery depends on how long you were really sick before. I though my problem was all of a sudden but then thinking back I know now my problems had been going on for over a year. So I went to work 30 days after my implant. But I stayed tired to some degree for almost a year. My body had to catch up. After that however all is well now I feel as good as I ever did. Hang in there. Bowlrbob

Yikes

by ElectricFrank - 2009-05-13 12:05:09

You had a close call. I agree that much of what you are feeling at this point is from the accident. Recovery from the pacemaker implant can be fairly rapid, but varies a lot. It also will need adjusting soon to match your hearts requirements.

As much as you can give yourself some time to recover and take the tiredness as your bodies message that it needs some rest. It will pay off in the long run.

good luck,

frank

Thanks for your messages

by MarkW - 2009-05-14 01:05:45

Many thanks for your posts.

Its a strange new world, but I'm hoping to come out the other side better than ever.

Regards

Mark

Hey!!

by Hot Heart - 2009-05-14 05:05:02

Hi Mark welcome to the club! I was another emergency case who had absolutely no idea there was anything wrong. I was a hiker, loved dancing, going to the gym, getting all dolled up and going out having a good time, and..........................................
wham bam, having lipo on leg, total heart block, ambulance, lights flashing, the works, emergency pm, and then home.

Was totally gob smacked, scared, depressed, shocked, but when I thought back there had been symptoms for many years, but I didnt even recognise them.

Totally fine now, back to my old ways, off out tonight for a knees up. I felt awful for the first few weeks, tired and breathless, but what you said about coming out the other side better than ever is right, having seen your life flash in front of your eyes makes you re-evaluate the important things, and now I believe I've` got my work balance about right and look after myself a bit more, so hopefully, God willing, will be an even fitter oap (lol), better looking (lol), and live longer!!!

You must have a real guardian angel hovering over you!

HH

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