Depressed.
I am a 43 year old female and just had my second pacemaker/defib implanted (first one was 2007) because the first one "migrated" to under my arm. This one was implanted under the muscle. I am about 3 weeks out from the surgery but I am still in substantial pain. Taking tylenol but getting somewhat depressed that I'm not feeling stronger yet. I am supposed to return to work next week and am worried I'm going back too soon. Any thoughts?
3 Comments
Depression after implant
by ted - 2009-05-18 08:05:14
Of course it depends upon what kind of work you do, but in my opinion. working is one of the best cures for depression. The worst thing one can do is to lay around and think. It is too easy to fall into self-pity and to become a cardiac cripple. Although I had disability insurance, I did not file any claims because I didn't want to become dependent on a monthly payment for doing nothing. We have to keep moving and stay active. Good luck.
You know you're wired when...
Your favorite poem is Ode to a Cardiac Node.
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I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.
recovery
by Tracey_E - 2009-05-18 03:05:44
I'm sorry you're not bouncing back as quickly as you wanted to! Where are those stinkin magic wands when we need them!?
Did you keep your original leads, and what type of work do you do? When in doubt, I'd say take a bit more time off if you can. Pushing it when you are still sore will set you back, not get you on your feet faster. When they bury it deeper, it takes longer to feel good again. Mine is really deep- completely behind the breast, so deep I can barely feel the edges if I poke around looking for it. I was sore for a good 6 weeks the first time, and still got twinges up until about 3 months. I have had three replacements now. I bounce back from them faster, but never as quickly as I want to.