New to this

Hi everyone, I was told on Monday that my cardiologist wanted to put in a pacemaker because of severe bradycardia. I opted for a second opinion which I go for on Wednesday the 24th of June to Magee Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. I am scared to death. I am so afraid of what life will be like. I have just recently lost 140 lbs and I exercise daily. Actually twice a day. I do a good Cardio workout in the morning and then do weight training at night. I live for this. I don't want to stop doing that. I am afraid of how the pacemaker will feel. I am 46 and very scared. Can someone help me feel better?

8 Comments

DONT WORRY

by pete - 2009-06-19 01:06:09

Bradycardia is an easy problem to fix with a pacemaker and is the most common reason for fitting one. You usually get a long lasting single lead pacemaker. They are the smallest type to. Wish I was that lucky and only had bradycardia. Lucky you !! Cheers peter

hello!

by Hot Heart - 2009-06-19 03:06:32

hey steph you dont have to stop doing those things, it will all be fine. Enjoy!! HH

PM for bradycardia

by ela-girl - 2009-06-19 06:06:59

Just a side note on Peter's message...Actually, there is a debate among EP's whether bradycardia is better served with a single or dual lead pacemaker. Especially if SSS is the main culprit. But that's a story for another day... I have a dual chamber pm and have had it for almost 3 years now...and I have another 128 months (approx. 10 1/2 years) left on the battery. Battery life is determined by a number of factors that can be different for every person.

With that said...I had my pm implanted for severe bradycardia, too. My heart rate was 4 BPM! I also have neurocardiogenic syncope (blacking out). My pm TOTALLY gave me my life back. I understand your apprehension and your seeking out a second opinion. But having severe bradycardia is much worse than having a pm! What is your heart rate? I had my pm implanted via emergency surgery and didn't have much time to think about. I think that is easier than knowing in advance you have to/might have to have one implanted--it gives you too much "freak out" time!

It will take some time for you to heal after the surgery and get back into the swing of things. I really started feeling well again for activity at about 3 months even though I started back walking a few miles every day right away. I started sleeping better after 3 weeks. Now I run, hike, rollerblade, swim, and do whatever my heart desires! You may have to ease back into your exercise routine, but you should be able to exercise even better than ever!

Besides the exercising, what are some of your other fears? You can tell us and ask us anything here...you're in good company!

Keep us posted...
ela-girl



You will be fine...

by gwaterho - 2009-06-19 06:06:59

Hi Stephie!
I'm sure everything will be just fine... I just got my pm a little over a month ago because of a slow resting heart rate and I'm already starting to feel pretty good... I actually have my followup with the doctor next week to hopefully lift some of the physical restictions so I can get back to what I love to do and that's play basketball!
I had some of the same questions, concerns and probably will continue to have questions as I get used to this new thing in my body???
I just found this site yesterday and signed up and have appreciated the concern/support a couple people have shown to me already and I'm sure you will too!
Take care! Glen

Hi....

by Pookie - 2009-06-19 07:06:56

I sent you a rather long private message.(upper right hand corner of the screen). Hope what I sent helps.

You certainly have discovered an awesome support group. The members here are terrific.

Welcome to the club,

Pookie

Don't panic

by Mary Anne - 2009-06-19 10:06:24

I only wish I had my pacemaker years ago. I've been dealing with bradycardia, feling exhausted all the time, and passing out for many years. I'm like a new person. I am alert and awake all day for the first time in about 30 years. It feels fantastic. And not feeling woozy and frightened that I may pass out at any given time is amazing to me. The surgery was not bad at all. The only down side is the area around the PM is painful for me. But that will get better,and everyone is different. You might not have a problem at all. I exercise. I just have to take it easy and avoid certail exercises till everything heals. You're going to be able to get back to normal...but normal will be much better.
I just went to a wedding and chose to wear a little shrug over my little black dress because the scar is still quite noticable, but who cares. I had a great time. Good luck. And if the second opinion is that you need a pacemaker, don't panic. You'll get through it with a little love and support from friends, family , and the club.

I feel good

by ddstamps - 2009-06-19 11:06:09

Congrats on the weight loss- what an accomplishment. I had a pacemaker put in 4 weeks ago today- I didn't have time to think about it which is probably a good thing, I was able to go back to my aerobics class a week after surgery- but I am waiting to go back to weight training and running until my 6 week check-up.

I recently lost 50 pounds and had my concerns about exercise too. I was the healthiest I had been my whole life and then I start to have heart problems- what is up with that! My cardiologist assures me that I will be back to running and weight training soon and will probably feel better than I ever have.

Good luck with your next appointment-

I feel great

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-19 11:06:56

It's totally normal to feel scared! What's life like? I got my first pm 15 yrs ago at age 27 for a congenital av block. I hike, bike, ski, rollerblade, work out with weights, do a lot of volunteer work, run my own business and chase two active kids around. Most people have no idea I'm dependent on a pm. I pace 100% of the time.

Most of us find that having the pm not only doesn't keep us from our workouts, but actually enables us to have better workouts because our hearts can finally go faster, fast enough to keep up with us. You'll need to take it easy for a few weeks while you heal, but you should find you feel better than ever in the end.

With your doctor's permission, you should be able to get back to light cardio within a week or two. I was taking walks from the time I was released from the hospital. We have to keep our left arm lower than shoulder level and be careful not to lift for 6 weeks so you'll need to modify your weight training for a while to give the leads a chance to settle into place. After that, anything goes!

Brady is a catch all term for a slow heart rate. Did they mention what is slowing it down? AV block or SSS or ... ? If you have more questions or want to chat, don't be shy! Many of us here are your age and active and we live full, healthy lives. You will too!

You know you're wired when...

Your ICD has a better memory than you.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.