Just got a pacemaker

Hi just found this site and read some of the previous messages. I got my pace maker last Friday and thought I'd feel great but I don't!! I had sinus bradycardia and have my pacemaker set at 60, expected to feel full of energy and my palpitations to be gone but neither has happened!! Feel a bit depressed about the whole thing and kind of wish I hadn't gone through with it since I don't feel any better. I have a strange pain in my throat like a stabbing pain/lump when I bend over or lie on my side getting worried, any ideas? Have had a holter on for 24 hours to check what's going on. Thought I'd be back at work today but just didn't feel well enough. Slept all morning and still felt tired. Anxious by nature and this is not helping!! Any suggestions or input would be appreciated.

4 Comments

time

by Tracey_E - 2010-10-20 09:10:20

First of all, it takes time to heal. Your body has had a trauma so don't be surprised if you're extra tired the next few weeks. It's normal!

Second, if you are pacing sinus (atrial), it's likely you're using rate response to get your rate up with activity. This comes with a number of sensitivity settings and they usually send us home with the factory standards. Once you heal a bit more, they can start tweaking it and get it just right for you. It's perfectly normal to take a few tries to find what works and leaves you feeling best.

Last, the strange pain is probably nothing that won't go away on it's own but should be checked out. Did they do an xray to make sure a lead hasn't moved? If not, ask for that next.

Good luck! Know that being anxious and hyper aware of every little thing is perfectly normal and goes away with time. Welcome to our group. Please don't hesitate if you have more questions or just want to vent. We've all been there.

Thanks for the advice

by SandraM - 2010-10-20 12:10:03

Thanks NonaF, I appreciate your advice. I'll keep you posted. I rent funny movies to keep my spirits up!! Hope the throat thing goes away really soon!! Take care and I hope you continue to get better every day.

I was just like you!

by HER84 - 2010-10-20 12:10:36

It will be 2 weeks tomorrow since I had my pacemaker implanted. I fully understand how you feel. At first I was totally depressed because I didn't feel any improvement. I was regretting my decision to go along with the surgery from the day after surgery. I have a complete heart block and my pulse was around 35 at rest, I was always tired. My base rate is now at 50. From the day after surgery I experienced pains. I was getting chest pain and weird on and off pains when I would lay down or bend over. Some of those pains would be sharp and stabbing and sometimes feel as if they were in my throat, neck, chest, it was really strange. I was so depresed especially with the chest pain because it was so painful but the doctor assured me it would go away. Well after about a week I started feeling better. The pains slowly went away. The way I look at it now is that my heart had something foreign put into it and there's going to be new sensations and eventually my heart will get used to it. Every once in awhile I'll feel a weird sensation but not as bad as the first week. The energy for me was there instantly I could not fall asleep in the hospital, but I'm sure that takes time to develop for some people also. Please don't feel alone, I did. I went through the same thing and it will get better it does just take time.

Give yourself alittle time

by NonaF - 2010-10-20 12:10:51

Well, I'm Ms Experience alright....4 weeks ago this Thurs. LOL But I know what you mean about the feeling in your thoat and neck. That I understand is normal. I went back to work on the following Tues and did fine...alittle tired but after tht first day I was off and running..not literally tho. The PM doc told me to give myself 4-6 weeks ...so I am allowing myself that...then I will try to get back into exercise and walking. I've been having 1 great day then 3 really slow days. BUT the more folks I talk to here, I think are experiencing about the same. I go to the PM doc on the 29th and I think I have a book of questions for him...but try to give yourself some time...maybe set a flexable goal to go by.

Everyday seems to get alittle better for me. So hang in there...take a deep breath and find something to giggle about. Think positive. Keep me posted on your improvements!

NonaF

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