My new Pacemaker

I had a pacemaker fitted 5 weeks ago and I have a burning feeling at the site although there is no redness or swelling. I don't feel particularly well and feel down and cry a lot. The next procedure for me is a node burn...does anyone know much about this and do they think it will make me feel better? Is it normlal to feel depressed at this stage?

5 Comments

Sorry

by Moner - 2012-03-06 06:03:43

Hi Joanne,

You've recently been hit with a ton of bricks, I think you're asking a lot of yourself if you expect to snap back to feeling better. It's only been 5 weeks out.

Go easy on yourself at this time.

I wish I knew about "node burn", but I'm sure sombody out there can weigh in on this.

Take care,
Moner

>^..^<

Feeling down:(

by Pookie - 2012-03-06 07:03:03

Yes, unfortunately, for some of us it happens. And of course the doctors would never tell you this prior to the operation!!! I read an article once that any time any procedure is done to the heart, there is a certain % of people who will experience anxiety. Makes perfect sense to me.

I can't explain it, but I do understand what you are going thru. I felt the exact same way for a very long time. Perhaps it's my genetic makeup? I'm a very emotional person. Regardless, the good news is: it will pass. Try and look to better days ahead and set little goals for yourself. Treat yourself daily to something that you enjoy even if its just taking 5 mins and sitting with your face up to the sun. Whatever makes you happy, do it. It should help. Try also to keep a normal routine like you had prior to the pacemaker. Actually, just try and ignore the darn thing.

Sometimes the burning you are feeling is nerve endings which are trying to heal...that was what I was told and again it makes sense to me. IF your scar is totally healed then ask a pharmacist if they could recommend any type of numbing ointment/rub that you could put on it. How about a bag of ice (wrapped in a tea towel) for 10 mins every hour or so? that might help.

I've had my pacemaker since November of 2004 and to this day every so often I feel a weird sensation around my pacemaker and sometimes it will sorta burn for a few seconds or so. I'm convinced it's nerve endings because I had a breast reduction in 2000 and had similar feelings.

However, you should always bring up any concern you have when you see your family doctor and/or your cardiologist and/or your EP or whatever medical professional you see. As long as it isn't bright red with streaks or oozing or really swollen, then its not infected. But for peace of mind, perhaps you should have your family doctor take a look at it.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Pookie

Forgot the 2nd part of your question..

by Pookie - 2012-03-06 07:03:42

node burn aka ablation. I haven't had one but if you just google SA node ablation or AV node ablation I'm sure you'll get lots of information. better yet....use our Search feature = upper right hand corner.

Pookie

Hi.

by clockman1 - 2012-03-06 07:03:47

Hi Joanne,cant help you with the medical side apart from I had some swelling and soreness which soon passed away. I also felt unwell for a few days and also felt down and a little spaced out for a few days, which also passed. I do think that the actual procedure is made a bit light off by the medical profession in some ways.Yes its not major heart surgery , but it is a bit traumatic especially if you haven't ever been in hospital before which I hadn't. The nurses and Doctors were great with treatment and first class with care but could have scored a little higher on passing on information so you know better what to expect post op. You cant think of every question yourself especially if you haven't been involved in anything like this before. However, things get better and heal pretty fast,so you will be OK soon, just stick with it,it'll come right.
God Bless
Roy

Roller coaster feelings

by bionicdee - 2012-03-06 09:03:04

Joann
There are a lot of really great people here at this site. They have helped me feel normal since my recent sorority/fraternity induction to the pace maker club. I agree that the doctors and nurses cannot tell you about what to expect, they just refer you to another clinician, or for me it was try your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the supposed “go to” spot to make you feel better. No one seemed to have time.
For me, I was “fine” one day and had a pacemaker two days later. In a short time, this site and everyone here has made me feel comfortable that I am not alone. This is most important to me to have other people with similar experiences, than a paid stranger that has no clue about what it’s like to have your life change suddenly. I find that we expect a lot of ourselves. Like Moner and Pookie said in so many words, give yourself a break and treat yourself as well.
With time, you will feel better. I go up and down. Too much, too soon. As far as the burn, I use a lot of ice and ibuprofen at night. Keep asking questions, I am still coping as well.
Good luck!
Bionic Deb

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