Downturn in stamina

• by slowthepace2012
• 2013-07-31 08:07:14
• General Posting
• 1573 views
• 4 comments

I was diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome and received a pacemaker August 20, 2012. I will turn 50 in August and have lead a very active and healthy lifestyle up until my diagnosis. I had no blockage and as my cardiologist stated, "my heart was squeaky clean and my health was enviable", however, due to SSS, a pacemaker was the next step. After a slow recovery, I was able to get back on my treadmill and slowly worked on improving my stamina, actually working my way from a 1/8 mile up to 2 1/2 miles at a reasonable speed (3.5 mph). After 8 months of progressing in a positive manner, I started taking a downturn in my stamina on occasion (I now am back to a 1/4 mile when I have any energy), I refuse to give up. These episodes of decreased stamina have seemed to increase somewhat and there seems to be no real rhyme or reason. When I experience these, most of the time I literally just have to stop and be still, doing nothing. Laying down seems to be the position of choice as most any other position feels like it takes too much energy. I do not suffer from depression. I do occasionally notice that episodes come on when mentally fatigued ( if you will) and occasionally brought on by physical exertion, this is not always the case though. I have been to my cardiologist and rheumatologist, both give me a clean slate. All blood work has been clear. I am currently waiting for a referral to the neurologist as well as the endocrinologist.
I am grateful that (so far) nothing has been detected, however, I am highly concerned over the lack of stamina after 8 months of positive progression and then seemingly overnight, going backwards. I would like to know your thoughts and / or if you might be able to shed any light on this situation.