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I am 2 weeks into my pacemaker use. I have felt like I am not me.
Does anyone else have that reaction?

How long does it take to feel normal again?

Thanks for any input it will be helpful
Iris

10 Comments

me

by cropduster - 2013-06-03 03:06:09

Hi, physically, it took about 6 weeks to feel ok, they had to tweak the settings & raise my low rate to stop me from feeling tired / sick. Now I feel great & do everything I did before, running, cross country walks, drumming, work full time etc.

Emotionally, I felt relieved after getting the PM. My heart was pausing for 5 seconds at a time & I felt lousy & it was getting worse each week.

I was on the verge of working reduced hours, I was not allowed to drive as it was too dangerous for me & those around me, so had reduced contact with friends & relatives. Life was becoming miserable really.

I look on the PM as that which not only saved my life, but which gave me my life back, without it I would have no life. I cannot think of any negativity in that.

in time

by Hope - 2013-06-03 05:06:29

Hi! Iris, You are still you, but you have experienced an event that affects you physically, emotionally and psychologically. Be patient with yourself, and also, don't let others define who you are now. Follow the instructions of your medical care, call if you have concerns and surround yourself with family/friends who give you positive support as you recover. Try to be happy the help you need is available and you are receiving it. I hope you will keep us posted. Donr once told me we are like tepee poles holding each other up. That is so true. I hope you reach out. Hopeful Heart

copeing

by 28sedan - 2013-06-03 09:06:14

I allso felt not me. Coming here and reading lots. Talk to friends. One friend in particular said you have had a HR of 40 and lower for along time now your running at a minimum of 60 all the time. Your whole system is getting use to this.So time and patience lots of rest when needed warm showers for calming if needed.I would take long walks at a good pace to deal with anxiety and confusion. Time is the answer some are faster than others. You didnt say what the reason for the PM. So keep coming back take care

It takes awhile

by Jax - 2013-06-03 10:06:23

It'll get better. Physically and emotionally. It's all part of the journey. We are here for you. We all we through something -- you can lean on us.

Hang In There

by Many Blessings - 2013-06-03 10:06:56

Hi Iris,

It probably depends on what exactly you had done when getting your PM and why you got the PM for in the first place, but you should be feeling lots better any time now. Hang in there! Pretty soon, you'll feel better and better every day, I promise! Your body and emotions are going crazy right now, trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

It takes a while to get back to feeling good again, both mentally and physically. This is normal, so don't let it worry you. Try to stay positive and keep the faith that this too shall pass. I know it sucks right now, but you will get back to feeling normal real soon.

If you're not feeling well physically (weak, shaky, out of breath, heavy feeling legs, etc.) do call your doctor and let him/her know. You may need your settings checked and changed. This is normal, and may take a while to get them set right for you. Again, this is a normal part of the process.

You're going to get through this, so just hang in there!

Good luck!





newheart

by Iris Pennock - 2013-06-04 02:06:11

Thank you all for your support. It is good to know I am not
alone.

I have a history of heart problems. A 4 way bypass 10
years ago. But I had a strange event with blurry vision,
nausea couldn't focus, I had an apt that day but cancelled
because I didn't feel safe to drive. Had the nurse check
my blood pressure, she called the medics and they took
me to the er. Dr said I needed a pace maker. I had the
surgery next day.

Sometimes I think I could have used diet to deal with
this instead of the bypass but as the Dr said, it will never
happen again. I am looking forward to more energy and
your kind words have given me patience that it will come.
Thanks
Iris

Time

by ohiolaura - 2013-06-04 07:06:36

Yes, I have to agree totally with what everyone has said here,all sound advice.
It took me time,for me it ended up being more emotional than physical,alot to absorb.
The physical wasn't all that bad,being restricted,due to healing issues,no lifting,raising arm,kept me so limited,that was tough.
I was tired too,and I did get settings changed,tweeked,10 days after surgery,which helped me a lot,made things better.
You'll get there,we all have,keep reading and asking.
Laura

Its a shock to the core

by cb - 2013-06-05 04:06:06

And it takes time to accept what happened, let alone recover from being CUT...which is not the usual event for any of us. I swear: someone told me "it could have been worse" (having a PM at age 50 with NO history/warning) how could they not get that it was a BIG DEAL to ME? Nurse yourself. take it easy and do not expect to be "back to normal" at a certain time...it gradually works on you. We are here too...I am 3 mos post PM and only just getting to the point of not being hyper aware of this new thing in my body. Bless you! cb

Takes time

by Tony G - 2013-06-06 02:06:31

Hi, I had my pm put in March. This past May I have begun to feel much better. I can exercise more and don't worry about falling asleep at red lights. Good luck

Most helpful

by allansanmar - 2013-06-15 04:06:30

Iris, I am just a few days behind you in receiving my pacemaker. I have been feeling good until the past couple of days, when I suddenly have become worried and depressed. My wife offers little support, emotionally. But your post here, and the kind and encouraging responses of the members has been so very helpful to me. It is good to read the positive comments of those who have experienced what we are experiencing. I would not have guessed that having a pacemaker would be a psychological or emotional issue for me! Thanks to all for sharing your insights.

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