Got my pacemaker yesterday.

Just as the title says. Got my pacemaker put in. Pretty sore right now. Have to keep my arm at my side for the next couple of days. My kids are pretty uneasy about it, and are kinda nervous about it. I'm not happy about it, But, it is what it is. Gotta keep positive about it....right now ...more for them than for me. Yes, I'm nervous about working out right now. I jog/bike 4 to 5 times a week. Actually I'm pretty bummed about it. Have to go through the motions right now...again...more for my kids than anything else. Planning to walk starting Friday because the instruction was to keep incision dry for the 1st couple of days, and it's pretty hot here in south Texas. Pretty bummed, but gotta drive on. Guess we will see how it reacts

9 Comments

Keep positive thoughts

by Jonny - 2013-09-05 01:09:02

Had my PM fitted 4 weeks ago. I'd been diagnosed with heart block some years before, but only recently had any bad symptoms i.e. couple of very bad dizzy spells a couple of months prior to collapsing a gym. I was pleased to get mine as I was scared stiff that I might black out while driving my car and kill someone. When I told my son, the day before being fitted, he said great. He's a trekking guide and has a number of older clients who have PMs. He told me how fit most of them were and that they could do some really high grade trekking. Made me feel great, and I'm happy with my new bionic friend.

Normal Feelings....for both of you

by Grateful Heart - 2013-09-05 01:09:39

It takes some time to adjust to all of this. It is a shock to learn you need a PM or ICD.

You will become more comfortable with it. None of us planned on this or wanted it, but we are lucky. We have a device that can help us survive and thrive! Others are not so lucky, they don't have a fix for their conditions or diseases, whatever it may be. I count my Blessings.

Learn all you can about your device and how it works, then explain it to your kids on their level (don't know their ages). Do it for them AND you. They will be more comfortable when they see you are. A positive attitude is important for recovery. Take it a step at a time, the rest will come.

Glad you both found us. I didn't know about this site until 2 years after I had my implant.

Welcome to the club! It gets better, trust us.

Grateful Heart

I know exactly..

by Duke999 - 2013-09-05 03:09:21

I know exactly how you feel: Bitter, angry, "Why me?", frustrated, hopeless, depressed, scared, give up. It's an emotional roller coaster. At times, you will feel you got it under control, at times, you won't. Up and down. One minute, you're happy and one minute, you're sad. It's a mental game my friend.
I had mine put in 6 months ago, and NO, I'm not over it yet. At times, I still feel bitter and angry about this whole process. At times, I tried to stay positive, and then when my heart start to act radical on me in the middle of night or evening while I'm out with friends or family, then I'm right back in the depressing mode. You, my friend, are not alone. You will go through what I just described. It's not easy. But, we got no choice. Either you let it beat you, or you beat it. No choice.
I wish you well on this new journey. Sorry for being up front about this ordeal. Like you said, it is what it is.

Duke

bike

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-05 05:09:06

Don't jump right back on a road bike. The bumps from the road will make you sore, and if you took a fall you could dislodge a lead. I only used a recumbent bike until the healing period was up (6 weeks)

To: Rubrdz - Got My Pacemaker Yesterday

by iheartemh - 2013-09-05 05:09:52

Keep up a good attitude as that will go a long way. I was out walking the day after I was released from the hospital. Didn't go as far as before the implant. Decided to add a bit more distance each day. I think you should be safe walking and perhaps even riding a bike if your doctor said it was okay to do so. I would suggest holding off a bit on jogging, again ask your doctor, as I think that might be a bit too much "bouncing" and hard on your new "pocket" pal. Take care. Give yourself time to heal. Don't overdo things.

rubrdz - Thank you all

by rubrdz - 2013-09-05 06:09:21

Thank you guys for being so upfront, and candid. I got my pacemaker b/c of the dizzy spells, shortness of breath, and pulse at a 39. Dr tells my my heart is strong, but needed "electical work" My kids are 12, & 14. Will walk with them this weekend. Will probably walk for just a mile, and start increasing steadily. Will stay positive. Hapyy to hear many fo you guys are active after pacemaker. Take care..God Bless.

activity

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-05 08:09:57

You didn't say why you needed the pm, but if you are otherwise healthy and your only heart problems are electrical, you can start walking and riding a recumbent bike as soon as you feel up to it. Like, today! Go take a little walk :o) Fresh air and exercise can work wonders for getting us back on track mentally.

How old are your kids? The best thing for them is seeing you have a good attitude and get back to normal activity, so good on you for keeping up the motions for your kids' sakes. If they see you worried or down, they will worry. Kids don't think things through like adults, once they see you back to normal they will forget about it and move on.

If your kids would like to email/chat with my kids, let me know, they've done it before. I had my pm before I had kids, my girls were in grade school before they figured out all mommies don't have pacemakers. They are 15 and 16.

Bummed

by jeanlancour - 2013-09-05 12:09:50

Take a good look at those kids, your little chest buddy is going to be keeping an eye on your electrial system-making sure you have a nice steady beat. So you can enjoy them for many more years, so you can jog/bike 4 to 5 times a week for many more years. It is what it is and it is wonderful--say thank you little buddy and drive on. Yes you do have to heal, yes there is some discomfort, yes your settings do have to be tweaked. But for the most part with a good attitude in 6months you will pretty much forget its there. So relax, don't let the kids hit you in the PM, and live every minute.

got mine a one week ago

by rebelsoul - 2013-09-05 12:09:58

I can relate.. not happy about mine either! BUT it's been a week and I'm starting to feel a little better about it. The bandages are off and I'm starting to feel a little better about it. It's not too horrible. I can't wait till I can sleep on my stomach or side. I put a cold pack on the incision site when I felt discomfort and also put the cold pack under my back to help back pain from unable to turn while sleeping, if you have that problem. I'm sure it will get better.

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