Tiredness on Day 6

I'm the caregiver for my 85-year-old husband (I'm 78). Six days ago he had a PM inserted for sick sinus syndrome. The second day he had a low-grade fever for a few hours, the third a little discomfort in the area of the PM. His surgeon's NP told me what to watch for if pain increased, which thankfully it did not. His eating is still not optimal for me but he says he gets full. His blood pressure is good, and his heart rate is usually around 65 bpm. His attitude is good. He is moving about slowly but gets up from his chair frequently. It seems today he says he is "tired" after brushing his teeth, shaving or going to the table to eat. I am a worrier (probaby watch him too closely), and I do not want to keep calling the NP every day. Could any of you kind people tell me what your experience has been as far as recovery and gaining strength back? Maybe none of you are 85 years of age. I am amazed at the expertise of so many of you on this website, and I have learned so much from following your responses. I wish I could see a step-by-step diary of one who has gone through this procedure. That would help to alleviate my fears. Thanks!!

5 Comments

Recovery

by TJ319 - 2014-01-09 03:01:35

I am 7 weeks post implant. The first week to ten days I was pretty tired and napped most afternoons. I'm just shy of 66 and have always been into fitness. By week three I was able to walk 3 miles and by week 5 was running 2 miles a few days each week. Even with that, I still feel tired in the afternoon and have given myself permission to doze off for 30 -45 minutes when I am really tired.

My doctor said to expect some fatigue for quite a while after the implant. When pressed he said I would not be back to my old levels of fitness for 12 to 16 weeks.

Blessings!

Just past 90 days

by Theknotguy - 2014-01-09 04:01:20

Just past 90 days - actually on 91. It took me 70 days before I started feeling better. Doctor and I are discounting anything before 60 days because the body was still reeling from the shock. But I also had major trauma before the implant.

Have him keep drinking water, mild exercise, keep moving. Take naps if he feels he needs them.

Hang in there. It gets better.

Theknotguy

Thanks so much!

by BillRussell - 2014-01-09 04:01:30

The first two comments have calmed my nerves tremendously. I appreciate knowing that other people are having the same symptoms. So glad that someone had the wisdom to start this forum that is being of tremendous help to a lot of people.

Looking forward to a happier afternoon.
Anna R.

Anna, I sent you...

by donr - 2014-01-10 02:01:34

...a private message. Do you know how to retrieve it?

I forgot to put in that msg that it would help Bill wonderfully if you could get him assigned to a Cardiac Rehab physical therapy. It is also designed for PM hosts. He's far enough post-op that it could be started tomorrow! The sooner , the better.

That would do two things - get him active & have someone else absorb some of the burden from you.

Many of us have had it post PM implant. Never even mentioned by the Cardio community - must be asked for. Medicare covers it. Did it myself last January following another procedure that laid me up for a while & allowed my physical condition to slide badly.

Don

Don

Calling the NP

by Bostonstrong - 2014-01-10 06:01:02

He or she doesn't care if you call every day. Really. I want to know what's going on with my patients.

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for being a couch potato.

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