6 weeks post implant ~ doing good!

Hey Everyone,

I can't believe it has been 6 weeks today since I got my PM. My how time flies! I am doing a lot better. I am finally starting to feel like I was before. My biggest issue is trying to get back in shape. I have been walking about 2 miles most days and one day last week I rode my exercise bike for about 20 minutes and on Saturday went for about an hour and half hike at a little park close to my house. That felt really good. I am hoping this week to start lifting some light weights. I need to get off the 8 - 10 pounds I put on while recovering. I occasionally have a little discomfort and weird feelings around the PM site, and sometimes feel a little pulling on my incision but it is much better than it was.

I saw my cardiologist on Friday for an incision check and he told me those sensations are normal and as long as I'm not in pain or major discomfort then not to worry about it as it will continue to get better with time. He said I am doing really well and don't need to see him again for a year unless he sees something when I do my phone transmission, which I don't do until June. I told him sometimes I mentally struggle with the fact I needed a PM and he told me that is normal too. He did say that I really threw him for a loop because when he first saw me after I fainted twice for no reason and had no other symptoms whatsoever and after he reviewed all my tests he did not see anything abnormal and never thought I would be needing a PM. It wasn't until he got the holter results back that he realized I had 2nd degree Mobitz II heart block. He also told me it was good I got the PM when I did because the block has already progressed since they checked it before I left the hospital. As it continues to get worse he assured me I don't have to worry about it because my PM will take care of me!

I told him about this site and how helpful it was. I told him I have learned so much and that I even watched a video on YouTube about the PM implantation surgery! He was glad I am taking it upon myself to get so educated and informed.

I hope you all have a good day and are doing well. Take care!

~Sheila

6 Comments

Great to hear

by KAG - 2014-03-31 01:03:57

So good to hear you're doing so well.

Yes it takes time to heal and for your body to adjust to its new little buddy. Getting back to your normal routine is a huge help. We all heal differently but as time goes on you'll probably think of it less and less.

I'm almost 9 months out and rarely give it a thought unless someone I know brings it up. I also found it very helpful to understand how my buddy works, I'm a retired engineer so more data and info is way better. If you're that type this is a great site to get help to understand your PM. Get a copy of your interrogation report. It has all the info on your PM modes and settings.

Keep up the good work and enjoy life.
Kathy

Thanks kmom & KAG

by bluebowtye - 2014-03-31 03:03:40

I appreciate your nice comments! KAG, I did get a copy of my report and my Dr. was impressed that I could actually decipher most of it! (Thanks to the info I found on this site!)

Keep hangin in there

by Theknotguy - 2014-03-31 05:03:25

Keep hangin in there. Sounds like you are doing very well. It's always nice to read good news.

Some suggestions:

Give yourself a little time before you push too hard on the exercise. I'm five months out and still get sore spots if I push too hard.

Drink plenty of water. I was doing 1/2 liter per 33 pounds per day. It helped. Also helped with the mental attitude.

For the mental attitude - think of the number of people who wear glasses. We'd all like to have 20/20 vision but that doesn't happen. So if you think of a pacemaker as "glasses" for the heart it may help you adjust mentally.

Life does get better. Hang in there.

Theknotguy

glasses for the heart!

by bluebowtye - 2014-03-31 06:03:54

Hi Theknotguy!

I really like your comment "think of your PM as glasses for the heart" that made me smile and you are absolutely right! I do wear glasses and hate them lol but I need them to see, just like I need my PM to make my heart beat! I had never thought of it that way before!

You are right about the exercise. That's why I haven't even attempted to do weights yet. I just haven't felt up to it and I know I need to take "baby steps" so I am being extra careful. I certainly don't want to cause myself any harm.

Thank you for your positive feedback! This group has really been such a help to me!

~Sheila

GOOD news!

by kmom - 2014-03-31 12:03:33

That's wonderful news Sheila! So happy to hear that you are doing better!

Congratulations

by GregN - 2014-04-04 12:04:04

Glad to hear, my six weeks is on 4/6.

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