How long??!!!!!!

I just had a pacemaker implanted 3 days ago so I'm new to this club..am an active 70 yr old...my heart is strong, no cholesterol problems..only had low heartrate....starting to feel like my life will never return to normal!!!....tired, incision still hurts, feelings of rapid heart beats with pounding chest etc...am I expecting too much too quick??... Don't see device person for 5 days... Thanks!

5 Comments

As long as it takes

by Gotrhythm - 2014-07-14 03:07:23

Are you expecting too much? Yes.

Give your poor heart a break. It just had wires screwed into it, three days ago!

The heart is made of muscle, you know. The same kind of muscle as in your arms and legs.

What kind of performance would you expect from any other muscle in your body that had the same thing happen to it. And now something was making it contract in ways it never did before.

Some people feel better instantly. I did, and I had minimum pain. But I still tired easily and soon a complication of integrating the PM to my heart showed up.

Other people take weeks to months to get the positive effects. For most, it's at least the six weeks your doctor has told you to take it easy for.

Chill, my friend. Let us hear how you are doing in a week or so.

Hang in there

by Lurch - 2014-07-14 12:07:00

First couple of weeks you will probably be a little sore, tired and nervous, I know I was. It does get better! I am at three months (almost) and I really don't even notice it anymore! Getting back into my walking routines, doing work around the house (although it was kind of nice to have an excuse for being lazy ;>).

How long

by bribet - 2014-07-15 09:07:09

I have had an ICD for 16 years and am on my third one. It seems strange at first but slowly you come to accept your implant. It is really surprising but after a reasonably short time you hardly think about it at all.

Take it easy

by Jonny - 2014-07-15 09:07:12

Just confirming what others are suggesting. Yes, you are expecting too much too early. All of us have different experiences but I had few problems, though in the first 2 or 3 weeks I did (or maybe I thought I did) experience a few flutters and strange beats that I never thought I'd experienced before. Now 11 months on I forget I've got a PM most of the time, except when it itches from time to time. Best of luck, John

new member 4 weeks

by jericho - 2014-07-21 07:07:57

We are all individuals and cope with changes in different ways, I felt similar but it is important to remain confident in the support and care you have had.

The amazing stories I have read are an inspiration and the information and advice from 'normal' people with experiences I can relate to are of a great help.

I have just today had my first review after 4 weeks with an emergency pacemaker and I am taking the support of the cardiac team with confidence, I am increasing my beta blockers and reviewing the need for anticoagulents at a later date.

as Jonny said it is important to take it easy but remain true to the life you had lead and continue to lead as a fit and active 70 year old. I have checked with my consultant that I can continue cycling and train to go to Vietnam and Cambodia 2015 As I did in 2013 With kind thoughts

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Member Quotes

But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.