Light-Headed

I just had my pacemaker put in this past Thursday, March 26th. I do feel I have more energy but I am afraid I may have overdone it. My husband has taken me for some walks and now I feel a little light-headed. Is that a normal feeling? Do any of you have any advice for how I should pace my recovery?

4 Comments

Thank You

by HeartZapCJ - 2015-03-29 03:03:05

Thank you very much for your comments. I will definitely follow your suggestions.

Just take it easy

by Theknotguy - 2015-03-29 12:03:27

Just take it easy per Angrysparrow's comments. Measure the distance, then increase it after three days of doing the same distance. It's really hard to judge at first but steady and gradual is the best.

Sparrow's comments on water and juices is really good too. Hydration really helps at first.

Hope you continue to do well.

You'll Get There . . . In Time

by NiceNiecey - 2015-03-30 02:03:27

Welcome to our exclusive club, CJ. Your profile doesn't tell us anything like age, how many leads, etc but it's all pretty straightforward at the beginning. YES, what you're experiencing is normal. I was lightheaded for probably 4 weeks after getting my PM. I was also completely exhausted. I was told by virtually everyone at the hospital that I'd feel better than ever the minute I came out of the OR. Not only was that NOT the case, I actually felt worse, especiallly since it was all an emergency and I didn't realize how sick I'd been. That was 15 months ago and I am finally feeling like the person I use to be several years ago. I have always been active and a go-getter; and I'm only 56. I've actually felt a bit embarrassed that I didn't bounce right back but, thanks be to God, I finally did. Just keep asking yourself if you feel better than you did the week before. Keep taking those walks. Keep napping (especially these first few weeks). In time, you will fully recover and better than ever.

All the best to you and your husband.

I'm with you, NiceNiecey

by knb123 - 2015-03-31 09:03:37

NN, thanks for commenting to CJ with your experience. I received my PM two weeks ago (also an emergency--a full heart block, hr 37). Mostly I've felt great (and glad to be alive) but have had a couple of brief moments of lightheadedness since then. I called the PM nurse once after feeling an uncomfortable "pulse" at the base of my throat at bedtime. Response was to come in and get it checked out. Maybe just stubborn, but I didn't want to be reporting each little twinge and have to go each time to get it checked out.
Have also had moments of weepiness that come out of nowhere (I'm guessing that's the delayed reaction to my case, as I was calm and resolute at the time). Have been napping with impunity whenever I feel like it. Hope you (and CJ) continue to thrive.

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