Newbie here...

Hi,
It's just been over a week after my surgery. The healing is not going as fast as I expected. I am a 23 year old woman that just got diagnosed with brugada syndrome. I am feeling a little down because I can't do things that my husband and our friends are doing while I recover. I also am bummed I can't do some of my favorite things anymore - like go on rollercoasters! I went to church today for the first time in awhile (because I was so sick) and just being in the sanctuary during song service was irritating my ICD site.

Does it get any better?!

Thanks

4 Comments

One week and you want what???

by Theknotguy - 2015-11-16 02:11:36

For a medical assistant, I feel you have access to people who can give you the inside scoop. Apparently not?

You've just had an incision in your chest, had a foreign object implanted, wires run into your heart, and a major change in your life. It's going to take time to heal.

This isn't Mickey D's where you walk in, order, tap your foot three times, and walk out with what you want. Even though they call this a procedure, it's a surgery and messing around with your heart. Let me repeat, it's going to take time to heal. And, for some of us, it takes time for our body and heart to adjust to the new reality.

We tell everyone on the forum to give themselves 4-6 weeks. The fact you were able to get out as quickly as you did means your healing is progressing. Obviously not at the speed you'd like, but it is progressing.

I've got over 40 years on you. For me it was five months before I could even think of "normal". It was seven months before I could even try to be "normal". Granted, I had a lot more trauma than you did but the point is, it's going to take time.

You may need some tweaking with your PM, may also need to adjust medications. That will take time too.

Anyway, hang in there. It does get better.

Does it get better?

by Selwyn - 2015-11-17 04:11:18

Of course. The vast majority of pacemaker/ICD recipients
leave normal lives. On this site you will find people talking about all sorts of activities. There are many more folk not belonging to this site as they have no need to write/talk about their PM/ICD.

Personally, I gave up SCUBA diving as the PM box is not manufactured for depths. I just been snorkelling with Manta rays- marvellous experience. If you do have negative thoughts, ask yourself what you can do, it is not like you have lost your legs etc....I can't speak about roller coasters ( an interesting question), but I have had no problems white water rafting or go-karting. Once you get healed, you just need to let your imagination and common sense guide you. If in doubt ask the clinic or manufacturer's help line.

Yes, It gets Better

by RobsAICD - 2015-11-17 10:11:25

For a while you will be a little "slow" and not able to do what you may have done before. What has worked for me is take a 30 minute walk or 2 15 minute walks each day.. Yes, they will be slow at first - Don't get down on yourself - I started by walking around the house a few times - and at first I could not even walk the length of the house - give the healing time and your body time to adjust - you still are the person you were before all this started - so, please keep a smile upon your face.. and keep moving as much as you are able --

rollercoasters

by sheila.morris00@yahoo.com - 2016-02-23 06:02:43

Hi I just got my ICD almost 3 weeks ago. I asked about roller coasters and I was told it was fine but to wait until summer so that the site healed. I have read mixed things online about roller coasters so I just asked my doctor. I think it really depends on the device and your condition.

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.