Pacemaker - Getting used to it

Hi there,

I finally got my pacemaker inserted 4 weeks ago with a Medtronic Consulta with Minerva technology in a partial pacing mode. I still have some weeks before I get cardioverted and have the pacemaker fully functional. Im lucky to have such technology fitted and are looking forward to the results it will bring.

What I would like to know has anyone experienced a roller coaster of emotions towards their pacemaker, the whole process during their recovery phase? if so how did you have any negative feelings and how did you overcome these?

I have fantastic supports from family, friends, psychology and my cardiology team and are very appreciative of their support, however its those moments in the small hours of the night that are causing quite a range of emotions, that what I would like advice on please.

regards,

Daryl

8 Comments

Baby Steps

by Grateful Heart - 2016-03-08 02:03:05


It can take some time. Each day will get a little better. It's a mourning process in some ways. We only have one heart and it is a shocker to find our heart is failing in one way or another.

Learn all you can about your device and condition. Knowledge is power!

As time goes on and you learn to trust your PM you will forget about it.

Grateful Heart

it's normal

by Tracey_E - 2016-03-08 02:03:40

Even when we have lots of support and a great attitude, there are still going to be those moments when we get angry, when we mourn, we worry about the future and wonder why me. Cut yourself some slack, no one is going to be sunshine and rainbows 100% of the time. It's normal to feel that way so take a moment to be mad or sad, then find something to be thankful for and get back to your normal happy self.

For me education was important. If I understand it, I can accept it more easily. Also, being active again as I healed. The busier I got, the longer I felt good, the longer it was between doctor appointments, the less I thought about it. I just got my 5th so I've been on this roller coaster quite a while now. The bad moments are just that- moments.

Hi

by PANCAKE - 2016-03-08 02:03:47

Hi,

I got my first PM 2 weeks ago...and I understand how you feel! Anger, sadness, fear, excitement...I am experiencing the same. And you are right: the night hours are the worst, I think last night I slept 2 hours at most!
When I start to feel sad or worried I tell myself something that really helps:
I have a PM. It's done. There is nothing that can be done about it. So, I can accept it and be happy for what it gives me (a new life, a second chance!) or I can be worried and angry and sad. We can choose. Sometimes it would be so much easier just to give up...but no! We have to be strong and be happy and proud of what we are and what we will be!
PS: I have a new goal now: I want to run a marathon!!

A.

Emotion

by snorko - 2016-03-08 04:03:36

Hey Daryl,

I got my first pacemaker 11 years ago, and just got my 2nd 3 days ago! I remember the first time, I must have called the clinic nurse four or five times a day for several weeks. I thought they were going to turn my PM off just to get rid of me (haha). Anyway, I had so many emotions. Fear, anger (that they had never diagnosed me earlier), elation that I wasn't going to die, and excitement to start my new life.
I ultimately went to talk to a counselor for a few sessions, and it really helped. I would say that about the time the incision healed, and my clinic appointments started to get longer apart, (about 2 months), it started to all be "normal" and within a few months, I stopped thinking about it all the time.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to message me with any questions. I found this forum extremely helpful, and it literally helped me get through some of the most emotional times in the weeks after my device placement.

You will get through this!

Trisha

One other thing to consider

by Theknotguy - 2016-03-08 09:03:46

Your range of emotions is quite normal. So don't feel out of line for having them.

I feel you'll like the Medtronic with Minerva. You'll want to check and see if it has APP (Atrial Preference Pacing) too. I can tell you from personal experience that APP is a tremendous help. Minerva is a game changer.

APP will kick in when you have afib. It does what it can do. I had mine turned on five months after getting my pacemaker and it has worked fine ever since. APP can only do so much but it does help.

I just recently went into afib for 25 hours, went out of it, then went into another afib session that lasted 43 hours. My EP turned on Minerva.

Once Minerva was turned on, it was like night and day. All of those little afib sessions that lasted just a few minutes and the other afib sessions that caused a "flutter" were gone. I went from having a longer afib session once a week to having a longer afib session about once every six weeks. No more of the little "flutter" sessions either.

I can't guarantee you'll have the same success with your Medtronic, APP, and Minerva as me, but at the very least, you have something to look forward to. And you can have a couple of nice discussions with your EP about possibilities.

I wish you the best.

Thank you to you all

by Meredith76 - 2016-03-08 10:03:38

I would firstly like to thank you for your time and your valuable advice.

As a 39 year old, Im finding wading through the murky waters of getting a pacmaker an interesting process. Nothing has prepared me for what I am going through. I am a 16 year practising Nurse, with loads of experience, Ive seen most things both good and bad, I served my country in the military, I have access to so much up to date information, so the months before the PM insertion, I thought I was prepared, mentally, physically and spiritually.

I was wrong. Ive gone baqck an re-read over the literature and all the education I can find. It is the lived testomony that has been the most educating aspect of all, and that I thank you all.

I think I over valued my confidence, however it is not all negative. Yes the wee hours of the morning is when most of my anxiety rears its head and at times the pain, neuropathic pain is terrible and I wouldnt wish it on to anyone, I over tend over thinking and get into the cycle of thought. I agree I feel like Im in mouring and everyday gets a little better.

I know deep down, life with a pm will be better than the complex, complicated, stubbon, treatment resistant life that AF gave me.

I have goals and it is them together with the support Im recieving that will get me through this stage of my life.

Thank you again for your advice and if any one has anything, I will always be listening.

Kind regards and have a nice day,

Daryl

Doesn't hurt to speak

by Hoser - 2016-03-08 12:03:43

I had my pacemaker implanted at the beginning of January, and I too have gone through quite an emotional upheaval. Whenever my BP or weight would not be doing like I thought it should I would get upset. Or the thought of leaving loved ones too soon would get me upset.

It helps to have a partner who understands and supports. Also, reach out to the medical staff for advice on getting some counseling.

Also, the cardiac rehab program that I am on through my hospital covers cardio exercise, nutrition, and coping skills.

Hoser

Great Support Group

by jwilson - 2016-03-13 07:03:41

I asked for a support group after I had my PM put in and they acted like they didn't know why I needed one or had never heard of a PM support group. They then found me a great group close to where I live between Austin and San Marcos Texas. It's a cardiac support group and most of the people there have PM's I wanted to talk to people face to face. We have different speakers talk to us and the last 15 minutes we meditate. I really like it and feel so much better when I leave.

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Member Quotes

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.