new pacemaker

hi!!! I'm 42 my name is Cassandra I just had my pacemaker 3 weeks ago due to arrythymia and my heart rate dropping down to 30 in my sleep amd 250 in the day time.. I feel tied at times.. when am I going to feel normal??

5 Comments

It takes time

by Theknotguy - 2016-01-08 07:01:50

The time to heal depends upon each individual. So while you may see people who claim to be able to start training for a marathon within the week, most take longer to heal. Remember, you've been under anesthetic, had your chest cut open, had a foreign object implanted, and wires stuck in your heart. Not everyone bounces back from that within hours. In addition, some (like myself) have been given new medications and you have to adjust to them. Adjusting to new medication doesn't always go well either. So you may feel tired at times until you adjust.

With your heart rate going from the low 30;s up to 250 it sounds like they've gotten you on Metoprolol, Flecanide, or something similar. Not everyone adjusts well to them. Many people have said Metoprolol makes them feel like a zombie. I get along fine with it. Point being, it takes time to adjust to the drugs and you may feel lethargic until you do. Or, your doctor may have to try several drugs until he finds something that works. With your body taking roughly two weeks to adjust to new medications, then two weeks to get a previous drug washed out of your system, it takes time to find out what works or doesn't work. And that takes a lot of patience.

What to do in the meantime? Keep moving as much as you can. Walking is good exercise at this time in your healing. Drink plenty of water. I was doing 1/2 liter per 33 pounds of body weight per day. Sounds like a lot but it helps. Keep a record of when you feel bad - is it right after you take your medication? When?

Maybe none of my suggestions will help but, at least, it gives you something to try until you can get back with your doctor and see if he/she has any other suggestions.

I hope you start feeling better soon.

adjusting

by Ms.Cryer - 2016-01-08 08:01:07

I'm trying to adjusting.. this is still new to me.. I'm sure its going to take some time because it only been 3 weeks now.. and the total healing process is 4 to 6 weeks.. thank you again for the advice its greatly appreciated :-)

new pacemaker..

by Ms.Cryer - 2016-01-08 08:01:15

thank you so much.. I have a doctors appointment on Thursday.. I'm adjusting now once I start adjusting more I'm sure i'll be fine.. I just have to get used to living with my new pacemaker.. I really appreciate your feedback.. it gives me more insite and a better understanding about things. thanks once again.. I hope you get to feeling better as well also. .any feedback and info you have is very much appreciated

It's normal at first

by Theknotguy - 2016-01-08 08:01:19

It's normal at first to be concerned about "using" your pacemaker. You have that little voice in the back of your head that keeps saying, "What if....?" It does take time to adjust to the new feelings.

After going through some things and seeing the pacemaker do it's job, you'll feel better about having the pacemaker step in. I know there were several times I'd just freeze, then take careful steps to see if everything was working OK. Quite normal feelings for a newbie with a pacemaker.

I'd make a call to your doctor and let him/her know you're having problems keeping food down. That may be adding to your anxiety. It may be another adjustment to everything that's happened. But being hungry on top of everything else isn't going to help.

I'm allergic to amiodarone. Turned me a bright orange. I looked like a sunny side up egg. They took me off that rather quickly.

I hope everything else goes well for you. Hang in there.

new pacemaker

by Ms.Cryer - 2016-01-08 08:01:35

thank you!!! yes your comment helps a lot I really appreciate it.. I'm on a new blood pressure medication called edarbyclor 40/25 mg tablet once a day and amiodarone 200 mg once at night for my heart.. I was on flecanide I'm allergic to it.. I feel bad sometimes during the day.. mostly in the mornings and while at work.. I walk at work from my desk through the warehouse.. I know this may sound crazy but since I gotten my pacemaker I'm scared of walking around because I don't want my heart rate to go up.. thank you so much for your suggestions.. also I can't keep anything down that I eat.. I drinl plenty of water and juice as well

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