Thank goodness for this site!

Hi,

I am new to all this having only had my pacemaker inserted 4 days ago and just wanted to say what a brilliant site this is and thank you to all of you that post messages. I am 43 and having been told time and time again how a pacemaker is really common and just a routine operation I was not prepared at all for the barrel of emotions that hit me post op. It is so reassuring to come on here and communicate with people who understand. Family and friends are sympathetic to an extend but don't realise the amount of time the whole thing occupies my mind now whether it being because of the pain, worrying about the numbness, being conscious of my heart rate, stressing because my fatigue doesn't seem to have improved despite the cardiologist telling me I would feel like a new woman straight away...........  Need I go on. However, knowing there is someone out there who understands all this has been so reassuring and comforting. So thank you! 

 

10 Comments

Relax

by Jane S - 2016-10-24 06:26:54

4 days in and everything is new and you are still adjusting. It can take awhile to settle and get the PM set right for you and for the op site to heal. Doctors quite often generalise things and whilst one person is great from the word go most take a little time to recover.

As you say this site is here for you so get typing if you feel the need.

By Christmas you will be ready to party !!!

Cheers Jane

Welcome

by Captain Ratedrop - 2016-10-24 06:46:26

Firstly I would like to say is welcome to having a pacemaker.  Please put your mind at ease that it has nothing to do with age.  If your body and your heart have decided that a pacemaker--of varous types will help it work better--then that's the goal.  To make your body feel better, and work more efficiently.

I'm sorry if I've missed why you've needed a pacemaker and why've you've needed one.  You've gone through a rather significant procedure and your body will need some time to recover.  In the mean time do no feel hesitant to contact your doctor if you feel something out of align.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Routine after a while

by Theknotguy - 2016-10-24 08:19:56

First, welcome to the pacemaker club.  

Yes, you are right, only those of us who have the pacemaker or similar unit can understand what it means.  As much as other peole try, they don't understand what it feels like to have a foreign object inside your body.  

You have a lot of emotions and your brain is going a hundred miles an hour at first.  All sorts of thoughts going around.  Eventually things will settle down.  

I'm going on three years with my PM.  There are days I hardly think about it as it works very well.  Other days it's foremost in my mind.  However it's much more of a help than a hindrance.  

Hope everything continues to go well for you.  My best wishes.  

I Agree

by Good Dog - 2016-10-24 14:19:28

I just want to agree with you regarding the value of this site. It is so important to see how so many people live out their lives in such a normal manner. When we first receive our PM we often think and feel that we are so alone. It is a relief to know that we are not. It is gratifying to see so many people reach-out to others and receive support that changes the direction of their thoughts and their lives! 

agreeing also!

by confused - 2016-10-24 14:44:08

I agree also.  This site has helped me and I feel the same way you do.  Actually we have alot in common.  I am on day 12 after my surgery and am 44 years old.  My doctor did the same thing saying I could go back to work a few days after but today is my first day back and he was way wrong.  I can't imagine me going back just a few days after because I am not feeling the best today.  I bet I will sleep very well tonight.

Sorry you are having a hard time but I have a feeling in a few months we both will be feeling so much better mentally and physically.  I am trying to keep light of everything when I find my mind wondering because it helps.

But what you posted here has been in my thoughts also.   So thankful for this site!

Best wishes!!!

Tammy

 

Almost 3 weeks

by Cajun Girl - 2016-10-24 21:36:33

i had my PM inserted 3 weeks ago tomorrow.  One week later my cardiologist asked if I felt much better.  I thought it was a joke. I felt like I had been run over by a train.  I am just getting to where I don't want to sleep constantly.  I am still tired.  Taking short walks and trying to get my strength back.  I know it will take me a few months to be where I was.  I don't expect to feel better ..... if I do, great!  I just want to feel like before with a heart beating greater than in the 30's and no syncope.  Welcome to the PM club!

Days and weeks after PM

by Redding - 2016-10-24 23:18:44

 Yes it is a bit of a emotional ride. I was always a little curious on what my heart rate was. I went out and bought a fitbit watch that monitors your heart rate.  

 I think it matters quite a bit on how you received your pacemaker whether it was through a emergency room experience or being notified in the doctors office after a casual visit .   I personally think it takes 4 to 12 months to get comfortable with your pacemaker and to eliminate  most of the emotional roller coaster that it puts you on.  

However... it does get better..  at 14 months now  I think about my pacemaker every day. I don't stress over it. And I have very few emotional  moments thinking about it.   Every month gets better... !

Agree!!

by FaithGrace - 2016-10-24 23:27:37

Welcome!! I also agree with you that there is a comfort in talking to others who have also been through the surgery and are living with a Pacemaker.  I received my Pacemaker this past August for 3rd degree heart block. I think I handled things pretty well mentally, but there really is an emotional aspect to the whole process that is a little hard to deal with.  This site helps so much to know we are not alone!  

Agree!

by Beckiiejayne - 2016-10-25 04:20:01

Also being a very new member to this 'pacemaker club', I have found this site very helpful.

Im a 21 year old girl who has found it very hard to adjust to the fact I needed a pacemaker, seen as there are no heart problems in my family and I am otherwise healthy. Ive only had it for 11 days, so still struggling with alot of things, fatigue, pain, actually having one in!!

I am finding this site brilliant for reading peoples stories and relating to them myself, so thanks everyone!

 

 

2 year checkup today

by LondonAndy - 2016-10-25 18:27:07

Just had my 2nd annual checkup on my Pacemaker, fitted for complete heart block following surgical complications. So I am 100% paced.  No changes needed, all working fine, but I agree - this site is so useful to hear about the issues some have with theirs, and I am very grateful to the regular posters for sharing their knowledge and experience.  These helped me to know some of the questions to ask today, and feel confident that I have the right settings and get on with my life normally without even thinking about the PM. 

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

Member Quotes

Pacemakers are very reliable devices.