New pacemaker

Slow recovery

by Theknotguy - 2016-12-03 10:58:23

Angry Sparrow is right.  See if you can get some cardiac rehab.  Or, if that isn't available, see what other kind of rehab you can get.  If your insurance doesn't cover it, work with your EP/cardiologist's office to see what is available.    

In the meantime, doing as much walking as you can will help.  It doesn't matter how much, only that you are doing something.  Usually more movement makes you feel better.  

As Angry Sparrow said, attitude is important.  Try, as much as you can, to get yourself in a positive frame of mind.  It helps.  

It may sound peculiar, but drinking water helps too.  Keep yourself hydrated.

Do you every not think about your pacemaker?  Depends.  Some people are more aware than others.  It took me over three years to become less aware of having my pacemaker. That was partially due to the fact I was regularly on this forum so had more reasons to be aware of the equipment.  

Hang in there.  Life with a pacemaker does get better.  

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2016-12-03 13:19:42

Yes, it will stop being sore at some point.  Try to focus on other things and do as much walking as possible.  If you can go a block or two, increase it a bit each week.

Yes, these are often done with just freezing or minimal sedation.  I was awake for most of my replacement surgery last year and didn't like it at all!

the fella doing the sedation, reversed it and went on his coffee break!!  Seriously.

Sometimes a pacemaker is put in to remodel your heart and that takes a good 6 months, so you don't suddenly feel better but improve slowly.

good luck, your recovery sounds pretty normal to me.  Just do not focus on it.

Thank you!

by Idatex - 2016-12-03 14:31:22

All of you have been a great encouragement. I just really needed to hear those things from people who have experienced this. I will take all of your advice seriously and begin implementing the changes needed immediately. I have wanted to start back to the gymn but been afraid I would overdo and pull out leads. I definitely don't drink enough water but will starting today. And I have been committed to healthy eating for a long time, so that is not a big lifestyle change for me. 

I have had a lot of unavoidable stress - I will do what I can to avoid stress but sadly many of the stressful circumstances are not things in my control - a sweet daughter facing surgery with a possible cancer diagnosis - a son recovering from open heart surgery -   A sister in law who was just diagnosed with terminal cancer - are a few of those types of stresses at the top of my list. I have taken time off of counseling for awhile, but I do feel the stress of not being there for people who need help. It is what I do and love to do. I have been working on a second Masters degree and have cut back on classes . Normally I have a busy life of teaching, counseling and a lot of other responsibilities that I have taken a break from,but I honestly don't know which is more stressful - doing them or seeing things that need to be done and not being able to do them. I will have to sort that out. As long as I know I won't hurt my health I prefer to get busy again. 

You all have helped a lot !  I think you each would make great counselor's. I wS pretty discouraged last night. My husband and I were in a near accident on the freeway when our truck hit ice going 55 miles an hour. It was an unexpected patch in the road that sent cars sailing everywhere in every direction. One car flipped over. My husband is a great driver and although we did a 360 degree turn flying from one end of the highway to the other with cars literally spinning out all around us we weren't hit and didn't hit anyone else.But I am totally sore today. The doctor said I should be okay. Your encouragement came at just the right time when I need it most. I can't thank you all enough! 

Idatex

Another thought

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-03 16:26:38

All wonderful advice and as you know, some stress is unavoidable and necessary....fight or flight.

Since you are active, it is common to need an adjustment or two after a few weeks.  When our PM's are first implanted, the voltage is set very high right out of the box to let your heart get used to being paced and settle in.  So now that your heart has had time to adjust to your "new normal", it may be time to lower the voltage to your hearts needs.  We are all different and it can take a few tries to get it right for you. 

So call your doc and tell him what you told us.  You should feel better after the adjustments.

Grateful Heart