Ways to take your mind of sensation?

I'm 35 and just over 2 years into my first pacemaker for bradycardia and heart block, by fair the best thing to happen to me. I'm a fitness freak, run, road cycle and live in the gym. Last Sunday I had the worst outside run, felt tight chested and ever since I've had feeling of palpitations all week and because I'm aware it sometimes makes me feel sick, to which I've not exercised all week, which is just not me. What tips do people have to take your mind off the sensation? I tried to explain the feeling to my parents today but know that you lovely people will just understand (hopefully).  Thanks in advance x

3 Comments

A change in settings ?

by Jane S - 2017-06-10 07:05:38

Charlene ... you may have had the device in for a couple of years now but that doesn't mean your heart has stayed the same. I'm 2years + and have had recent changes made ro my settings due to onging arrhythmia issues. Unfortunatly our type of problems can lead to futher electrical problems.

Yes we are very awere of every hiccup our hearts make, but! we also know when we don't feel right.

When do you get your next check up ? keep a diary of events and when you go to the clinic stress how you have felt doing exercise etc. Try and get a treadmill test, you will probably be ok on the day you get it as that how it usually goes lol!! but much more shows up and can help diagnose what is happening and aid in altering settings

At the moment I'm trying really hard to "switch off" if I feel off and take my mind else were, it does help and there maybe some feelings we just have to live with but only after we are certain not much else can be done to help.

Good luck

Jane x

 

get a check up

by Tracey_E - 2017-06-11 08:06:16

The first thing to do is make sure nothing new is going on. It could be as simple as the settings need adjusted. That has happened to me several times over the years, my heart changed and the pacer had to be adjusted to keep up. It's one thing to be strong and tough it out, but we also have to trust our gut when it tells us something is different. If you get the pacer interrogated quickly (or send a report if you have a home monitor) then they can look at last Sunday and see what was going on.

That said, if you confirm nothing is going on then do something to take your mind off it. Music works for me... change up the play list, crank it up loud, and remind myself I'm a bada$$ and to suck it up, buttercup.  Once I get going, it's easy (easier) to push through. Run with a buddy, try a new class, go for a bike ride, rent a kayak, grab a basektball or tennis racket ... anything to move, it doesn't have to be your regular workout. When all else fails, take a walk. Just fresh air and moving, even if it's not a hard workout, can do amazing things for our minds. 

Thank you for the comments

by Charlene - 2017-06-14 19:05:24

TraceyE suck it up buttercup is absolutely right, I cycled at the weekend felt great, even took my nephews bike riding, with one not so little 5 year old attached to my bike and yesterday I ran 3km, so normal service has resumed! Love this forum, helps put my mind at rest as I know no one with a PM, thanks again x

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