Recovery

Hi Jumbs!

by Washingtonienne - 2018-03-28 22:35:36

I'm 34, got my pacer just a week shy of 6 months ago.  Robin1 is right - everyone is a little different with healing and adjustments.  I needed a tweak here and there there at and after my 6 week follow up but everything seems to be set right now.  Healing goes by quickly and before you know it, you'll start to forget the pacer is even there.  A bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me but I'm to the point now where I'm feeling pretty damn good.  You'll get there too - I'm sure.  

Hi Robin

by Jumbs14 - 2018-03-28 22:37:23

Thank you Robin! Your comment was very encouraging! I'm not one to rest or be patient, this has been an adjustment and discipline for me. They actually adjusted my PM settings 5 days after implant since my pulse jumped upto 130 from just walking across the hall. It hovered in around 100 with very minimum activity. So, they adjust to a lower sensor response. That threw my body into terrible dizziness and tightness in my chest. I went to the ER since it was a Saturday and the biotronic rep had to be called in. They put it back to medium sensor which was what it was before it was adjusted the first time. I'm glad to know it's still early. The rep said it can take up to 2 months for the PM to be optimized. I went back to work 2 weeks after the surgery and overdid it and was stressed out! Financial field can do that. My body is craving more rest and I'm happy to oblige tomorrow through Sunday. I really appreciate your feedback! It's good to know, the PM might need some adjustments to customize with my heart/body. Thanks again Robin!

Hi Washingtonienne!

by Jumbs14 - 2018-03-28 22:44:48

Thank you for your response. It's amazing how many people in their 30s are getting PMs now. The biotronic guy, John, said he sees about 1 patient in our age bracket every month for a new PM. Crazy! Though, I'm very very thankful! More blood and oxygen to my brain is really nice. Yes, I think I was premature thinking I could have everything fixed 1-2 weeks after implant. Time to be patient. Never easy, but a necessity for proper healing. Thank you for your wisdom. I love gleaning from others experiences. Making the process so much easier!

Recovery

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-03-28 22:48:29

It will take some time to recover physically.  And the worries over your events can cause further uncertainty.  I know at age 33 you expect a quick recovery. One way to get back into normal activities is to see if there is a cardiac rehab program that can offer you physical training, monitor you during your exercises and help restore your sense of self to get you back into your normal activities.  Ask your doctor and see if your insurance covers it.

Hi Jimmy

by Jumbs14 - 2018-03-28 22:56:01

Thanks Jimmy! I appreciate your feedback. I just looked up cardiac rehab in my area. Thankfully there is a 12 week program. Thank you for the wisdom and advice. Yes, I thought I would swing right back. My body said not so fast. The program may really help prime me for the gym. I used to just lift and stayed away from cardio due to dizzy spells. Thanks again Jimmy!

I sound a lot like you!

by Queen50 - 2018-04-11 00:02:09

I was implanted 6 weeks ago and I’m having the exact same symptoms as you. Upon exertion (stairs, walking getting up quickly) I experience light headedness, occasional chest pains and my heart races. I have been adjusted 3 times so far and each time I get a little bit better. I’m 50 and active so I thought I’d bounce back quickly. I had inflammation around my leads and heart so my dr put me on some meds. Now they are thinking there is something wrong with my top lead because their print out says I’m fine but when I climb the stairs for them my reading is different so they’re not sure. Going again next week to be adjusted again. 

Heart

by Jumbs14 - 2018-04-11 07:53:05

Thank you for sharing! I'm sorry you're having these issues since the PM was implanted. One thing I gleaned from the biotronic rep is everytime they make an adjustment the data is erased thus, it can take up to 2 months after each adjustment after each change in setting to optimize.  I'm doing better on week 5. I still have dizziness at times, but feel better than I was at before the PM. I hope they can pinpoint what is causing you symptoms. If it's the lead, will you have to go into surgery for replacement? 

Magnesium

by Martine - 2018-04-12 23:12:46

Don't know if this will be useful to you but my palpitations were almost eliminated by taking magnesium powder at night, shortly before bed.  And that was before the pacemaker.  

It's a magnesium formulation called Lorna Vanderhaeghe Magnesium Bisglycinate.  

Magnesium

by Martine - 2018-04-12 23:12:46

Don't know if this will be useful to you but my palpitations were almost eliminated by taking magnesium powder at night, shortly before bed.  And that was before the pacemaker.  

It's a magnesium formulation called Lorna Vanderhaeghe Magnesium Bisglycinate.