Is it normal to still be so tired after pacemaker surgery?

Hi. I'm still so new at this, surgery was 5 days ago and stayed in the hospital a few extra days from vertigo issue. My usual heart rate was in the 30s to rarely low 40s for months maybe years and now I'm set at no lower than 60. My husband and friends say I should have more energy and I think they are disappointed.  But I'm just not there. I was in bed flat for the 1st day and night due to EP study before HiS pacemaker placement and then wave of vertigo has kept me in bed after that but now just walking around my house seems to be taxing.

Am I just being a wimp and need to keep working at it or is this somewhat normal? I get no advice from dr staff, they don't even return calls and won't see Dr for 10 days. 

All I have is the internet and you all know that can be helpful or terrifying😉  

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

3 Comments

No time table

by Gotrhythm - 2018-05-02 16:14:27

Everyone is different. I don't think there's any hard and fast rule. Some people feel better instantly, some it takes a couple of months. Although I felt better as soon as the anesthesia wore off, it stilll took a couple of months for me to rebuild my stamina.

In addition you are dealing with vertigo. I've only had it a couple of times in my life, but when I did, the last thing I wanted to do was move.

Be gentle with yourself. Getting a pacemaker might seem simple but it isn't. Your body has been through a lot. Do what you can do today, without strain. Tomorrow try to do a little--but only a little--more.

Tell hubby and friends to read a few Pacemaker Club posts.

Take time to recover

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-05-02 20:56:10

You need the time your body requires to recover. Gotrhythm gave great advice.

Healing takes time

by Miawaka - 2018-05-05 01:45:41

It seems to me that everyone forgets our bodies are traumatized by any surgery. Also, the older we are the longer it takes to get our strength back. Just because it can be out surgery doesn't mean it will be a day or two to feel good as new.

After my last surgery the cardiologist would discount my concern about the setting so I had to change doctors before my two week checkup. Fortunately this doctor listened and changed settings on my pacemaker. 

I started feeling better instantly. So my advice is - It's your body. You live in it and you know how you feel. Don't allow others to put a time limit on your healing process and if need be get another doctor's opinion.

I wish you well. Take care of yourself.

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