after surgery

I had my pacemaker implanted on June 20.  The week prior to the implant I was in the hospital for kidney stones and had two separate procedures under anesthesia.  At that time my heart rate was fine.  A day and a half after coming home from hospital I had to call the squad because I was in so much pain from the kidney stones that they did not get.  When the fire department got to my home, my heart rate was 37 and naturally they questioned if it was normally that low.  To make a long story short, I was admitted again but because of my low heart rate. This was early Sunday morning.  I did not see cardiologist until Monday afternoon but they were constantly monitoring my heart and it never went above mid 40s.  The pacemaker was implanted on Wednesday and I came home Thursday.  No issue with actual procedure but I am extremely weak.  Doing the least little thing like showering exhausts me.  Is this normal? 

2 Comments

You've been through a lot

by Theknotguy - 2018-06-30 19:21:34

You've been through a lot.  So to answer the question of "is it normal" - no it's not.  

Hopefully things will settle down and you'll start to feel better.  It may take a while because of complications due to kidney stones.  

I hope things turn around quickly for you.  My best wishes.  

Give it time

by Gotrhythm - 2018-07-01 15:50:38

Feeling like you've been through the wringer is certainly understandable. You have been.

But even people who had no complicating factors at all don't always bounce back instantly. It's frustrating but not unusual.

If I'm reading your timeline right, you are due for your first check up. Be sure to tell them how you are feeling. In time, once your heart is used to being paced, it might be that your pacemaker settings need adjustment to help you feel your best.

 

You know you're wired when...

Your heart beats like a teenager in love.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.