new pm

I'm a male, 47 who was training for my 1st marathon when I had to have a pacemaker put in last Monday. It's been a week and I'm not feeling all that great or wonderful. Everyone told me that I would feel great right away. I am getting better a little at a time but I feel like I have a rock in my chest. My voice has also changed, I have a cough and it hurts to bend over. I also feel the pm kicking at times. I don't want to complain much because I'm grateful for the chance to be healthy. I just don't know what to realistically expect as far as my recovery.
Any thoughts?
Rusty

8 Comments

thank you

by randrews - 2007-03-27 01:03:51

I want to thank everyone for their comments. It feels so good to not be alone in all this. I did go to the doctor today for my first follow up visit. He, and his nurse, found no mechanical issues and he even said I could start running. I think the current thinking is that this is stress and anxiety. I have had serious bouts of stress and anxiety but it's getting better. I guess I just need to give it time.

Again, thank you, thank you
Rusty

Rusty

by amanda - 2007-03-27 05:03:57


Hello Rusty, I also had none of these symptoms and I agree with Smitty's suggestions that you should go to see your doctor as soon as possible.
All the Best,
Amanda

Not much fun

by herbie - 2007-03-27 08:03:49

Hi Rusty, I'm 23 and had a pacemaker fitted in January.

I agree with the previous suggestions that you should contact your Dr.

I also just wanted to get in touch to let you know that I too felt terrible after having mine implanted, I was having what felt like electric shocks and various other symptoms. I think how you react to it it depends on what you need the pacemaker for/ how long you've had the condition etc. It's now nearly three months since I had mine implanted and I'm feeling like myself again. I've had many trips to the cardiologist and one to A&E - I have a great cardiologist who listens to my symptoms and adjusts my settings accordingly.

I suppose I'm saying, keep asking questions at the hospital and definitely see your doctor - not all people have a pacemaker implanted and can go for a run the day after (although I have heard of it!). Hang on in there, at times I felf it was going to take me months to recover - you'll do fine.

See your doctor.

by Suze - 2007-03-27 09:03:54

I agree, you should see your doctor right away. I didn't need any adjustments, but many on this message board have indicated that they needed settings adjusted, etc. You should make sure everything is as it should be. Best of luck to you. You'll be fine. ----Suze------

Hi!

by tcrabtree85 - 2007-03-27 10:03:34

Hi Rusty,
I have had my pacemaker for a little over a week also. I am 21 and know exactly how you are feeling. I would also go to the dr. though I wouldn't be stressing about it. I still feel weak also and they say over time you will regain your strength and for some people it is adjusting to a completely different heart rate than you are use too. I am still feeling what I thought was my pacemaker kicking in and they told me that was my heart trying to kick in and take over but the pacemaker isn't letting it. They said over a period of time that I would get use to it and just ignore it.
I think mostly that we just have to give it time and it will stop bothering you so much. Everyone has different reactions to things. I wish you the best of luck and just remember that it is good to ask the dr's a lot of questions. If you need anything feel free to send me a private message.
Blessings and Prayers!
Tammy

New PM

by SMITTY - 2007-03-27 12:03:55

Rusty,

I can see several things that do not seem normal for you to have after a week with your PM. At least, let me say I cetainly had none of those symptoms even 3 days after I go mine. I would strongly recommend that you see your doctor and soon.

Please let us know how things go for you,

Good luck,

Smitty

Contact your Dr and don't loose!!

by ljbristow - 2007-03-28 02:03:28

Rusty,
I got my first PM (biventricular re-synchronization defibrillator pacemaker) 1/17/2007. It was not all sweetness in roses at first - and my Dr did advise me 75% notice an immediate improvement, the others may take a couple of weeks to maybe a year, depending on the problem being corrected and health prior to the implantation. Well I guess I fell into the 25%, I have AIDS and kept blaming my symptoms on a potential heart problems.
Well it ends up I almost was in complete heart failure when my spouse dia led 911 and said you are going to the hospital. Needless to say I didn't leave until I had a pacemaker and was stabilized to go home. Mine was painful at first and I didn't say anything for a lot of the same reasons you mentioned, especially not wanting to be a "woose". But when I couldn't take it anymore, I expressed my issues, I got chastised a little for not saying something when I first was having the symptoms as it is easier to address the sooner they know your symptoms.
It is now 2 months, and I feel the best I have felt in at least a couple of years. It took a couple of adjustments in the settings, but I feel great. I will agree with the other responses: 1) don't hesitate to be open and candid with your doctor about your symptoms or concerns, if he won't listen, it may be time to consult another DR, a decision to not be made lightly, 2) Hang in there, don't loose hope, the newer PM's today can be adjusted to meet your individual needs - and although it sounds like you were in great health going in, it may just take a little longer for your body to adjust and/or your DR to tweak your settings to your individual needs.
With warmest regards,
Josh

you're not the only one!

by pace1 - 2007-03-30 11:03:48

I know exactly how you feel! Although I was one that didn't have any symptoms, even my dr. said oh, your running will be easier, all exercise for that matter. If I REALLY scrutinize everything and watch my heart rate A LOT, maybe it's a teeny-tiny bit better, but nothing I would notice. Many people said they didn't know how much energy they were supposed to have, so I thought I'd be the same. I too, especially at first, felt a "clicking" at times...annoying at first, but you get used to it. I actually started jogging again (slowly) after a little over a week and it felt good to jog again!

You know you're wired when...

Your heart beats like a teenager in love.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.