Pre pacemaker one week out

I am new to the group but love reading all of your stories.

i was told a week ago I need a pacemaker. I have bradycardia and or SSS.

i am 60 years old and usually pretty active. I work full time and enjoy life.

i find myself now sitting here waiting and the anxiety is real. I just want my normal back. I my bpm goes up and down lows 42 to 80's but when low just want to sleep or am so dizzy. Sometimes feel nauseous with this.

anyone out there that can share what I am feeling? Does it get better after pacemaker? I am getting a biotronik. Such a scary time in my life..

Thanks

Kim


8 Comments

Yeah, we all know pretty much what you're going through

by AgentX86 - 2019-05-22 13:02:24

We've all been where you are, give or take a little angst. There really isn't much to be scared about, though, except getting your life back. From what you've said here, that's exactly what's going to happen. Your new friend might take a little time to get set up but you'll likely feel better immediately. Then, depending on how long you've been suffering, you might take a while to improve your conditioning.

 

 

Ditto

by deenic - 2019-05-22 14:01:05

I am still going through denial but this site is helping me wrestle with this decision.  I have had two opinions and two stress tests along with two week long heart monitors.  When the last doctor talked with me last week she said "during the week you were the heart monitor your average heart rate was 52 beats per minute and sitting here in my office your heart rate dipped down to 42..."  I play competitive golf and spend 4 to 5 days a week on the golf course but over the past year or so have past out, got dizzy, and basically have no energy.  I've had to force myself to get up and golf or do anything but sit and watch TV.  So I went to the doc knowing something was wrong.  After drinking coffee and Red Bulls every morning, getting B12 shots and other things to boost energy, nothing worked.  So I sit here very upset feeling that my body has let me down which is very disconcerting because it makes me feel like what's next to go.  So I appreciate where you are as that is how I feel.  Everyone talks about how great you'll feel post PM but until I feel that way again I can only think about the hazards of getting a PM.  Anyway, I wish you well and hope everything works out just like it's supposed to.

Thanks

by Kimmiee2 - 2019-05-22 14:03:51

Thanks 

it helps to hear from someone that knows what it is like 

i wish I didn’t have to wait a week but patience isn’t my best asset.

 Crazy how you feel normal one day and then everything changes 

. I will count my blessings and remain positive. Wishing everyone the same 

 

Thanks

by Kimmiee2 - 2019-05-22 16:05:48

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I am amazed how many of us need platforms like these. 

I do know everyone is different but we all are scared of the unknown. 

You sound very positive and I love that. Wishing you continued good health 

Kim

3 1/2 weeks post PM

by Alex265 - 2019-05-22 17:32:08

I also had a Biotronik for bradycardia installed, the first week following surgery left me with several days of weak, lathargic feelings, especially in the mornings, it usually got better as the day went by but I didn't feel like doing much. After talking with my doctor I feel it was due to my normal response to surgery and the chemicals pumped into me during my 3 day stay in the hospital. Second week was better with most days having me on my feet doing things around the house and a couple slow days getting going mornings. Since starting my third week I have been feeling much better and my biggest concern now is over doing it while those wires are getting a secure attachment. From reading other folks posts I guess I have been going through a pretty average recovery for a 72 year old male that was leading an active life before the PM.  It really helps to hear what others are experiencing. My best to you.

Thanks

by Kimmiee2 - 2019-05-22 17:40:36

Thanks Alex265

You sound like you are doing well!

it helps so much to hear how others are doing. I know we are all different but the unknown is so scary...

 

Best of Luck in the many years to come 😃

Fully understand - and it *does* get better

by crustyg - 2019-05-23 04:52:33

Kim: Fully understand, have been waking every couple of hours through the night leading to my PM - fitted today.  Fitting was done under local only - entirely my choice, my cardiologist usually gives some intravenous opiod.

(finished off next day)

First regular heartbeat for nearly two years, slept better too.

You are stronger than you realise - you will get through it and it will get better!

It’ll be ok.

by AddieJ - 2019-05-23 20:49:33

The procedure is really no biggie. And I am not very brave at all.

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Member Quotes

It's much better to live with a pacemaker than to risk your life without one.