July 3rd had pacemaker installed

Pacemaker preparedness?

by Gotrhythm - 2019-07-31 14:15:50

 When you were little you were taught what to do in case of fire. What to do in cases of choking, or drowning, or bleeding. All those things are scary, but most people recieve some training in how to handle them--even if they might never need it.

There are no courses in "how to adapt to life with a pacemaker." But you've got one, and now you have to figure it out. It's important to realize you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out alone.

Medical interventions (like pacemakers, and heart surgery) meant to improve heart function frequently bring up emotional issues. There are actually counselors who specialize in heart issues. But even if you can't find a specialist, it's important that you find a professional who can help you work through adapting to your pacemaker.

There is one thing about this journey you are already prepared for. You say you have had "major" heart palpitations all your life. That means you have learned something about how to deal with them. No matter how unpleasant they feel, you know that not even one single palpitation has ever killed you.

And you've also learned that the more you can focus on something else--anything else--the sooner the palpitation goes away.

At the age of 54, you've done things that are a lot harder than adapt to a pacemaker. Find a counselor to give you a little coaching. You've got this.

Anxiety with PM

by Selwyn - 2019-08-01 12:46:52

Any surgery results in anxiety and there can be few people not anxious after having a pacemaker/ICD.

Of the 900000 of us in the world with this technology there is some safety in numbers. 

Having a pacemaker is not associated with a reduced life expectancy.

The vast majority of folk with PMs forget about them being there, unless reminded.

Time does help.The initial anxiety decreases as you learn that you can lead a normal life, perhaps with one or two modifications( I stopped SCUBA diving). 

Personally, I would try to be as active as possible. You should eventually be a lot fitter with your little box. It does  take time to get over the shock to the system of needing a PM. You may feel tired after the anxiety. It certainly helps to talk to others who have had the same experiences, so congratulations on having the courage to post on this site  and welcome.

If you search for anxiety in the upper right search facility you will see that you are having a perfectly normal response to a stressful time.

Should you still feel the same way after some months, then you may need some professional help.