Starting new job

Hi,

My question is regarding long-term recovery from implantation of a FIRST pacemaker. I realize that everyone's experiences are different, but I'd really appreciate some input on what I might expect 2 to 6 weeks out in terms of overall health and energy levels, sleep, etc.

For some context, my surgery date might be 6 days before the start of a very rigorous (mentally, not physically) new job. This is a fantastic career opportunity for me, and I want to make a very strong first impression, and I'm concerned that I won't be able to give 110% 6 days post-op. And pushing back my start date isn't an option. 

I'm a 44-year-old mom of 3 teens and have a long history of vasovagal syncope (which we now know is caused by 10-12 second pauses). Also, I often suffer from significant fatigue, which the doctors aren't convinced will be relieved by the PM, but which could already make the job transition tough. 

I've dealt with the syncope off and on since I was a teen (misdiagnosed as seizures, etc), so part of me feels like I should wait until I'm settled in and find a better time to do this.

Thoughts?

Thank you!
L

6 Comments

Hey

by Mrclassy - 2019-09-03 11:09:28

I wouldn’t wait on pace maker only because it’s not safe to be walking around without one if you need on I was walking around almost 2 years without  one until they found the problem, honestly you should be ok in a month everyon heals different your only soar for maybe a week,  maybe explain to your new job your situation? 

Do !NOT! wait

by AgentX86 - 2019-09-03 12:11:40

Syncope is deadly serious, for you and often others around you. You'd better not be driving until you get this fixed.

Six days isn't a lot of time but many of us feel better immediately. I was great for a few months but then slid back some. You'll likely get better sleep after, so there is a good chance you'll be better. I slept in a recliner for a while so I wouldn't have to worry about my arms, or rolling over on it.

As far as pain goes,  it can vary a lot. I had virtually none. I didn't take any of the vicodin they have me. Just a few ibuprofen for a day or two. For me, the surgery was a piece of cake. I was overnight in the hospital, only because I was dependent, and back to work the second day after.

You're nuts if you try to cheat death further. Do you play Russian roulette on Friday nights too?

 

yikes

by Tracey_E - 2019-09-03 17:32:37

Odds are you will not be able to give 110% six days out.  I'd say I was about 80% a week out, that's just me and as you know we are all different. Can you have the surgery sooner? I would talk to your new job and let them know what you are dealing with rather than put off the surgery. Your heart can stop for 10 seconds and not start up again. Don't take that risk. 

Thank you!

by Ellie_9 - 2019-09-03 23:18:05

Thank you all for the comments! I've been living with this for so long now that it's just become this horrible but sort of "normal" part of my life. Thanks for putting it all in perspective.

The office actually just moved the surgery up 4 days, so I'll now have 10 days before I start. Even if I'm not 110% at that point, it sounds like I should be close enough to not make them regret hiring me, lol!

Thanks again!!! I'm a bit stressed about this and really appreciate having input from people who've been through it!

great news

by Tracey_E - 2019-09-04 10:58:32

So glad to hear they moved it up! Four more days to heal, four fewer days to worry about it. 

I found the anticipation of the surgery was way worse than the reality. It was a lot easier than I'd built it up to be in my head. 

Thanks again!

by Ellie_9 - 2019-09-05 07:30:15

I feel like good about the date and think the extra 4 days will make a huge difference in terms of healing (and less time to worry).

Thanks again for all the comments. I was trying to rationalize holding off until sometime early 2020, but I'm relieved knowing the worst will soon be behind me. While this month isn't an ideal time for surgery, it's a terrible time to pass out, hit my head, and have another concussion!!!

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