New pacemaker recipient

• by Jeze3416
• 2021-11-09 13:34:17
• Coping
• 862 views
• 2 comments

Hello everyone, this is my first post. I have been reading this site for several months now and am always impressed with the good advice and support. The questions and answers are always spot on.

My story started 2 years ago, went into respiratory failure in the middle of the night. Stopped breathing and EMT intubated me and I was put on ventilator in ICU. Scared me to death. Cause still unknown. First cardiologist in ICU stated it was from antidepressants, Lexapro and Effexor. The Effexor had been added 9 days before. My MD had been treating me for stress related shortness of breath which I have had for years. Also told I had a slight heart attack at time of failure. My ejection rate 45. Over the course of a yr and a half ejection rate went to 20. Time for pacemaker. Had a Bi/V and defibrillator put in April 2021. 
Left ventricular lead broke August. Not sure of time frame. Caused horrible symptoms..shortness of breath, racing thoughts, shakes and no appetite. Lost 30 lbs. Lead replaced and old one left in October. Leaving old one in worried me but cardiologist said it's done all the time. 
Well to make a long story longer. Had shingles after they turned pacemaker off. And started with severe anxiety and depression. I still cannot function, lay around with blanket over my head. I try and walk everyday and still am feeding my dogs. Put back on antidepressants, Celexa, therapist 2x a week and Valium when needed. In other words I'm a mess. I'm 72 yrs old thank god retired so I can stay home. But I would like to hear from anyone who has had similar experiences. I'm kind of losing hope.