Not getting stronger

     Good day. 41F, I have a Bi-venticular pacemaker for nonischemic heart failure.(not sure what's relevant) I have had this device for about 6 months. I healed pretty well, nothing bad. I am trying so hard to get stronger but it just won't happen. I am not doing anything crazy just walking, house work, desk job, cleaning, trying to be normal, not staying in bed but I do not get stronger it's so strange. I have had improvements yes but my legs are so heavier some days worse than others. I am thinking maybe this is just how it is now? idk I never had heart issues then all of the sudden everything changed so I am not sure of what my expectations should be. So my question would be , is this normal? I understand that everyone is diffrent. 

4 Comments

So many questions..

by USMC-Pacer - 2023-11-10 12:57:21

Do you know what the cause of your HF is? What is your EF? Do you have other issues like valve problems? Are you on medications such as beta-blockers?

Sometimes improvements can be time consuming and take longer than 6 months. Have you mentioned this to your cardiac team? 

It depends on the degree of heart failure

by Gemita - 2023-11-10 12:59:31

Hello tkw, I am so sorry you don't feel as though you are making any progress.  A CRT pacemaker can take some time to work, even up to one year.  Unfortunately for some of us, it may not work in isolation without us needing further treatments, like medication and lifestyle changes.  But I still feel at 6 months, you have plenty of time to see an improvement.  I know it feels slow, but with heart failure we perhaps need to be patient and kind to ourselves.  

It is difficult to know what is normal for you.  Have you had a recent echocardiogram to check your ejection fraction?  This would tell you and your doctor how well your heart is pumping and whether your CRT is making a difference.  Perhaps you could ask your doctor about getting another echocardiogram if you haven't had one for a little while.

You are doing all the right things to get better and I am sure if anyone can succeed, it will be you, so please continue to exercise gently and to continue with your normal daily activities.  I wish you all the very best

Frustrating

by Penguin - 2023-11-10 15:37:07

Hi, 

Just wanted to say how difficult it can be to come onto a forum like this one and read lots of success stories when they don't seem to apply to yourself.

You're right - we are all different, and there may be 'different' ways to improve your heart failure and you may progress at a different rate too. 

I imagine that an operation whilst you are suffering from heart failure can be quite a challenge for the body.  I really hope that things improve for you. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Best Wishes

Hi fellow Boston Sci

by Lavender - 2023-11-10 16:23:54

You and I have the same model CRT-P. I can tell you that it took me seven months to one day finally notice that I was feeling better. I had complete heart block and left bundle branch block which led to my device. 
 

My ejection fraction improved to normal in time and has stayed there. 
 

You are not done healing yet. Nerves take a long time to heal. I do recall feeling like my legs were hard to move forward like they had a ball and chain on them. 
 

In time it all improved. You can explain your symptoms to your pcp because it might not even be heart related. If you have a pacemaker monitor, (I have a latitude monitor) if would report anything amiss. 
 

May your body soon be energized with an uplift in spirit and strength. May your legs feel light as well as your heart. May God shower blessing upon you that is double the suffering you've endured. 🌺💞

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I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.