Coping/Adjusting

I am less than three month out since my placement surgery, following a full heart block. I have always been a very independent woman. I am having trouble adjusting to the idea of how dependent on others I am need to be. I am seperated, just a month short of divorce, so I live alone. My son lives in another city. My siblings have all but left me to fend for myself. In a way I am okay with that because I have always been able to do that. But I am finding this is different. In my recovery there are so many things I am told not to do. But the daily routine still needs to be maintained. I am having very emotional days as I see all the things I need to do but cannot without asking for help. I was also hoping to very soon get back into my hiking and walking routine. I was denied cardiac rehab, saying My heart isn't sick enough. I try and get out and walk and become so tired so quickly and spend the remainder of the day recovering from just a few short, very slow trips around my circle drive. I am just feeling very overwhelmed at the moment. I have always been very strong and dealt with so many things on my own and came out shining. I think this is great until you are facing something like this. Others are expecting me to be the same strong tough person and meet this head on. Which I can and am attemtping to do but I do need some assistance and I feel that since I have come home from the Hospital its just assumed I've got this and been left to fend for myself. I'd just like to have someone check in on me now and then to make sure I'm okay, or to offer some assistance, or at least someone to talk to about these things. I cannot afford to pay for a therapist after all these doc bills. Feeling kinda isolated and overwhelmed. Am I the only one? Are these normal emotions after this type of thing?

5 Comments

recovery

by Tracey_E - 2024-07-29 09:54:16

I'm sorry you are not feeling supported.

An emotional roller coaster is normal, yes. They talk to us about the physical healing but because it's a fairly minor surgery, most doctors and friends/family overlook the emotional healing. As surgeries go, it's minor, but it's still a surgery and a big life change. 

What are you being told not to do? Because after 3 months, the only things we really shouldn't be doing are getting on scales that calculate bmi, touring power plants,and ARC welding. The other restrictions are just short term,  for the first 6 weeks while we heal. 

Have you been back to your doctor? Because what you are describing is not normal three months out from a pacer for heart block. It's normal to need the settings adjusted, that may help. Be sure to let your doctor know how easily you are getting fatigued. 

Hi with a hug

by Lavender - 2024-07-29 09:57:10

I'm sorry to read what a rough adjustment you're experiencing. At three months in, you shouldn't have to rely on anyone. You should be able to resume life as you wish. There are few restrictions once you've healed that much. I did have some lingering pain in my left arm and neck for the first seven months which were relieved through therapeutic massage. 
 

The emotional recovery took longer than the physical recovery. My brain made me think I was fragile and had a life threatening condition. It took time, prayer and meditation to settle down and feel safe again. 
 

Could it be that you're feeling some anxiety and depression? It would be normal given your surgery, the divorce situation and just feeling vulnerable. Talking about it is helpful. You might benefit from counseling. Your pcp could point you in the right direction. Churches sometimes offer free counseling and some therapists charge on a sliding scale. 
 

My siblings, sons, and friends didn't help me with anything nor did I request it. I'm sure they initially were interested in my condition and sympathetic, but in time we all go on with our lives. Yours should resume. If you're used to hiking and walking, and having trouble getting going again, perhaps there's an adjustment that could be made to your pacemaker. Ask your cardiologist. 
 

It is going to get better. You have a lot of emotional recovery to go through. Physically push yourself to walk a tiny bit more each day. Feel free to post here anytime. You're not alone. We understand. 🌺🌸

Tired

by piglet22 - 2024-07-29 11:22:00

Hello

I would agree with the others, it is a lot to take on board.

Apart from getting over the surgery, the pacemaker should relieve you pretty much straight away from the symptoms that brought about the heart block diagnosis.

If your symptoms had been going on for some time before the op, it might take a week or so to get used to the new you.

Is your tiredness a feeling of being short of breath or does it manifest as muscle aches, typically legs?

You should be due for a follow up clinic which is the time to bring up problems, but if your tiredness is affecting your daily activities, then speak to someone sooner rather than later.

If you aren't already doing it, then keep a record of your basic vitals like blood pressure and sats (oximeter). Do them at least once a day when you are relaxed, and if possible, take the oximeter with you to check sats at the start and end of your walk.

Definitely

by karensoftball - 2024-07-29 13:44:25

Ditto with the other comments. Minor surgery but it is a lot to take on. I was in a fight or flight for a little bit after mine. My EP was supportive and reassuring.

Hopefully you do have a checkup in the near future. My primary and my EP would be trying to find a cause of the tiredness. I recently had an adjustment made and it helped. But they can't do anything if they don't know about it.

My job/health insurance has wellness programs. A couple months after I got my pacemaker I signed up for an activity program. I have a personal wellness coach and that is how I safely got myself back to my active self. All covered by insurance.

I’m on my 2nd unit in 4 months

by Tex61 - 2024-08-11 20:55:43

I too got tired early on.   I was exercising and felt like my heart just wasn't keeping up.  
 

Echo revealed a lowered ejection fraction and I went back in for a 3 wire CRT pacer.  I'm still less than a month on this new one but better. 
 

Local cardiologist just weren't listening to me.   Friend helped me find the best EP in Houston.  
 

dont accept this is your life, resigned to being tired.    Go find a new EP if you'rs isn't listening. 

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