Still Nervous!

This last August had Pacemaker inserted as I had heart failure..I only knew at the that time,it would help regulate heartbeat..I have been doing well,checkups are great,but at times I get little pain in arms,and neck,and I get panicky thinking I am having heart problems..Since I am a new kid on the block,am wondering if anyone else had this experience..I dont know what to expect,or if this is normal?Aalthough I must say I feel great,walk without tiring,can now shop the malls,etc..My life has been a lot better and I am stronger...I am so happy I found this site by accident on my internet,as I do not know anyone who has had one implanted...Thanks for any advice......

3 Comments

you will be 100% better

by allanrogers - 2007-11-11 09:11:30

I had my pacemaker implanted only 6 weeks ago
i am a 41 year old male from edinburgh.

I think this site is brilliant it gives us all hope and people to talk to who really understand.

It is totally normal to be nervous i know i was but i guess you must take and accept everything that life throws at us and all i know is that like you i am stronger and probably 100% safer than i was before.So i guess as cliched as it sounds cease the day and try not to let it worrie you too much.

best wishes

allan

Hang in there!

by Carol - 2007-11-12 12:11:34

Hi and welcome! This site IS awesome and can help you in many ways. It sounds like you are doing OK since your check-ups and all have been good. I got many different aches and pains following my PM implant(10-01-07) and sometimes panicked thinking they were heart related....I think it comes with the territory of just having had a heart related incident and surgery....made me feel vulnerable. However, with that being said, if you are uncertain of the cause of your pains, I think it's always best to just ask your doctor or his nurse so you can be reassured that it's "nothing" or if it needs checked out further. I know we don't like to "bother" our doctors, but, hey, afterall, they "work" for us and are there to help us! Hope you continue to do well Sincerely, Carol

Nervous is normal...

by dward - 2007-11-12 12:11:42

I have mentioned this before in my postings; I think the one thing I DIDN'T get good information on was exactly what to expect after my PM was inserted. I kept hearing and reading that, "you will feel better and won't even notice the PM." Well, that's close, but not quite accurate. In hindsight (now that I've experienced it myself) the inscission area will respond like an inscission. There may be some minor pain and (for me) itching for a few months while it heals. I say this because I too was worried that any pain or discomfort I felt was directly related to my heart - forgetting of course that if I had an inscission like this for any other reason - I would probably RELATE it to the inscission itself.
I ALSO discovered that you may feel more muscle-related painn from the insertion if you are younger or still have tight muscle tone. So, yes, I did have some discomfort now and then in my left collarbone area and left armpit.
Then there's the odd feeling now and then from pacing. Some feel it more than others, some don't feel it at all. It doesn't hurt, but it IS there and of course when your MIND is focused on ANYTHING to do with your heart - chest - blood pressure - etc. It's easy to feel panic or anxiety.
I agree with Allan. You have to try not to let it worry you. It will take a little time, but those aches and pains should go away and any other discomforts you will get used to. I still am a wee bit tender around my PM (It was installed in May 07 by the way).
And don't forget - If you have any lingering concerns... ASK YOUR DOCTOR! I did, still do, and it helps to calm any anxiety I may have.

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

Member Quotes

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