Tired

I was just relased after my pacemaker implant 6 weeks ago. The doctor wanted me to take 2 more weeks off. I am very stubborn and told her I was ready to return to work. She said ok but no heavy lifting and I said well then I can't go back to work. So she wrote my note with no limitations. After leaving my appointment in Chicago I went straight to work at the Rescue squad. I did not even run a rescue call and by the time I went home at 6pm I was so very tired. I was only there 6hrs and I am thinking I may not be ready to go back to work. Do you think I should call my doctor and take 2 more weeks? Did anyone else have trouble going back to a job with physical activity?

I would love some input!

Thanks,
Holly

5 Comments

Take time

by ela-girl - 2008-02-22 09:02:26

Hi, Holly.

I'm a teacher and happened to have my pm implanted via emergency surgery right before our fall break. So, I got a week off then went back. OMG. I almost had a breakdown the day I returned. So, I took two more weeks off. My doctor said he would write it for four if I needed, but I did go back after 2. It was still hard. It just takes time to heal and deal with all the emotions etc Not to mention I had a terrible administration who didn't make it easy for me--long story.

So, don't give yourself a hard time if you feel you aren't bouncing back as fast as you should be or if you're getting tired. It takes time to heal. If you can afford to take the time, I say do it.

Happy pacing!
ela-girl

from sistermary 7 again

by sistermary7 - 2008-02-22 10:02:48

and holly yes take time off. i am taking all the time i can without losing my shirt. i went back to work to early following a bought of cancer 7 years ago and learned my lesson. take if from someone who has been there. you will only set your self back further. i want to get back on my feet too but our bodies are telling us not to push it too hard.

take care, hope to hear from you

from sistermary 7

by sistermary7 - 2008-02-22 10:02:51

holly i hope i am getting this to you. i just read ela-girl and that was very uplifting. I am just so glad to talk to another nurse. my boyfriend who saved my life is a medic in paramedic school now. unfort. for him he got up close and person. with a sit. that neither one of us really wanted to go thru. I hope you are well now. it sounds like you are still having a hard time. as you well know nursing is not only physical. it takes all of us, mind, body and soul to do this job. i am very scared about going back to work . i am the type of nurse who is never at the desk , i am always doing something and i can't barely get outbed right now, need alone clean the house. i am so scared that this is as good as it is going to get for me. I take a deep breath and get dizzy,my bp bottoms out in the am like80/50 (never had that prob. before) then if i get going and start to feel palps.it hits 170' over 130's. why?. did you do this at first? did you also have chest and back discomfort? left arm and axil. pain probl a given at this point. i would really like to talk to you more.
thanks sistermary7@bellsouth.net

RE: Tired

by elleinad23 - 2008-02-22 10:02:52

Hello, I am a paramedic and I completely understand what you are going through! I know the long hours and the requirements of the job. If at all possible I would take a few more weeks off. I know there is no such thing as "light duty" in EMS. I was out a long time after my PM implant because they damaged my hand due to Vancomyacin infiltration, so it wasn't an issue when I returned. Definitely give yourself the time you need to heal the last thing you want is getting the leads messed up!
Take Care, Danielle

Listen to your body

by ElectricFrank - 2008-02-22 11:02:04

Holly,
It isn't only the pacemaker surgery that affects your ability to get back to a demanding job. It also depends on how long you had limited cardiac output from whatever caused you to need the pacer. Your body needs time to heal.
I would question returning to the kind of work you do fpr several reasons. In the heat of a rescue call you are not going to be able to pay attention to protecting your pacemaker and leads, and are likely to cause yourself a setback. Also consider the risk you are imposing on the people you are rescuing. If you pulled a lead loose during a critical time someone could suffer serious consequences. I'm surprised you were cleared for work.
Give yourself another week or two. Start working up to physical activity.

good luck,

frank

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