Ealizing recovery is longer than anticipated
Thank you to all who posted about helping my Dad. I am realizing that there is more to his recovery than initially expected, especially because he is 77! He has 3 leads and a defibulator. Many peole mentioned settings?? I don't recall them saying anything about that at his follow up appt. He just received a machine in the mail. I think I need to really read up on that and understand how it works. I think he thought in 3 weeks he would be back to normal. I don't think so anymore. I am going to read him all this help!! I think this is GREAT. I wish he was more computer savvy. Thank you,
Claudia
2 Comments
Have him take it easy!
by Swedeheart - 2008-03-22 09:03:37
After all I have read and learned on this site along with other links about pacemakers... I think for me it will be at least 3 months before I really feel myself again. For your Dad, it might be as well.
I have been trying to do some of the things I really like to do that are "quiet" things... sometimes I go a little stir crazy wanting to "get out" and do something! I do spend a lot of time at my computer, I have found it to be a wonderful distraction. The first week or two I felt pretty lousy and mostly sat and watched TV.
Whatever things your Dad might be interested in, have him see if he can find things to do that are positive. Go through old family photos and make notes on the back that can be shared with other family members; read his favorite author; write letters to family and friends. When my Dad was about his age he really was interested in family genealogy and so I did a lot of genealogy work online and it really gave us something fun to share with each other.
Good luck, and please tell your Dad he is not alone in this! I am a little younger (60) but I am right there with him. This whole thing really impacts one's life in ways one never expected! There will be up days and down days and hopefully some inbetween days as well. Tell him to hang in there! Have him remember he is a role model for you...and other family members.
You might ask family members (send them emails or something...) to all send him a note or fun card to cheer him up. It is always nice to get notes from folks we care about in the mail.
Take care!
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by Seniorcitizen - 2008-03-22 08:03:17
I do not think that your Dad is going to bounce back as fast as he anticipated. I also think that you must ask all the questions you want answered so that his pacemaker/defribulator will work to its utmost.........The machine in the mail is probably the same one that I have to check in by phone to make sure the pacemaker is doing what it is supposed. I go into the Heart Clinic every 3 months and when it was not new I also used the telephone messaging.......Good luck.