how long will I need physical therapy?

Hi, I'm a 33 year old mom of three. One day, without any prior health problems, I suddenly felt dizzy and fainted. While I was being tended to by EMS and transported to the hospital I lost consciousness several more times. A heart monitor in the hospital detected arrythmia. I got in touch with an excellent cardiologist who had me tested for every possible cause, but could not come up with any. Since the syncope kept recurring while I was in the hospital for several days, and the monitor showed complete heart block, my doctor decided that there was no choice but to implant a pacemaker. I was of course devastated, being that I'm a young and healthy (or so I had thought) person. (Thanks to this website, I'm working on getting into 'thank god for the the technology' mode.) I would appreciate any input from anyone who had a similar experience.

After the surgery I had excruciating shoulder pain which was also shooting down my left arm. I wasn't able to lift my arm much. Two weeks post surgery I was still in great pain, so my EP prescribed physical therapy. I'm now two months post surgery and still going for therapy. Of course, I'm feeling much much better now, but I'm still far from perfect. I still do not have complete range of motion in my left arm, and the pain in my shoulder,the wound site and upper arm are still present a lot of the time. Will I ever be completely normal again? Is it possible for the body to completely accept this foreign object?

Also, I was told not to lift my two-year-old (23 pounds) for the first two months. But I was also told that I wouldn't have pain past the first two weeks. So, do I go according to what I was told by the nurse or according to my body which is still in pain?

Thank you to all of you whose postings really helped me tremendously, both physically and emotionally.

4 Comments

Welcome

by MSPACER - 2008-05-05 10:05:25

Welcome to the club. I was 38 when I got my pacemaker. That was 6 years ago. I was also in total shock, but I really don't think about it too much anymore. I want to tell you that it takes a long time to heal. You are going to feel pain and discomfort for a while. I still had discomfort for almost 6 months and every now and then, I feel twinges and soreness. Don't worry too much about it. You'll be able to lift your son soon, but I would be careful about it. The doctors will tell you, that it's a simple procedure, but to make the pocket for the generator, the doctor has to cut a lot so it takes a while for the scar tissue to heal. It's normal. We all heal at different rates.

Welcome MSPacer!

by Swedeheart - 2008-05-06 12:05:06

Welcome to this great site! I have had my pacemaker a total of 71 days, and I too am thankful for the technology! The folks here have been great to me and I have appreciated the excellent information here.

I too was in shock I needed a pacemaker. I had just received a "clean bill of health" on my heart shortly before! I knew about one month before I would be getting one... I have AV heart block, and had some "really" near syncope events.

One of the things that is most difficult is to be a Mom and need to "take time off"! Believe me, I know! My children are long grown and out of the house, but when I still had kids at home I came down with a lengthy illness and it was so hard not to be able to take care of my family.

It is very important you don't "abuse" your arm. You need to use it so you don't wind up with the frozen shoulder problem, but you need to find a balance so you don't injure it more either. I am glad your physical therapy is helping.

I am on day 71 since implant, and so far haven't had too many problems with my shoulder. Sometimes it is uncomfortable, but finding a comfortable position for my bra strap has been one of the hardest issues. I have found, now that I am past the 8 weeks of not raising my arm over my shoulder... that when I do things I haven't been able to do for several months, I get sore. I did some major vaccuming yesterday and today my upper chest area has complained some. So, start slow and work up to things.

You have made progress, and I am sure you will continue to improve. I know at first I thought I would be this somewhat helpless little old lady... and it made me angry/anxious/depressed and all of that inbetween. I finally am feeling better and know it was just my healing time. Don't try to do to much. As a Mom, reduce what you think you can do.... things will wait. (Hey, my dust bunnies didn't go away ~ hubby just didn't *see* them! Ha!)

Good luck. Ask all the questions you need. The folks here are quite helpful.

Swedeheart

1 1/2 years pacemaker/defibular

by Serenitymickey - 2008-05-08 11:05:40

I am 52 and live alone except 2 days a month my husband is home. I never went to therapy..my choice..it probably would have helped. I agree with mspacer we all heal at different rates. I was angry and scared cause I pretty much was on my own during healing period. Trying to get my bra fasten,dressing..fixing something to eat when I was just worn out. Every move reminded me I had this strange thing in my body..pain, throbbing at times...couldn't sleep.....crap when would things get back to normal I kept saying.....I finally realized it won't I will have to make new normals which included this new partner I have. Ndrelo ya know what it seemed like I made peace with it...I even named her Ethel. Things started to get better..lots better..sure I still have those times of sharp pain..or aching..but I have come to except it.And their is times I forget Ethel is around...so much so I made a real silly purchased today and didn't realize it til I tried to use it tonite .....I am getting ready for my first holiday since my surgery.....I needed a new backpack...I always use them on holidays....how foolish of me...I put it on and the pressure on my shoulder was awful....I just started crying..then into laughing I forgot Ethel is going with me from now on...new normals...so I will be off to buy a fanny pack ..haha..I am just trying to let you see their is light at the end of the tunnel honey..even when it seems so dim. And this site is a godsend to all of us...cause we are never alone anymore. Take care sweetie you have a long life ahead of you and a wonderful journey it will be.

welcome

by mandogrl - 2008-05-09 12:05:03

Mine really was a pain for the 1st 3 months or so, and I was starting to feel like a hypochondriac, cuz I just thought by 6 weeks it should be totally normal.
Now at 9 months, it doesn't hurt me at all unless I apply pressure there. I pad my seat belt, bra strap, etc... cuz I'm a little skinny, and that takes care of things irritating it. And hold my mandolin a little differently. But those are all small concessions to make to not faint anymore.

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