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out of whack
I had my icd implanted on June 19, 08 and still feel out of whack. Somdays I have that feeling like I took a pain killer or something and feel kind of depressed at times and other times I feel anxious. I have been given ativan which helps but I want so much to feel like I have some energy. the fact that I have this icd i have no problem with and very happy I have it. I just feel out of whack. Anybody know how long this lasts and how to deal with it.
8 Comments
out of whack
by janetlynn - 2008-07-27 06:07:43
I had that same feeling for a few months after having my pacemaker installed. I was 42 at the time. I found it hard to acknowledge that I needed mechanical help. It definitely gets better. I found working out helped relieve the depression and anxiety. A good cry helps, also. :)
out of whack
by patpeter - 2008-07-27 06:07:47
Hi, you know it's not unusual to become depressed after a major life change like you just went through. I mean the docs say it's so easy and it's day surgery or 1 overnight in hospital but come on, you need this device to live. That creates huge emotional feelings, that you have to somehow come to grips with and you will but it's still very early in your recovery. You might talk to your doc about seeing a therapist for some counseling to help you with the accepting process and he/she may recommend some anti-depressants. Even if you don't feel depressed you still may be. This is just my 2 cents but this can be helped with a little intervention. I wish you well and it will get better.
Pat
Thanks for the support
by embo - 2008-07-27 11:07:07
I did not find it hard to have mechanical help in fact I welcomed it as I stated in my first comment. I am thinking I might need just an adjustment to relieve this wacked out feeling. the anxiety problem comes from concerns of how I am going to adjust to the thought of having to learn something else to do for a living. There are a lot things to consider I know but not knowing where I am going and how I am going to get there is really kind of scary. I must take a bite out of this dirt sandwich I have been given. I am just hoping the taste does not last long so i can move and feel like I got some purpose. Anyway thanks for your comments and concern and I hope all is well with you all.
Time....
by Bionic Beat - 2008-07-27 11:07:50
It's a big adjustment to find out that you need something to keep your heart going.
It takes time to recover from the implantation and the physical is the smaller part of the recovery.
The emotional part is just as important and can even be longer than the physical recovery.
As others have suggested, speak with your doc and give yourself some time to become secure in the knowledge that your "threat" is over. Your ICD is your security but it takes time to see it that way.
Hope you're feeling better soon.
Bionic Beat
Ativan
by bambi - 2008-07-28 10:07:16
While it's impossible to know exactly what is causing your feeling out of whack, the above comments suggested a number of things. It's most likely a combination of all of it. However, the comment you made that you are on Ativan, made me immediately have an "ah ha!" moment.I was on Ativan briefly following the death of my husband. I was 38 years old with three small children to raise alone. Of course I had typical anxiety, depression, and all the accompanying symptoms, and the Dr. prescribed Ativan. I swallowed these pills without doing any research on the drug. I was like a zombie with such dulled emotions, dulled reactions, and increased depression, I was a walking time bomb! I looked at life with very dark glasses, and the worse part was , I was unaware of the total personality change in me! I was hopeless and negative about everything! A family friend, who happened to be a family practitioner, clued me in on Ativan. He said it is instantly addicting, and can actually worsen anxiety and depression in some people. I weaned myself off the Ativan, [slowly], and felt as though a cloud had moved out of the way. I felt better, more positive, and had more energy and enthusiasm. I'm sure this drug works for some people, but for me, it was a NIGHTMARE! Just a thought...
Bambi
i am with you bambi
by jessie - 2008-07-28 11:07:46
i only take it for a procedure if i am really uptight. i hate the feeling it gave me. like i did not give a da--. throughout life it is better not to use drugs to deal with problems. it can only make it worse. ativan in my books is a deadly drug. i took it for my first cataract but not the second. i am taking it for a procedure in ambulatory care in sept. one doesn't usually hurt so we will see. as one gets older the effects of drugs and alcohol are much worse. i know that. so talk with your doctor. take care of yourself and god be with you. jessie
You know you're wired when...
You have rhythm.
Member Quotes
Your anxiety is normal. It takes some of us a little time to adjust to the new friend. As much as they love you, family and friends without a device just cannot understand the adjustment we go through. That is why this site is so valuable.
Meds
by fireryan - 2008-07-27 06:07:26
What meds are you taking besides the Ativan?