Post-Op Pacemaker - Lack of Energy

I have my pacemaker implanted on 8/14/08. It's about 4 1/2 weeks now. I still have such a lack of energy!! Yes, I live in hot, hot, Florida and am overweight. I had always blamed that on how I felt before knowing I actually had a slow heartrate.

Now, when should I start to feel like I am getting more energy? I went to the doctor's last week, but he wasn't in and I saw a nurse practitioner that I never saw before. Long story short, I wasn't 100% happy with the visit. I talked to the office today and will be going back again to see my doctor next Wednesday.

My one pacer check I had already was perfectly fine, bloodwork is fine, EKGs fine. Is it just me getting used to this? Is it more in my head or is just the usually 'whatever' that you go thru being new to the pacemaker?

Thanks for some insights :)

8 Comments

any time now

by Tracey_E - 2008-09-16 04:09:12

4-6 weeks is about right to feel our old self again. Are you tired all the time or on exertion? If it's all the time and the doctor has cleared you for activity, I'd try to start slowly getting back into shape. If it's on exertion, you may need reprogrammed. The settings they start with aren't always right for everyone.

I'm in Florida, too. I'm ready for fall any time now!

Lack of Energy

by sonkitty - 2008-09-16 04:09:27

Tired most of the time AND on exertion. I take a long walk every day - something I've done before the pacemaker and still now. I do it 'cause I should, and definitely not 'cause I like it. I'm not panting or out of breath, but just don't have the 'umpf' to want to get moving. Hopefully this will pass. We'll see what happens next visit on the 24th.

Yes, fall weather in FL couldn't come any quicker for me :)

3 months

by jessie - 2008-09-16 04:09:50

i was 3 months before the tiredness disappeared, however the sob went right away the first day i received may pacemaker. i would be looking at getting more rest for awhile. if you are not out of breath from walking that is a good sign. so see the dr. next week and get him to assess. i am 67 jessie

My Lack Of Energy Cont'd.

by sonkitty - 2008-09-16 05:09:07

I don't sleep thru the night due to a blind cat I have to get up for during the night when he cries. It's also hard for me to fall asleep due to having to wear my sling for another 1 1/2 weeks and the usually weirdness of the pacemaker feeling in my chest. I think that sleep routine may have a lot to do with it. Hopefully, it nothing medically and more my pacemaker paranoia, etc.

Thanks for the comments :)

bingo

by Tracey_E - 2008-09-16 05:09:09

Blind cat and the sling... I think it's safe to say that's why you're tired all the time! Good job on the walks. Keep it up even when it's not fun, it'll be worth it.

Lenny, I'm in Jupiter. No one should be out doing anything strenuous in the heat of the day! I power walk with my dogs a few times a week and I try to be back by 9am. My shepherd is the worlds best workout buddy- no distance is far enough, no speed is fast enough for him! Good luck with the weight and exercise. It takes a lot of work and dedication but you'll feel better and your heart will thank you.

6 weeks out

by lryegbert - 2008-09-16 05:09:20

I to live in Sanford fl HOT when I go out it has to be in the am or I can not go. I also am 229 lbs 5ft 8 in over weght.and am looking for a lot of advice we seam to have come to the wright place funny some days i can go and all is fine next day I walk 10 feet my hr is up pressure in the chest it will take time they tell me
lenny

Lack of Energy

by sonkitty - 2008-09-16 09:09:21

Yes, the FL heat doesn't help. I try to get out for my walk before 10, but that doesn't always happen. Even at 9, it is sooooo hot already. I think I really have to get on an earlier sleeping pattern, so I could wake up earlier.

It's been so hard falling asleep in a comfortable position with lots of pillows stuck here and there - the memory foam pillow under my head and a regular one - a body pillow on my side with my left arm in the sling on it - back starts to hurt - blind cat cries and I'm up and repositioning all that all over again. Oh yeah, another cat sleeps in between my feet. Husband on the other side of the body pillow. I know - no wonder I don't get the proper sleep! :)

got a guest room?

by Tracey_E - 2008-09-16 10:09:09

Maybe take a night to yourself just so you can get a little sleep? Close the door and let your husband deal with the cats for a night. I'm an insomniac and I do that occasionally when I've had a few bad nights in a row- lock myself in the guest room sans kids, husband, dogs.

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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