Help! :( PM Newbie

I recently had a pacemaker inserted (Friday, today is Tuesday) after having a syncope monitor show why I was passing out 3-5 times a day. It all happened so fast I had the monitor inserted and a week later they told me I needed a pacemaker and 3 days after that they removed the syncope monitor and put the pacemaker in.

The Surgery didn't go well because they had trouble sedating me and numbing me so I felt a lot of pain. And was in tears through the last part of the surgery and hours later.

Because everything happened so fast and I'm only 24 I'm having a really hard time coping. I haven't been passing out so I know its helping and will make my life better, but I still feel sad and depressed post insertion. I'm not sure why. I'm confused about how to feel about this and or what to do.

I'm a law student so I haven't been able to take easy post surgery at all. And it doesn't help that I have to lug around 5 big books on Tuesdays. I bought a bag that rolls but it provides minimal help.

I'm still in a lot of pain and I don't know how to cope with all of this. Could you all offer some words of encouragement, tips, or anecdotes that might help me cope with this?

Thanks for anything you can offer. I really appreciate it

10 Comments

Welcome

by ela-girl - 2008-09-02 08:09:16

Hi, Megherbst.

Just to let you know...there are a bunch of us here on the site who had pm's implanted because of syncope related problems. I am one of those. Use the search feature in the upper right hand corner of this page to look for other posts/replies on syncope. You will find a lot of info. and lots of stories of all our experiences. I've heard of the syncope monitor that you speak of...it wasn't around years ago when I could have used it! So, I'm glad you got to partake in that piece of technology.

And you are not alone in having a pm at your age. I am 31 and had my pm implanted at 29. And there are a lot younger folks than me on this site with a pm.

I am glad to hear that you notice a difference already with the syncope. For me, the pm has completely helped to control the symptoms and problems that led to my syncope...and it's been two years with my pm Octoebr 12th. It will take time for you to recover, so don't be hard on yourself if you feel like you aren't up to par as soon as you think you should be. If you have any questions about recovery, just ask. Between us all on the site, we have loads of experience and tips to help you out. I'm sorry that your surgery wasn't the best possible experience but focus on getting better now. Just know that you have the security of your pacemaker now--something you didn't have before. Trust it to do it's job. And continue to be your own best advocate if you feel like something is not right. Doctors tend to poo-poo us off sometimes because they think pm surgery is minor etc. And a pm can be a life changing event...so give yourself time to adjust.

Try icing your incision site to reduce your pain. I never needed any meds after surgery...just ice! And it took me a good 3-4 weeks before I could sleep comfortably. I loaded up on pillows to prop me up comfortably.

Hope this helps a bit...feel free to write back or private message me.

Happier pacing,
ela-girl

hi

by randrews - 2008-09-02 09:09:27

I'm sorry to hear things are tough for you now. thank goodness your not passingout anymore though. I'm older, 49, and got my pm 1.5 years ago. I to had syncope. I passed out at home while watching TV. I had run 14 miles earlier but my bpm went to low. In 48 hours the pm went in. Now that I look back, it all went well and I was working out again and ran a half marathon. My big problem was the emotional transition. But with time and some pampering all is well and even better than before.
Take it easy when you can
Accept help when it's offered, ask for it when it isn't
Take time off if you can.
This was a major process, give yourself a break
Don't expect to be your old self overnight, but do plan on being your old self
Keep up the school work. You aren't defined by the PM.

Take care and God bless you,
Rusty

Be Well

by TraciaJo - 2008-09-02 11:09:03

I am 52 and had my PM installed last year in May, I sleep on my side so I just slept on the side that didn't have the pacer. As my husband has too work, I would spend all day in bed, what helped me most of all was a quiet talk with God and all I can say is I wasn't lonely anymore and I felt at peace. I get the usual jolt in the chest and it doesn't scare me anymore, because the pacer is doing it's job.........it will take time, and the best thing for me was too enjoy each day, and try not too think about it too much, just put it in Gods hands and have faith, it happens and it happened to all of us and we are here on the net talking to one another.......god bless and take care of yourself............Tracia

Hi......

by Bionic Beat - 2008-09-03 01:09:14

I think that the surprise of suddenly having your lifestyle/plan changed can be a severe shock and very upsetting. That's true at any age but especially in your twenties....at least you've sorted your medical issues and hopefully, will be well in the future.

I'd had years of heart problems and was very relieved to have my pacemaker implanted this past February and my ablation in April.

It has literally given me my life back, after 8 months of being bedridden and unable to function at all.

My daughter is also a University student and might I suggest that for the next few weeks, could someone either share their huge text book with you or could the necessary chapters be photocopied to lighten your load?

You really do need to take the time to heal properly and lugging around heavy books is possibly not the best idea.
Your doc may have given you a weight limit for the first few weeks and it's important to not exceed it til you're healed.

Between classes, try to lay down and rest as much as you can, eat well and try going for walks to decrease some of the stress.

It's most unfortunate that they were unable to make it more comfortable for you but at least that part is over.....try to find security in your new mechanical friend and look forward to better days ahead.

God bless and take care of yourself.


Bionic Beat


Hope you feel better soon

by dual pacer - 2008-09-03 01:09:23

Hi I have had my pm for 10yrs and I am going in on friday 9-5 for my 2nd one. I have had a very good run with this one. It is a big change. You feel it at all different times. Over time this will change and you will forget in a way that it is in there. Think good thoughts. You really need to take it easy and not over work that arm. There is a reason God has kept you here. Maybe to help others with med. problems. Think of your self first. Take care and Smile.
patty

re: Help

by chip - 2008-09-03 02:09:08

Hang in there because it only gets better from here! Like you I had problems with syncope to the point that I passed out while driving. I can tell you from my own experience that a pacemaker gives you a new chance for life. You just have to go for it! I will say that if your depression continues talk to your doctor and get some help for it whether that is in the form of medication or therapy accept the help you need! Life is too short to spend it down – Especially now that you have the pacer and another chance for a long fantastic life!

Hi!

by llobet - 2008-09-03 06:09:54

I'm 36 and just three months ago I was planning a difficult climb to a 7000 meters high mountain. It was a shock to realize that I need a PM. I got it just 3 weeks ago and in only three weeks I felt lots of different things. The best thing of all is that you improve quite fast. I’m working and although I have to wait one more month before start with the sports I’m sure that everything will be fine.

I got in contact with a 29 years old german guy (I’m spanish) that had his PM implanted 2,5 years ago and had spent the whole summer climbing in the Alps.

Just takes time to get used and to accept your new condition but don’t worry too much and try to get to your routine as soon as possible. It helps a lot to see that there are not many differences and then you’ll see that you feel better much faster.

Enjoy and take care,
quique

Hi!

by Gellia2 - 2008-09-03 08:09:17

I got mine at age 26. Same as you. Sitting there one day reading the newspaper and all of a sudden, I'm in an ambulance on my way to the hospital for an emergency pacemaker placement. Good thing pacemakers were around by then. That was 1975 and for 33 years my pacemaker has "served me well".
I'm sure yours will, too!
Best to you,
Gellia

Hang in there Megherbst

by Pacing13 - 2008-09-03 12:09:54

I was 13 when my first PM was insterted and now 22 years later very thankful it was! I just had #4 inserted 10 weeks ago and let me tell you it took a good 8 weeks for me to feel 100%. Take your time, rest when you can and take care of your incision. Like ela-girl mentioned ice it when you can, I also did a heating pad on the backside of my shoulder. That helped alot too!

Take care-
Pacing13

Same thing

by christ1381 - 2008-12-03 07:12:22

I guess the best thing right now is that knowing people have been where you have and that it is something you can pull through. I just had a PM put in this summer, and the ripe old age of 28. I suffered a little bit of depression because I am in the military and being separated for medical purposes and have been all but taken out of my job market. Which was why I joined the Army to begin with 7 yrs ago, and has all but erased all my experience and specific training I've received (FYI...I'm am no where near a grunt). But its all about moving on and trying to find a different path that or just a different way of thinking for yourself. It's going to take time and patience, that's all I know. Hope things get better for you
Chris

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Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.