recovery

My husband had a pacemaker put in last Wednesday. He is feeling weak and has insomnia. When will he start feeling better?

4 Comments

recovery.

by jonpt - 2008-09-13 06:09:56

Hi, I had my pacemaker fitted last week, and I've seen the benefits. I've also had insomnia, and still feel weak. I don't think it's that unusual, after all the body has had the shock of being interfered with and cut open. Natural body rhythms take time to re-assert themselves and he needs to relax and let things settle.
I'm no doctor but I do know that a shock to the system takes time to come out. I've found that mental state is also a factor, if you fight it, it'll take longer to heal. The best advice I've found is to let things happen and go with it.
I know I'm not giving answers, but be reassured he's not the only one. If his insomnia continues more than a week he should tell his doctor or practice nurse.
Hope it's of some help!
jonpt.

on average 4-6 weeks

by Tracey_E - 2008-09-13 08:09:16

It takes a month or so to get back to feeling yourself again, but a lot depends on why he got it in the first place and if this is his only health issue. The first week is the hardest, it goes uphill from there!

Feeling weak could be just recovering from surgery. His body has had a shock and it takes time to get used to it. It could be that the pm needs programmed differently- sometimes the settings they start with aren't right for everyone. If it's weakness that comes on with exertion, check with the dr that put it in about reprogramming. If it's just overall tiredness, tell him to take it easy and give his body time to heal.

PM's don't cause insomnia themselves. Do you know why he's waking up? Is it pain? It can be a little hard to sleep the first week or two when you're still sore. Some pm recipients have a fear of going to sleep, afraid they may not wake up. It takes time to recover from the surgery both physically and psychologically.

it gets better in stages

by mandogrl - 2008-09-13 11:09:47

It was a big improvement getting the pressure bandage off, and another big improvement about 3 days after I could start using my arm above my shoulder again (6 wks).
More improvements by 3months.
My insomnia was cured when the EP made a couple adjustments to my settings, because I was feeling it starting to beat many times/ night.
It's just a process we all work through.
Your support and encouragement will be a blessing to him, like my husband's was to me.

Thank you

by sarajill - 2008-09-14 02:09:21

I really appreciate your comments. I feel much better now!

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