New member-new pacemaker

hello to all, I just found this site.I just recieved my pacemaker on10/27/08 and I am still short of breath and having some dizziness still.My BP is running a little low at times.Down to 95/58 at lowest today.The pacer is keeping my heart-rate above 60 though. Before the pacer my HR was downin the 20s-30s.Is anyone else still feeling crippled?I am supposed to return to work on December 1st and I am very concerned I wont be able to cut it? I am a CNA in assisted living facility.
Anyone have any comments or suggestions?
Also they didnt send me for rehab at all.When were you told you could fully use your left arm?

3 Comments

Hi there, and welcome

by Angelie - 2008-11-12 06:11:04

You're still healing from the initial implant procedure. Give yourself a little time, as it's only been a couple of weeks.
I'm 33 and got a pacemaker in August. I'm still kind of adjusting to it, and it's normal to go through these adjustments. It's life changing, in a GOOD way. Please don't get scared by any negative comments you might read on here.
I worked as a CNA for 10 years, but now am a medical secretary. From experience, I think your main concern as far as your CNA work will be raising your affected arm above your head for 6 weeks (to allow your lead(s) to adhere well to your heart wall. Also my doctor gave me lifting, pushing, and pulling restrictions for many weeks, which might inhibit your job duties.
Check with your doctor. He should be able to tell you what you can do about your job. Read my post about low BP, down further. You can also search in the "search" window for input.
Pacemakers aren't designed to help with blood pressure problems, nor should they cause BP problems. Are you on any medications that lower your BP? Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and keep up posted. Welcome-
Angelie

Recovery

by ElectricFrank - 2008-11-13 01:11:18

A lot depends on how long you had the low HR before getting the pacemaker. A heart rate in the 20-30 range leaves your body a bit short on blood flow and can impact various organs including the brain. It may take a while for this to heal.

As for use of the arm on the pacemaker side, the usual instruction is to avoid raising it above shoulder height for some length of time. This seems to vary with doctors and runs anywhere from 2-6 weeks. I gradually started raising my arm after 2 weeks and was pretty much using it fully in 3 weeks.

I also have experienced a drop in BP since getting my pacer, but only when I am relaxing. That can leave me feeling a bit tired and low energy, but as soon as I get up and start moving my BP and energy go up. The good side of it is that it makes going to sleep at night easy. My low is similar to yours and at times goes down as low as 90/45.

There really isn't any need for rehab unless you have some specific problem with the arm.

One last suggestion that I give every newbie is to ask for a copy of the pre and post programming report at your next checkup. This tells the settings of your pacer and also gives information as to how your pacer and heart are getting along with each other. Several of us here can help you understand the meaning of the readings and sometimes make suggestions.

good luck,

frank

beauchance

by beauchance - 2008-11-19 10:11:23

I have to make a decision by next month whether to get a defib and pacemaker. I have no symptoms other than a skipped heartbeat every third one, My Bp has been runnig 130/75 with a pulse of about 50. A catheterization showed all artereies clear, but I do have an enlarged left ventricle. I'm 69 but in excelllent health, my workout includes sprints and running up stadium steps as well as walking on my hands some 50yds at a time. I really am reluctant to give all of that up during rehap, at my age I get out of shape very quickly. About a year ago I had a seizure and was in hospital for about 4 days during which time I lost 20 pounds which I haven't been able to put back. The neurologist could find nothing. It wasn't until my new family doc. said maybe it was lack of oxygen to my brain and I shouls see a cardiologsts. That's when talk of a PM began. I'm skeptical of physicians and am afraid I'm asking for trouble if I become a cyborg !

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