Back to real life

Okay - it has been four months since I received my PM which I am told is working at 100%. I had complete blockage when I had it implanted. I had not realized how bad I felt until after I received it and than felt so good that it didn't bother me at all. Now ever little ache or pain or strange sensation in my body makes me worry that something isn't right and I start expecting to drop over dead. I am sitting here crying because I stood up and felt light headed. Is this normal?

3 Comments

2nd kick at the can

by maryanne - 2009-04-05 01:04:48

First let me start by welcoming you and giving you a big {{{{{{{{{Hug}}}}}}}

Do you remember that game "kick the can" if you do you will recall how you run as fast as you can and kick the heck out of that can and then run like stink so you don't get caught....When I think of my PM I think of life in those terms...I get another chance to give life a kick and live it.

Living with a PM or ICD is not easy. We all had to make adjustments to our lives. I can remember when I got my first PM 24 years ago and thought what the heck, I am to young to be needing on of these I spent a whole month worrying about it, but after the healing process and adjustments being made to my PM I was good as new. I won't lie, for me it was difficult to adjust to this foreign object in my body. But I was young and had to much living to do. As it turned out I was also preganant with my first child at that time.

I have undergone 5PM replacements and a lead extraction since my first implant. It doesn't make it any easier the more you go through it..the discomfort is still there with every surgery,the bruising, the possible swelling or numbness, the light headedness and the list goes on. What does get easier is that you are a little more prepared physically and mentally.

When I had my PM and lead extraction in December which resulted also in open heart I can remember saying to myself, I never signed up for this. I like you was fearful and yes even a bit depressed. On discharge from the hosptial they gave me all kinds of pamplets and information. One of the pamphlets was titled "Depression & Heart Disease" It talked about depression and the coorelation with heart disease. I think what they were trying to say is that Depression can trigger heart disease and heart events can trigger a depression. The low emotional feelings are normal and somewhat expected.

I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom...I am hoping by sharing this with you that you realize it is normal to have a certain amount of aniexty, and depression. You have just gone through a life altering experience.
Everyone experiences slightly different post PM or ICD events. But often once adjustments have been made to suit your lifestyle you will start to feel stronger and more confident.

Coming here to the Pacemaker site is a step in the right direction. This is a group of very informed individuals who come from all walks of life, and may also have other health conditions. What we all have in common is our PM or ICD. We share our experiences and provide suggestions when possible. Although this is a great site it is by no means a replacement for a visit with your GP or PM clinic to get clinical answers to your concerns.

Lightheadedness/dizziness can be caused by a variety of things, lack of sleep, not eating, medication, blood sugars, blood pressure just to name a few, but it also could mean you need a simple adjustment to your PM. If your quality of life is being affected by your dizziness then you should speak with your doctor.

All the best....cheers, Mary Anne

Hi!

by pacergirl - 2009-04-05 10:04:10

Yes, in answer to your question it is normal. At first I felt great after the PM implant. I felt like I was nearly dead before. Now the reality of getting a PM and being dependent on it has into play. I suspect because you are fully functioning once again. Your brain is getting all the oxygen it needs and you are thinking clearly. All these feelings are normal, at least they have been for me.
Before the PM I could hardly carry on an intelligent conversation so I was a bit behind everyone else, like I didn't quite get things as quickly as my friends. Then, BAM! A PM. It changed my life. I too get dizzy sometimes, but it is usually because I have forgotten to eat or to take my meds.
As far as every little pain goes.... at least your nerves are all working! You aren't dead. You didn't die. You are alive and chatting and I suspect loved by your family and friends. These feelings you are experiencing are all part of who you are. Just go with it. If you are truly worried about the symptoms call the Dr. and have a chat with him/her. It will put your mind to rest and you can get on with living. You have been given a gift of a longer healthier life... good ahead and enjoy everyday to the fullest.

Pacergirl =)

p.s. I do have my bad days as well.... but I try hard to remember I need to smile and be happy because I made a promised someone close to me that I would.

Back to real life

by 220 chandler ave - 2009-04-05 10:04:50

I felt the same way when I had my PM implanted almost two years ago. I went through anxiety, depression, you name I went through it. I also had third degree heart block and was in shock when I was told I needed a PM. I still have times when I still get the anxiety but I have made it two years and if the good Lord is willing, hope to have make more years to come. You should talk to your doctor and maybe you need some medication for what seems to be depression. It takes time to realize that you have this piece of titanium in your chest that is helping you. Hope things improve for you soon.

Sharon B

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