Still very anxious

I appreciate the responses about getting the lead fixed, But what I really want to know is if anyone has had this kind of anxiety after getting a pm. I did not suffer from anxiety before the pm. Now even with medicine I feel like I am going crazy with anxiety. I am considering getting the pacemaker taken out. I appreciate the feed back Carmen

3 Comments

Anxiety! Yikes#$@!

by pacergirl - 2008-12-24 01:12:44

Yes, I have suffered from anxiety with my PM. It took me by surprise actually. I have always been a happy person and handled the ups and downs of my life without any problems until the PM implant. Then there was this wave that came over me and knocked me off my feet. I struggled for quite a while. Then I reached out to a friend and it was only then that I began to understand that I was going to be ok. We helped each another through the anxiety of living with the electronics that keep us going. So in closing, let me say this... reach out to people who have gone before you, listen to your feelings.
Please know that you can get through this and if you need to, get some professional help. I personally choose not to use medications to improve my emotional state, but that does not mean that you shouldn't. Just my personal choice. I give thanks to God everyday for my friends and certainly my husband.
Blessings to you... keep you chin up! :-) That way I can see your beautiful smile!
Pacergirl

Don't give up.......

by Katielou - 2008-12-24 06:12:13

Hi Carmen,
You are not alone with your anxiety. I think many of us here have experienced it to some degree. I certainly did and for the first few months after my ICD immplant I was in a very sad state and a very dark place. I wanted to rip the thing out of my chest and feel normal again. I hated it but quickly came to realise what the alternative would be! It will get better I promise you - you have gone through a life changing procedure and it does take time for some people to get used to it. Like Pacergirl I didn't take any medication for my anxiety through choice but if you have people to talk to who understand it can be a huge help. We are always here and it doesn't matter how much reassurance you need. We will always try to support you. Give yourself a chance - remember you were given a pacemaker for a reason - to hopefully help your condition and give you a better quality of life.

For me, things improved very quickly when I came to terms with my condition and now although I never completely forget it's there I am glad it is because it keeps me alive and I can continue to enjoy my family and friends.

Hang in there and I feel sure you will improve very quickly.

Take care,
Lesley

My Advice

by chip - 2008-12-24 10:12:38

While I haven’t experienced any anxiety or anxious feelings I can imagine it must take a toll on you and I’m sorry that you’re suffering with it.

I would strongly suggest that you tell your doctor what you’re going through and get some help in the way of meds for the short term.

There is no reason for you to suffer and surely no shame in talking with your doctor about it.

If you don’t feel like you can go through the holidays without some relief I would most assuredly go to the ER.

God Bless

You know you're wired when...

You play MP3 files on your pacer.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.