Is this normal?

I had my pacemaker implant last Thursday which was required for me to be able to run again without having dead legs when my heart rate gets to around 140. It has been set at 180 upper limit and 40 lower limit. However when I went for a five minute gentle walk today my legs felt a bit weak. Another symptom I have is that when I lie down my neck and left shoulder hurt especially when I try to turn in bed. Is this normal - has anyone else experienced these symptoms post op?
Thanks as always for your views.
Pam

4 Comments

Hi Pam

by IAN MC - 2013-10-20 03:10:38

Welcome to the bionic club. It really is early days, hang on in there....it will get better !

I tried to run on Day 3 and quickly abandoned the idea as running with weak legs and breathlessness was not fun.

Like Vic , I had to have Rate Response switched off despite the technician telling me that with Sick Sinus Syndrome I needed it on.

I look forward to hearing how you are in 6 weeks time

All the best

Ian


I get the message!

by PAMMY - 2013-10-20 04:10:42

Okay Don I get the message - I know I'm probably over-reacting ,over anxious etc but when I've never had an operation before and I was actually very well before going in - apart from feeling a bit dizzy when running, I wasn't expecting to feel weak especially as everyone said it was a minor op because you only have local anaesthetic. Also i was told I would probably be okay for work after 5 or 6 days but i don't feel I will be ready. Having read your message for newbies it has put my concerns at ease so thanks for that.
Thanks also to Angrysparrow, Vic and Ian for your comments and best wishes. By the way why 'Angrysparrow' - I'm intrigued.

Pam

soon after implant

by judyblue - 2013-10-20 08:10:20

Hi Pam:
welcome to the club. I am 51 had mine put in this year September 26th. I was training for my second half marathon when my heart decided to drop to dangerous levels and the PM went in. I can now sleep on both side, but feel sore after I'm on my left. Exercise has been quite a challenge. I am trying to walk my favorite trail. Today after 25 minutes I was dizzy, shaky, and nauseous. After gatorade, I was a bit better. But it really made me mad. It seems we are all different! And to all those who say "its no big deal, you'll be back to your old self in no time" never had a pacemaker!!
I went back to work as a school teacher 11 days after the surgery. it was way too soon! What I would have done in hindsight was take off 3 more days, work 2, have a weekend, take off 2 days, work 3, have a weekend. Then I would have probably been OK. My PM site has become inflamed for what ever reason, so doc put me back on pain meds for 10 days.
keep visiting our site, I bug everyone almost daily. It has been super emotional for me too, along with the physical. I am used to being in control of my life. It is not the case anymore.
Judy

Normal?? Sorta...

by donr - 2013-10-20 10:10:37

...Go search for "Some Tough Love for Newbies". Top right hand corner of this page. It was written for you! (BTW, I'm the author.)

It sorts out a couple things for the first time PM Host about the implant procedure.

We all react differently to surgery. We all react differently to having the PM placed.

You sound like the type person who expects to jump up off the OR table & run outside looking for Arnold Schwartzenegger ready to take on the world. Sometimes it takes a bit of time & you have to start w/ the new-born babies before taking on Arnold.

I had no idea what I was getting into when I had my first back in Feb 2003. I was lucky - I got up, ate a sandwich ('cause I was hungry) rode out of the hosp in a wheel chair & went back to normal life, albeit a bit handicapped by a gimpy arm for a couple weeks.

Please do not confuse the recovery problems from just losing a knife fight w/ the adjustment to hosting a PM. After all YOU JUST GOT CUT OPEN!

Don

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