Recovery questions

Hi! I had a pacemaker implanted just under three days ago. I'd been in the hospital 3 1/2 days, pulse running mostly 30 to 35. The surgeon implanted a pacer set at 50 minimum. While I certainly didn't expect to feel miraculously better the first couple days after surgery, especially having been pretty much confined to a hospital bed for 3 1/2 days immediately before receiving the device, I'm somewhat disappointed at just how weak and short of breath I am simply walking from room to room in the house. (A rather persistent postoperative cough probably doesn't help me gain strength.) I'm curious how other folks felt two and three days after their implant. Thanks in advance for any help, suggestions.

3 Comments

call them

by Tracey_E - 2013-12-19 11:12:54

Call and ask to be seen. Hopefully the cough is something you picked up in the hospital but combined with SOB, you should be seen to rule out pericarditis. Sometimes the settings need adjusted before we feel good, also. They usually tweak it at the first check up. Tell them you are getting SOB on activity, that is a different setting change from SOB for no reason. Good luck!!

Thanks, Tracey

by heart925 - 2013-12-21 06:12:31

I went in yesterday afternoon. They changed the setting from 50 to 60, which has given me a bit more energy. Unfortunately, I still don't feel great. I've got another appt. on the 30th, but fear I may see the ER before that. Hopefully, that won't be the case. Thanks again for your help.

Meds side effects perhaps?

by Zapper - 2014-01-10 11:01:58

Fatigue is possible. Get your ejection fraction numbers before and after. Is it dual chamber pacer or CRT? Simple respirometer exercises did help me. Then
I had to read up on side effects of my meds on coughing & asthma like symptoms - beta blockers, esp.

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