Lactic acidosis

Helllo. Got my PM on 2/7 and back to strenous job w/restrictions on 2/17. Felt much like 'The Little Engine That Could,' after reading on here about an EMT and other active 50somethings returning to strenuous duties/ pleasures after short-term recouperations. My mantra became: "I think I can! I think I can!" Well, I found out I could, but not without consequences. : ( Off work for 2 days due to lactic acidosis. Seems I overworked my muscles after having been on minimal activity/ability a few wks. prior to PM implant, plus overusing muscles on my upper right side/lower left side to compensate for left-upper body limits, while body is also re-building muscle fibers around leads implanted in heart. Makes sense. Also told to up my water & protein intake to flush my bloodstream & feed my muscles. Anyone out there dealt with this or learned about this? Lactic Acidosis? Grateful to hear all my blood tests normal otherwise & EKG showed PM working like a champ &.pacing 100% of time. Extreme fatigue had me certain I had pulled loose a lead, or having other cardiac problems, even tho I'd been extra-cautious. Grateful to hear it was the lactic acid making me sleepy & begging for down-time for my muscles, and that I just need to dial it back a notch, until my body's actual capabilities surpass what my eager mind perceives them to be. My bosses are great and had a laugh about overacheivers and limit-pushers, at my expense. Truly, I don't want to be a wienie & do want to pull my own weight. However, I don't want to relapse again or overdo. Any advice about.the lactic acid or other unforseen issues I may cause myself through my ignorance? Thanks! ~Jane

2 Comments

Two things

by Theknotguy - 2015-02-27 05:02:30

I would suggest two things. 1) Dial it back. It's only been 20 days. While you may have been in great shape and adapted very well, it still takes the body time to adjust. No reason to push it and end up taking a longer time to heal. 2) Increase your water intake. Not soft drinks or sports drinks, just water. I'm up to 1/2 liter per 33 pounds per day. That may be more than what you need for your comfort level, but more water helps flush out the bad stuff. Since getting the PM I'm finding more water is better than less. That may be due to my meds but I wasn't feeling good a couple of weeks ago. Started adding water and felt better. I'm on a timing sequence now with a reminder every few hours.

Sounds like you had an easy transition at the start. Hope you continue to do well.

Thanks again

by Janenotarzan - 2015-02-28 03:02:52

To Theknotguy.
I had a good day back to work and have my whole team observing/monitoring my water intake(& water only, by golly/by gum!) and my activity level. Embarrassing on one.level but heartwarming on another. Feeling confidence now that I can climb upward in baby-steps until 3/13, without more setbacks. Also confident I will be as productive as ever by then and happy to know my team feels, unanimously, that I am a player worth waiting on. Thanks for.the needed support & calming pep-talk. Hugs! ~Jane

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