pacemaker

Still Early Days

by Shaun - 2017-03-19 19:39:02

You need to give it time. Like yours, my implant was an emergency and right up until 24 hours before the implant I was completely healthy without any symptoms. In fact I'd ridden about 50 miles on my bike the day my symptoms started and I remember it being an extremely enjoyable and relaxing ride. But that night I was not able to fall asleep without passing out and so a pacemaker was required which kicks in when the heart drops below 60bpm.

After the pacemaker implant I had a whole load of strange symptoms including breathlessness which I'd never had before the pacemaker. But there again, Bradycardia had never been a problem for me either before the pacemaker, so even though I felt at the time that my symptoms were caused by the pacemaker, in fact they were probably due more to the sudden onset of Bradycardia (who knows?). The point is though that I wasn't unwell before the pacemaker and so I don't have a point of reference for determining which symptoms were caused by the pacemaker itself, all I know is that I've not come even close to passing out since the implant and for that I am very grateful.

It takes quite a while to get back to "normal" again, but "normal" does not mean the same as before, In my case I needed to become accustomed to a new "normal". I still get a bit breathless at times, but after 2 years I know that's normal for me now and there are simple things I can do to alleviate the symptoms such as stopping talking and taking a deep breath.

In my case I did have quite a few tests after the pacemaker inplant to eliminate any serious underlying causes for my symptoms and that put my mind at ease. Also, my pacemaker settings have not been altered since the implant, so it was just a case of time and adaptation.

I know it's a worrying time for you EMS, but from what you are saying it sounds like you are going through the same experiences as most other people who receive emergency pacemaker implants.

All the very best,

Shaun.

recovery

by Tracey_E - 2017-03-19 20:00:59

Tired is normal. Weak and short of breath sounds like the settings need fine tuned.This is pretty normal with young, active patients. Call and ask to have a follow up if you dont' have one scheduled soon.

Young and strong

by bridgermichael - 2017-03-20 05:34:14

when you are young healthy and strong the natural thing your body wants to do is reject any foreign body put in to it ! it only takes a couple of weeks to get used to it and for the first month every time u feel something you wonder what's going on - that's normal - soon although you know it's there you won't feel it and active life can recommence.

i have had mine 13 months or so and its great - I go to gym, I play golf ( slightly less follow through following great cardiac nurse conversation ) and play cricket - you do have to be careful on contact sports as a couple of layers of skin aren't going to stop a cricket ball, hard rugby tackle etc but generally everything gets normalised.

when you have your first months data download and graph then you will know why it's there and they will then alter parameters a bit - the annual one gives lots of info and makes you aware that technology has improved things so much - future models will be wifi and they are testing battery less models so u don't have to go through a battery replacement every 3/4 years. mine still has 72% battery so good for a couple more years - 

dont worry it was put in for a reason and usually to prevent a more serious heart issue so enjoy the revitalised you ... even if that may take another few weeks ! 

mike b 

Gratitude

by Ems - 2017-05-10 10:53:45

Thank you guys for your encouraging words about my situation!! It has now been 3 months since I had my pacemaker implanted. Things are getting back to normal, well as normal as can be. After 2 months of not being able to stand longer than ten minutes and not being able to hold a conversation due to getting out of breath along with fainting spells I finally checked myself into the hospital. After a 3 day stay with many many test performed we finally figured out through the grace of God what was wrong. My pacemaker which my cardiologist, whom dropped me, told me was in complete working order turned out to be the issue. Those two months of misery could have been avoided if this doctor would have listened to me instead of just dismissing me. They had what I call the accelerator button turned on when it shouldn't have been. So anytime I would stand up it would say " ohhh Emily's moving gotta make her heart beat faster". Once they turned this off I've been doing soooooo much better!! I now live with anxiety but I happy to be better and alive!!