Feelin' like a Weenie...

Gee, I thought I'd be 100% better by now ( 1 month post-op ), but seems I still have days I feel like a "Weenie" (Sorry Oscar Mayer no hard feelings). Anyway, I still have some days that I feel pretty anxious about all of this, especially since I must start back to work on Wednesday and I am a busy nurse.
I have days like today, that I have skipped beats (seems more prevalent if my GI system is acting up, where I feel kind of bloated, this in turn makes me feel a little SOB and am more aware of my heart beating and the occ skips that occur. Of course its a viscious cycle I know, the more anxious, the faster HR, the more skips. Sometimes it's hard to heed my own advice to "just chill"! I guess I just don't trust this 'ole heart of mine as much as I used to. Well, in reality, I never did cope that well with the bouts of tachycardia and skipped beats that I had in the past....now it just seems worse knowing I am "wired".
If any of you all experienced anxiety after PM I'd appreciate hearing how long it lasted and that there is "light at the end of the tunnel". I've read past posts and know that some of you have had anxiety/panic. Sometimes it just helps me to hear the success stories again.
P.S. I have a Rx for Ativan, but trying hard not to get used to using it...even though it has taken the "edge off" on bad days. Any thoughts on this as well? Thanks,guys, Carol

5 Comments

Hi Carol,

by Gellia2 - 2007-10-29 05:10:05

Strange,...for years I put up with what felt like skipped beats and what they told me were PVC's and Afib. They were very uncomfortable but I just figured they were just normal and they told me to get used to them. Well, I just had my pacemaker changed and surprise!! With the proper settings (I have a wonderful EP now), I no longer have any of that. It's the first time in thirty two years with a pacemaker that I have felt "normal". Maybe your doctor can adjust your settings to make you feel better. I had a Medtronic rep in the OR when I had surgery. Perhaps your doctor could have one for you when they check your pacer out. It worked for me!
Best of luck to you,
Gellia

re: anxiety

by Janice - 2007-10-30 01:10:49

Hi Carol,
Was just reading your posting. You're talking to a # 1 Anxiety nut!! I had my PM put in on Sept 13. I guess I am starting week #7 since my surgery, I have very high anxiey, I went for my 1st check up last week, and they couldn't do it because I had a major attack while I was there, heart rate went up over 110, so now I go back on Nov.9 to try again. I know what you are feeling, I too went to my family Dr. since this, and he gave me an Rx for Ativan. I haven't used any of it yet, but plan to take one before I go next time. Everyone keeps telling me that I will get "hooked" on it, and I don't want that, plus they say it makes you dizzy and sluggish, and I don't want to feel any more lightheaded than I am now. I was reading that anxiety will sometimes make you dizzy, so I'm hoping that's what it is, and not my PM. I get SOB when my heart feels like it is skipping or fluttering, but the Dr. says it is more the anxiety than anything else. How do you feel when you take the Ativan? Do you have the symptoms that I've written about? I hope you feel better soon, and probally after you are back to work things will change for you, because your mind will be on your work. Take care,

Janice

Hi !, Carol

by johng - 2007-10-30 05:10:29

I will have to settle for being #2 anxiety nut,
(Janice has beaten me to the post)

I found the anxiety bouts were a problem for me for about ten months.
My doctor prescribed a sedative, which I was to take when I thought I was having another "heart attack".
My problems have gradually disappeared over the last six months.
I have only taken a half of a tablet when I felt bad, and this seemed to work. I soon realised I was not physically ill. Things really improved when I started attending the Gym. on a regular basis. Everyone there tells me the natural endorphines produced when I exercise are the best treatment for anyone recovering from any surgical procedures
Keep going, it does get better, (I promise).
Johng

RE: Ativan

by Carol - 2007-10-31 06:10:19

Hi all, and thanks for responding. Not that I would wish anxiety on anyone but comforting to know I'm not alone with this. Janice, I have taken 1/2 tab (0.5mg) of the ativan and for me, it has not caused dizziness, but does make me feel a little tired...tired, however, is much better than feeling those gut-wrenching butterflies of anxiety. It really does work and I have used it sparingly (usually on days when I experience increased PVC's that makes me nuts!) so as not to get hooked. Let's keep in touch and I hope you check this post as I'm not sure how else to talk to you guys.
I believe exercise is also a good idea, I have a treadmill, just need to get on it! Thanks again, Carol

DEAR WEENIE

by VIOLIN - 2007-11-21 10:11:04

i know exactly what you mean. i am only one week post op and the extra beats are the most disconcerting and limiting thing that bugs me. my medtronic tells me i am great and i did notice that each day i feel better and better. is that possible?
violin

You know you're wired when...

You know the difference between hardware and software.

Member Quotes

In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.