I Need Some Feedback/Help

I have a St. Jude pacemaker with one lead. I got my original one in 2002 and in November 07 it was replaced with a new one as my battery had run out. My lead was not changed. At the end of September I got really low in strength, stamina, etc. When I was changed out, I noticed a difference right away. The technician told me I am 98% dependant on my PM and my new one should be good for 9-12 years. Another fact is that I am moderately overweight and need to drop some pounds. I will be 64 in March.

I have not seemed to bounce back from my Nov. 14th surgery. I do not have much strength or stamina. I can't stand for very long at all and have some good days, but not a lot. I find I get out of breath really easy and am just not able to do like I would like to do. I have not been able to start my walking back because of how bad I have been feeling.

When I ask the Dr. he says that he has no magic pill to give me and that the excess weight is what is pulling me down. I am not morbidly obese or anything, just overweight. That is my only risk factor other than a bad "heart" family history. I have stayed basically the same weight for the last 15 years. I can't seem to lose much, but I don't gain much either. I don't overeat, but it is so hard to lose.

The last visit the Dr. told me that he thought I was just one of those people that metabolism slowed down to a crawl and if you are only eating 1800 calories, but only burning 1700 you will not lose.

Any help, encouragement, suggestions, feedback or anything will be so appreciated. Thanks for your help and for reading this long piece.

Take care,

NH

2 Comments

Losing weight

by Saphire416 - 2008-01-08 06:01:46

I recently lost 106 pounds and believe me its not easy but its not impossible either! I just got my pm new year's eve so even weight loss doesn't keep you from getting one of these Ive just found out.
Helpful hints on my weight loss were drink lots of water. I ate 6 small meals a day and watched my fats. I didn't give up anything. Still had all the food I liked just small portions with lots of water. Most importantly I took it one day at a time. Don't give up you can do it, I have faith in you! Get yourself a big water bottle and drink away and remember it makes you look younger too!
If you need someone to talk to feel free to email me..
One pound at a time....
:) Donna

Thanks

by NH - 2008-01-09 10:01:05

Thanks, Donna for the support and encouragement. I just have been pretty down about the whole thing. I thought when I got my pacemaker replaced it would take care of all my strength and stamina issues. It does seemed to have helped but not to where I need to be.

I just have to try harder to lose weight and see what happens. Thanks again and take care,

NH

You know you're wired when...

You prefer rechargeable batteries.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.