Anxiety

I'm 52 years old and had my PM implanted one month ago. I"m constantly checking my heart rate and worried that something will go wrong. I have an upset part of most days. I have had one or dizzy spells. Has anyone else experienced this?

4 Comments

It is typical

by stillshocked - 2008-05-05 01:05:17

The "shock" (pun intended) will wear off. It took me about 6 months to stop freaking out and stressing. What you have to realize is that you are more safe now then you were for the months leading up to the surgery.

You know what is going on, your doctors know what is going on. It's all good. Or as good as it can be. Sit back relax and realize that you are in control of it, it is not in control of you.

Best of luck, many happy years of pacing ahead of you. The best benefit is when you travel and NEVER have to wait in line with all those poor saps that have to go through the metal detector.

You get express check now!

Anxiety is okay...

by Swedeheart - 2008-05-05 06:05:01

Hello,

Welcome to the club! I am on day 71 since implant, and it took me a full 2 months before my "weird feelings" began to really subside. I am 60. My pacemaker was implanted because of heart block. I have had dizzy spells, queazy stomach, light headedness, essentially a lot of the same symptoms I had before my pacemaker. I am sure my anxiety about it all didn't help matters, but I also believe we have to give our bodies time to adjust to this new "partner" we have in life.

The settings you will eventually have changed I am sure will help you feel better, but they likely won't be done before your leads have firmly set.

You aren't alone, it is "normal" the stuff you are feeling for many of us. The thing is many doctors play down the whole recovery time and recovery issues so we just aren't prepared for them. I got the idea from my doctors I would feel much better immediately! This just wasn't the case.

I still have odd days when I feel some of the symptoms and I imagine it will take a good year before they go away. They may not go away at all, I do not know. But, I no longer fear of passing out unexpectedly.

My doctor gave me some medication (Ativan) for my anxiety prior to my pacemaker (I knew in advance) and it really helped me. I have used it sometimes since implant when I feel really "jumpy". You might ask your doctor about something to help with the anxiety.

Good luck. Give yourself time. I realize it is difficult to continue to be patient. I know I am eager to be able to get on with life and not wait any longer!

Swedeheart

Anxiety

by Pookie - 2008-05-06 02:05:05

First off, welcome to the club.

Anxiety is normal for some after getting a pacemaker. I too take Ativan when needed. I also kept checking my pulse in my neck for months and months after I got my pacemaker...got to be a bad habit.

My question is this: were you ever dizzy before the pacemaker?

Also, check your meds...they might be the culprit for your dizziness.

Also, so a "search" up in the upper right top corner, main page, and you can research a lot of information on this wonderful site.

Hope you get your answers...

Pookie

Hi

by Jules - 2008-05-28 02:05:38

I had my PM in January of this year and like yourself I was checking my heart rate every five minutes. Now, I only ever check it once at night before sleep. My anxiety is getting better and I am sure yours will too. As most of the more educated pacers will tell you, learn to trust the pacemaker, it is a friend not an enemy.

Take care

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