Recovery

My father had a pacemaker put in 2 weeks ago. He had to undergo the operation twice in one week because one of the leads fell down and they had to go back in the next day and do the operation again. The first time he was not put to sleep, but he was the second time. He is feeling disgusted because he says he doesn't feel any better and might as well not had the PM put in. What is the recovery time for this operation. He is 79 years old and he is not a very patient person. My thoughts are that he has not allowed himself enough recovery time. He has had one check and the PM is doing okay.

4 Comments

why did he get it?

by Tracey_E - 2008-10-06 04:10:37

What condition did he get it for and how is his health overall? In general, it takes 4-6 weeks to feel your old self again. He got off to a bad start with two surgeries, that's a shock to his body and a mental blow also.

a few thoughts...
not everyone feels terrific with their pacemaker, it depends what's wrong with your heart to start with. It can speed up a slow heart, it can keep us from missing beats, but it can't control pvc's and things like that that make us feel bad. So, if your only problem is a slow heart rate, it'll make your heart beat normally again and you'll feel fabulous. If your problem is a slow heart rate and afib, you may not feel 100%. Just because it isn't making him feel better doesn't mean it's not saving his life.

How is he not feeling well? If he's getting tired on exertion it could be the settings. Just because they checked it doesn't mean the programming doesn't need tweaked, it just means it's functioning properly and will keep him alive. The standard settings they use are not right for everyone and it can take some time to get it right.

time

by boatman50 - 2008-10-06 04:10:38

I also had 2 operations within days of each other as my pm leads gave a problem. You must tell him that one is bad enough and the recommended time for recovery is 6 weeks. But having 2 operations has to increase that time. I did start walking as soon as I felt like it but I know I also slept a lot. Its 2 years now and I still have days when I feel tired. I would say it took a few months to get over the entire effects of the operations and just healing up.
Good luck to your dad, Boatman

Your Father

by SMITTY - 2008-10-06 06:10:52

Hello Odis,

The replies you already have pretty much cover every thing, but I'll add my nickles worth because I'm nearer (two year older) your father's age. Those others are just kids (just joking folks) and don't really know how us really senior citizens may feel. A lot depends on why he got the pacemaker. If it was for a low heart rate (one of less than 60 BPM) he should already be feeling better if he has the right settings for him. Therein is the ringer. The doctor implants the pacemaker and in reality guesses at the settings based on experience and his knowledge of the patient. Usually these first settings are good, but not always. Some times it may take 2, 3 or more tries to get the best settings. In that case, tell him to be patient and keep the doctor informed on how he feels.

Another thing, depending on his overall heart condition, he may have had some new heart medications prescribed. Some of these, while they may just what the heart needs, can make us feel worse than the devil. Again, the doctor will not know about feeling bad unless he is told.

One other thing, anytime a person is put to sleep for surgery, (especially us seniors) it can take several days or weeks to fully recover form the anesthetic. Getting over the effect of the anesthetic simply takes time. I have found physical activity speeds up my recovery considerably.

Sometimes, when you have time, fill us in on some more details about your father's heart condition and many of us here we will be more than glad to share our experiences.

I wish your father the best.

Smitty,

Recovery

by ElectricFrank - 2008-10-07 12:10:12

I can understand your fathers feelings. I'm 78 and in good shape. In my case I was able to get the pacer implanted in just a few days after I developed AV block, which didn't leave much time for my body to develop problems from lack of good blood flow. In my case I was walked 2 miles the day after the pacer was implanted and 3 miles/day after that.
My take is that it isn't the pacemaker surgery itself that causes a slow recovery. It is the underlying condition that required the pacer in the first place. Some conditions like mine are immediately corrected by the pacer, but others are only partially helped.
As others have mentioned the issue could also be that the settings in pacer aren't right for your father. Usually, the factory settings are left programed until the first check up. If he hasn't had the checkup yet you might put some pressure on for one. Be sure to ask for the pre and post programming printout. There are several of us here who can be helpful in giving suggestions. Depending on your doctor you may have to keep him honest.

frank

You know you're wired when...

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Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.