Pacemaker Recovery

[Juliec27]

I have had pacemaker fitted after collapsing, went to doctor previously with exhaustion and swollen legs and feet, also overweight so he suggested gym. Still feeling exhausted and although back at work not coping very well, will this get better over time.

[Crochetwoman]

Hi Juliec27, sounds like your your having a rough time and never moving forward.

I’m sorry I have no experience of a pacemaker but are you still in contact with your Cardiac Nurse? I find them a lot more hands on than a GP. If not then go back to your Dr until you feel more settled. 🙂

[Juliec27 in reply to Crochetwoman]

Thank you so much for your advice, I am so glad I have found this site, kind regards

[Hidden in reply to Juliec27]

Cardiac Nurse is certainly the best port of call. I have had a dual chamber PM for a year now and it is slowley starting to have a positive effect. As well as your PM I would have thought a regime of daily drugs may be in order. Certainly diuretics to help shed the water you appear to be carrying. I have the same problem - without diurectics fluidf builds up in my lungs making them stiff and I feel breathless.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I have known a number of people who have had pacemakers fitted. Recovery does seem dependant on where you were before and it looks like you were not in s good place. The gym (unless cardio rehab) might not be appropriate until you a somewhat fitter. Concentrate on weight loss and walking initially. If your legs are still swollen a diuretic might be appropriate. I was on them for six weeks when I developed an electrolyte imbalance post surgery.

[Juliec27 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you so much for your advice, I am so happy to have found this site, kind regards

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Juliec27]

You could also talk things over with a BHF nurse. They are very knowledgeable and available Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00.

[Fredders]

Hi Julie, I had a pacemaker fitted after developing complete heart block after my AVR. I struggled initially with breathlessness but put that down to my surgery, but at my three month check up the clinic said my pacemaker had been set too low and after he adjusted it I felt a lot better. You don’t say what your symptoms are, but might be worth contacting your pacemaker clinic to discuss.

Wendy

[Juliec27]

Thank you I will speak with doctor I too had complete heart block, Doctor did not listen to my symptoms I am overweight but the fatigue is still limiting my life.

[kefalonia1 in reply to Juliec27]

Hi Julie, after my AVR l had total heart block like you and Fredders, l had a pacemaker fitted and felt shattered doing the smallest of tasks. l spoke to a Consultant and asked why was l on beta blockers when l have a pacemaker, making me function in slow motion with the two together, so he told me to stop the tablets and l had my pacemaker adjusted. After a few weeks the difference was amazing and back to nearly normal. Don't suffer in silence, see a Doctor. Take care, Sue.

[Traceyma]

Hi Juliec27

Sorry to hear you're not feeling so good. I had a pacemaker fitted last May completely out of the blue after having what i thought was mild palpitations. I totally understand that it is a hard thing to get your head around and get used to. I was actually off work for 3 months. I just wanted to reassure you that it does get better and to be honest i don't really thinkabout mine too much on a day to day basis. There is always someone to talk to on this forum so you are not on your own. Hope things start to improve for you soon x

[Traceyma]

I also had complete heart block x

[AliceAnnie]

Don't worry. It seemed like a long time before I overcame the tiredness after having my pacemaker fitted last June. It was also quite a while before I was back to doing my "normal" exercise or gardening. I began by taking it very slowly and building up gradually.

I had collapsed and hurt myself after falling off my bicycle so, when the pacemaker was fitted, it took a few months and a further check with the consultant and a treadmill test to gain trust in my pacemaker!

I am now back to walking briskly and cycling reasonably long distances. I'm sure it will improve for you. Although I do have some tiredness, I find that the more exercise I do the more energy I have and at least I remain on my feet!