Pacemaker implanted. Long road ahead

[KRG13]

Hi all! My pacer was finally implanted 5 weeks ago. The left side where the incision was made is still painful sometimes. I am on sotalol and flecanide to control the tachycardia now but have been gaining weight. Do these drugs with the pacer cause weight gain?

I don't feel strong enough anymore. At the age of 35, fatigue comes in very early. 2 hours outside the house and I feel wiped out. Sotalol has been causing hypotension too. Has anyone felt as lost as I am right now?? The pacemaker has recorded some episodes of AF since the implant, but I havent been asked to start anticoagulants yet. I wonder why. Sorry about the long post.. just needed some shared experience to tell me that this is not as unusual as it seems.. thanks a lot in advance..

[Spanaway]

First off we all have different issues and different meds. As far as getting tired or winded. I believe we all were that way at the beginning. It takes time, started with short walks for the first couple months. You'll be okay, consult with your cardiologist regarding meds and your weight. Prayers going up🙏

[BG2017]

It’s very early days since your pacemaker implantation. It could be that your body and stamina are still recovering. At your pacemaker check you could mention how you are feeling and they can check the settings are right for you.

In terms of being offered anticoagulants, this is done via a scoring equation that takes into account differing risk factors. Quite possibly you may not have enough risk factors to warrant them be prescribed yet - but you could definitely check that with either your Gp or consultant.

[tripup]

You will be fine! I had a pacemaker 5 years ago. I’m back to bodyboarding, camping and walking ( I’m 66 ). Don’t follow why you should need anticoagulants though. That’s a different condition. Ask.

You will be sore for a bit. Start with gentle exercise with your arm and gentle walking and build up from there. Weight gain is probably because you aren’t up to your usual level of activity and it’s easy to snack when sitting around and if you are eating the same as you were before. Steroids can cause weight gain, but again, ask your doctor.

Again, You will be fine, give it time.

[sandybc1]

What is your recuperation period post pacemaker and why is there a delay before anticoagulation.

[KRG13 in reply to sandybc1]

It's been 6 weeks.. still on the path of getting better. I've been on sotalol and flecanide but as most of the episodes are atrial tachycardia and not fibrillation, they havent started me on anticoagulants yet..