Anxiety after pacemaker implant

I have had my pacemaker for about the same amount of time and am dealing with daily anxiety, trying to get used to the pacemaker being there, and a bunch of what-ifs?

That's happening to me as well. Has happened while just sitting not thinking about anything. I'm already seeing someone for mental heath, 6 mos. before procedure done last month. Medication is being recommended and I should hear back today. I do calming techniques too but the body is being the boss right now.

@michaelkf22153
You are just out of having surgery. My EP (electrophysiologist) said it takes about a year for you and your body to get used to device. It takes about a year for body to incapuslate the device and will help you and your body not be so aware of it.

Do you have just the pacemaker or dual device (ICD/Pacemaker)?

If you have only a pacemaker was probably put in because of electrical problems in heart or a very low pulse rate. IF you have dual device probably have a low ejection fraction as well as PVCs, tachacardia.

You just had the surgery. You have foreign device in your body that was put in to help you. Look at it that way it is there to help you. Know that over time the body will encapsulate it and your mind focus on having the device will slowly go away.

I am on my 3rd device with getting my first in 2006.

I have a dual device and my doctors say to me think of it like, "you have your own EMS there all the time to help you."

Good luck it does get better with time. Just don't push on area, massage it, and watch how much you move your left arm.

@michaelkf22153 Welcome to Connect! We are willing to share experiences here on Connect. I see this is your first post and you are experiencing anxiety regarding your shiny new pacemaker. Yes, it's a big step to become a bionic person. While you are probably glad it's there to do a necessary job, it's very human and normal to think about the "what-ifs." What particular "what-ifs" give you pause? I see that @jc76 has responded with much reassurance and optimism that you will eventually feel more at ease. He has had devices for 20 years and shares his experiences with all of us. I am a relative newbie, acquired my ICD (named it Buddy) 3.5 years ago after experiencing electrical issue after-effects following a septal myectomy. How did your doctor decide that a pacemaker would be beneficial to you? We at Connect encourage people to learn all they can about their issues, this helps understanding as well as to formulate questions for your doctor. Here is a link to read more about your pacemaker. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pacemaker/about/pac-20384689

@jc76 Thank you for your thoughtful reply and information. I have just the pacemaker. This diagnosis and surgery were fast. Arhythmia signs and within a few days ekgs', then surgery. Even in the hospital waiting for surgery, I blacked out a few times.

Now I am focused on walking and resting up. I do work to stay busy but for now, I set that aside to heal up a bit more

I am learning as I go and appreciate your support. Thank you

@walkinggirl Thank you very much, Linda, for your comments and information. It's all new to me, learning as I go. Prior to having the pacemaker, I showed no outward signs of trouble. Only within days of the surgery, I blacked out at home, was evaluated for low pulse rate, and recommended immediate surgery and a pacemaker. That time cycle was less than two weeks. I appreciate your support with me on my bionic journey