Hello, I’m new here and 3 days from my procedure for my pacemaker.

Good evening, just wanted to check in with you about my progress. I’m feeling better and I’m controlling my anxiety as much as possible with meditation. At my primary appointment Monday I’m thinking of asking for Occupational Therapy, just for that extra help. I’ve also been walking the last three days to get some exercise in , I’m up walking for a half hour and been hitting about a mile in that time. Is there anything I should also be focusing on ? Besides diet? Thanks in advance

Jason, Yes all great Ideas. The more you can exercise the better outcome you will have. But keep in mind the restrictions of movement of your arms. Like I mentioned I was on light duty and basically had to keep from reaching over my head. so I would use a stool or small ladder to get things higher than my head. so important that the scar tissue heals over the wires and pacemaker. But once that's done the sky the limit. My job required climbing on a daily basis and at times up towers that had ladders over 100 feet. So occupational therapy would be a good idea. Under the right guidance it would get you back to work that much faster. At least for me it was to ensure that the wires got scar tissue over them so they would stay in the position they placed them. Mine healed so well that even tho I had a pacemaker replacement after 6 years due to the battery the wires had stayed in position and did not need to be replaced. Which meant that there was no light duty period after the battery replacement. So a bit of a hinderance now will pay of in the future. I'm sure the doctors told you that every 5-7 years the battery wears down and a replacement is necessary. Very minor surgery for those as long as the wires are still good. I myself had a second one and it was like day surgery and quick recovery. So don't think about that now. Just keep up the good work to insure this one heals properly.

Thanks for the response. I have very diligent about my left arm movements as well. From what I was told after the procedure, the leads were stitched in and one with a medical screw. 😕, anyways lol. The Medtronic rep that visited me the following day to help set up the app, was saying he would think it would be good for about 12 years. 🤞. That’s one thing I’m trying not to think about as well, sense the mental healing is just as important. Thank you for being here!

Awesome 12 years now, Got to love how technology keeps advancing.

Am reaching out for mental support. Had near death episodes of Afib 6 mos ago (over 200 bpm), needed electro cardio version to bring me back. Ablation followed which so far has been successful . But I've been left with severe depression and anxiety which I can't shake . Not a depressed person by nature with excellent diet, walk 2 miles per day, yoga and meditation. Have others experienced this and will it lift? Is it result of several cardio versions, trauma to the heart, meds (only Eliquis)?

Sorry think I posted my question in wrong place

No this is a great place. I'll get.back.to you with more later but I've been there. My quick advice is to talk with your doctor's about it. I had such severe anxiety at one point that a mild depression medication sure helped a lot
Not necessary forever but something that can help for the short term.

Great place to post. I myself am dealing with anxiety from the procedure itself. Much like you I was having trouble with my heart jumping up to 190 after a syncope episode that would stop my heart for 10 seconds. You are in the right place. For sure @danab has been a great resource for help as well. Stay positive

Jason , I can identify with the fear and anxiety associated with pacemakers. On Fri I have an appointment with 2 drs to discuss the possibility/probability of getting a Pacemaker and having an ablation of the AV node . I’ve spoken to several other people who have the same feelings of fear and anxiety. I’m just trying to be positive and accepting if a pacemaker will be the best course of action for me .
Remember, you are not alone , there are many people who can support you and ease your fears , you’ll be in my prayers, if that’s ok ! Nora

PS. The stress of cardio version and tachycardia incidents would most certainly cause some PTSD , I was in the ER for similar symptoms in April , and it took my body 6-7 weeks to recover from that stressor!
Nora