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

I will never turn down prayers. Thank you. I’m week out now from my pacemaker surgery. I had the ablation last Wednesday and the node was sleeping, as they say, and Friday the pacemaker. So I have been through those procedures, and can give you some information as you learn more on Friday. I’m always checking on here to see and talk to others. Stay in touch!

Good folks on here, you picked the right place.
You aren’t alone with this issue, whatsoever. It is as mentally taxing as it is physically. As time goes by, you’ll discover ways to alleviate the issues at hand.
My bpm hit 217 a couple of times and would drop to as low as 28. I had an ICD implanted, but was still unstable before the meds could take hold. Needless to say, I got shocked 5 times over a short period of time. I lived in absolute fear for some time after, nightmares about it and the whole nine yards. I talked to my doctor and got a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication and used that with the understanding that it would be temporary (to avoid addiction and such). It worked well for me, as I don’t take the medication anymore and live relatively stress free in that department as time has passed. Find something(s) that helps you get settled back into life, and you will have a great start on recovery.
I wish you well, and keep fighting the good fight.

Thank you for your story and taking the time to share. As I’m working to get the control of my anxiety I have found that the app Headspace has been very helpful. Thank you again for sharing and hope to talk again. Thank you!

So great to see all the support from all of you. Thank you @irishpeaks , @maeglintwo , @cdk43 So much great advice. Thanks

didgi2175
I have an ICD implant. I have dilated cardiomyopathy and irregular heartbeat still. It has helped a lot, though. I also suffer from anxiety and depression for quite a few years. Am on medication for all three conditions but also suffer from chronic pain. I am very down at the moment. Any suggestions?

Hi there, one thing I didn’t mention was I suffer from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or C.R.P.S, it also has an effect on me while dealing with the new device and the anxiety and depression. I’ve learned to live with the chronic part. The newest is the device and learning more about controlling the mind. Meditation seemed odd at first but in the first week of being home and learning how I can control my breathing and not ignoring thoughts but noting them as a thought or feeling. And focusing on my breathing when I need to take a break from all the thoughts. Start small and continue, I use the headspace app, it truly does help. Especially at night for bed, seems that it’s my hardest time to sleep without the brain running away.

Hi Nora, was just seeing how everything was going. Hope all is well.

Hi Sixer, I have been there and can relate to the feeling of anxiety. I found that when I was busier and worked full time, I didn't think about it as much. So now for me as I had to retire due to my Heart Transplant, I needed to find something to bring me not only Joy but filled my free time. I even went back to college online to finish my degree. Something I never seemed to have time for when working. For me doing volunteer work for my Church was my new thing to keep me busy. But almost any activity you enjoy may help take your mind off of the depression your feeling. Is there an activity you love and can due with your current issues? Maybe even something to volunteer at will help get your mind off of things and give you something to look forward too.

didgi2175
I also have social anxiety which makes me very reluctant to be out and around other people. I don’t know what to do. To participate in a group-I don’t know if I could handle it. I am very lonely, though…….

4 weeks and a few days after my pacemaker surgery, and so far so good. Everyday is different but for the most part pretty positive. There are times when I forget and something draws my attention to the procedure site and it brings some fears back but using what I’ve learned from meditation I bring my focus to my breathing and let the thoughts come and go. I am hoping that it comes to the point of not even thinking of it, but I’m still new to the process. How many have forgotten about it or not feel it ? Sleep has been much better and after 3 weeks I was able to return to my bed. I was sleeping on the couch with the back supporting my left side, like a barrier, protecting my left side. I did feel a little vulnerable at first in bed without the back or something protecting me. Any one have experience with longer time after their procedure, let me know what you noticed or what helped you not let it hinder you. Thanks in advance.