Pacemakers Support Group

A pacemaker (or artificial pacemaker) is a medical device which uses electrical impulses, delivered by electrodes contacting the heart muscles, to regulate the beating of the heart. The primary purpose of a pacemaker is to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the heart's native pacemaker is not fast enough, or there is a block in the heart's electrical...

108 Members
59 Posts
0 Online
Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ Pacemakers Support Group

New Pacemaker, Questioning Myself and what I can

asporing
asporing

Hi, I just got my pacemaker  implanted in November 2016. I am an active person, working in theater and walking all day. Since the pacemaker, I've not been myself . People say ,I look like I am stoned. I am feeling more tired. Even with a full nights sleep, I can close my eyes whenever I sit down. I am also  suffering from Major Depression and medicated with that also. I just want to feel like myself again. Has anyone else been thru this ? 

RoboPop
RoboPop
For the record, you realize this issue could be due to something else and not the pacemaker itself? I assume you realized most depression meds can have the side effects of leaving you tired lethargic and somewhat in a haze. I don't know your situation but heart meds can also have the same effect.

When a pacemaker, ICD or CRT are initially implanted, they leave the device programming as it comes from the factory. These are settings which generally meet most needs, however many of us have to have the programming changed to meet our specific needs. They need to know about your lifestyle and how active you are. Additionally you should document everything that happens and how you feel so the next time you can discuss it with the doctor or manufacturer's technician so the settings can further be refined. Ask if "Rate Response" is turned on and whether it's sensitivity setting is right.

Your pacemaker should enhance your life, not detract. Make sure you work with your medical team to optimize the device programming for your needs. Good luck to you. Let us know how things work out.
asporing
asporing
With my pacemaker, came new medication with it. A side effect of this med, is depression, and lethargy. Also , I think it is conflicting with my psychiatric meds. I am making an appointment with my psych for ASAP , and I speak to my cardiologist in a week. I am hoping for some adjustments , that will improve all these effects.
RoboPop
RoboPop
Many of the heart medications do have side effects that mimic your issues. The good news is there are many other medications they can switch you over to or even tricks like when you take them can make all the difference. For example, I take Metoprolol a Beta Blocker that causes the same symptoms. I learned by taking it at night I eliminate the side effects and can function pretty normal. No more drowsy, confused state.

Good luck and hang tough.
asporing
asporing
That is the medication , I am taking . I take it in the mornings. I have appointments set for my cardiologist and my psychiatrist, the beginning of next week. Hopefully thru these appointments, all can get cleared up. Thank you RoboPop for you input , and I am trying my best to hang in there.
asporing
asporing
I just got a new med prescribed. Its Carvedilol. Has anyone taken this? Have you had any issues? I am on 50mg, 25 in am , 25 in pm. Please let me know, it would be a great help.