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Pacemaker Installed Two Weeks Ago
My husband had a severe heart murmur since he was a child and had a pacemaker installed two weeks ago. His lifestyle has changed radically from being outgoing to quiet and contemplative as if he is not totally in the moment. The last medication he took was in the Hospital so his abrupt lasting change in personality is the pacemaker. He admits he is not the same due to feeling weak, lightheaded at times and needing lots of rest. He understands he is not able to drive due to the change and onset dementia from his heart weakening to 30 beats per minute. His pacemaker is set at 60 beats per minute now. His hands were like ice before the surgery but now they are warm and his color is good now too. He has always had problems following Doctor's orders well and lifts what he shouldn't with his left arm... the side the pacemaker is on. He recently had a sharp pain in his chest where the pacemaker is due to overdoing. Being a minister, he was talking about societies issues and had another severe sharp pain in the same area. I told him he should stay calm and keep things light. I am guessing if he follows Doctors orders he may not have the pain? At 77 years old he is a survivor that pushes through obstacles however he is finding his change of lifestyle and healing process is a permanent change. According to the posts I am reading here it seems most have pains in their chests from pacemakers regardless or is it that most have issues with changing to adapt to the pacemaker, Doctor's orders and lifestyle? Not sure I will have success teaching my old boy to behave at this stage of his life. Hoping my husband can make the few needed changes so as to avoid the chest pain.
What, specifically, is this 'onset dementia'? This could be the answer--if not the solution--to the problem. You may need to talk with not only the cardiologist but with a specialist in behavioral changes after cardiac procedures.
This is an evolving field of interest, so some research on your part may be necessary.
This is an evolving field of interest, so some research on your part may be necessary.
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