Post Pacemaker

[wendyei]

I had a pacemaker installed 2 months ago for sick sinus syndrome.   I feel better but still feel weak and lethargic in the mornings.   Heat also bothers me.   Is this common?  I had expected to have more energy.

[underinformed35]

I had a pacemaker installed in May. I did not immediately feel better. It is a process. I still don't feel great but it is getting better slowly. You may have to program your pacemaker a few times before you get it right also.
I also have sick sinus syndrome. Were you feeling really bad before? I think the longer you felt bad before the longer it takes to feel normal again. How old are you?

[wendyei]

Before the pacemaker I had bradycardia and chronotropic incompetence (slow heart rev-up) plus fast beats to compensate.   I'm 62 years old and have always been in decent shape, but right before the pacemaker I couldn't exercise at all.   I am slowly building up strength, but first thing in the morning I feel very weak.   Caffeine helps as does rapping on the top of the pacemaker.
Mine is set at 60 to 130.   Could raising the minimum give me more beats in the morning and thus more energy?

[underinformed35]

I had the same and they set mine at 70 and I am glad because I felt too tired with anything under that. I still have the fast heart rate a lot and I am not needing it all the time but when  my heart rate drops it makes a difference. Do you have rate response on your pacemaker? It helps with the slow rev up. I am 37 and I am still not able to exercise yet. I am taking it slow.