Hello

I had my pacemaker fitted 4 days ago as an emergency. Still cannot believe it - everything happened so fast. The symptoms had been missed by so many doctors.

8 Comments

New Pacemaker

by SMITTY - 2011-05-07 06:05:12

Hello Perceval,

Welcome to the Pacemaker Club.

Yes, learning we must have a pacemaker is a shock to many of us. Can you tell us what the emergency was and what kind of pacemaker you have. Our members have gotten pacemakers for all sorts of reasons and possibly some of them got one for about the same reason you have yours. Getting a pacemaker is not all always so straight forward as we start out thinking and if there are in little pitfalls your should know about they can tell you so that you will not be caught by surprise.

Again, Welcome and as you have already been told, when you have a question don't hesitate to post it.

Good luck,

Smitty

Been there, done that, need to wear the t-shirt to hide the scar lol

by compuwiz70 - 2011-05-07 06:05:13

Well the scar doesn't really bother me, I just had to make light of it a little, which is something that helps me deal with my emotions also. I knew super little about pacemakers until 3/19/11 when I passed out,heart stopping for 9 seconds. That cardiologist was not messing around. I had a heart cath done within 110 minutes of when he walked out of the room and a half hour after the cath and temporary PM I had the permanent one inserted. I had the dizziness etc for several years but since it was not constant I did not think much of it. None of my doctors caught it either. Strange. At any rate all of us here have gotten a second chance at life. Sure we will have our ups and downs but to think I almost did not get to live to do everything I am doing now, that puts a lot of things into perspective for me. Enjoy life. You and everyone here is sooooo worth it!

Missed

by Blue - 2011-05-07 06:05:47

Welcome to the club.

The only remark I got from my doc was: "Is your pulse always that low?"

Yes, my problems were missed by so many until my inner self told me that I was going to die. I resolved not to do it without a fight and went to ER. Within 2 minutes of arrival to treatment room I was told I needed a pacemaker.

I was so lucky the Training Professor for Emergency was on duty. I will always mentally thank that doctor for saving my life. That was in 2004, I am now on my second pm. Life looks pretty good despite the normal ups and downs.

I wish you all the best. from Australia

Welcome to Pacer Club

by Sue H. - 2011-05-07 10:05:46

You will find so many helpful people on here. If it hadn't been for this great group of people and their support my healing would have been much harder especially the emotional part.

I too couldn't believe I had to have a pacemaker and came home the next day after implant saying to myself what the heck happened? It was all so fast that I had a hard time wrapping my mind around it.

Don't be afraid to ask any question and don't be surprised at your emotions...they may be roller coaster for awhile. Or like many others on here, had no issues at all after getting a pacemaker.

I know one thing - I am so grateful for the little computer in my chest and physically felt so much better after getting it.
Life is good and meant to be enjoyed.

So enjoy your life with the help of your little "energizer bunny"...

Best.
Sue

For what it's worth..

by Creaky - 2011-05-07 12:05:25

Not that unusual. I pretty much knew I needed one, but the Docs overlooked or underestimated the problem. They let me run around risking death and destruction to all in my path until a smart, determined ER doc insisted they send me to the EP's for evaluation. The regular cardio docs just screwed around for months. (and they're a well respected group)

Perceval

by Perceval - 2011-05-08 02:05:49

Hi Everybody

I never expected so much support when I wrote my mail! Thank you everybody.

I still don't understand too much but to answer one of the questions I received I knew it was an emergency when I was rushed to a resusitation unit for 5 hours and wired up with all sorts of equipment, including stuff that could 'shock' me into action should my very low heartrate stop altogether. My blood pressure was very high which was unusual for me. I had lots of equipment placed on the upper part of my body which sent signals to a monitor all of the time until I had surgery on Tuesday evening. The whole of my upper body was a mass of wires and a little box. Fortunately for me I have private medicine which eventually made the whole situation less stressful.

I have been told not to lift my left arm and when I do to be very gentle with my movements. I couldn't anyway at the moment and am having lots of help from my daughters. One of my daughters has nursing skills so is able to change my dressings too.

My breathing has improved but I still have a bit of the cough I have had for 2 months. However being able to walk up 3 stairs again is a miracle!

How do we go about travel insurance now? I just hope that it doesn't cost too much when I say that I am attached to 'Perceval', the keeper of my heart. I would appreciate some help here.

Many thanks,

Sylvia

Hi there!

by Hot Heart - 2011-05-09 03:05:43

Symptoms missed by me as well, it's a massive shock isnt it when its an emergency. I was as well, took a while to come to terms with it, but alls well now.

I feel u

by IceQueen - 2011-05-14 12:05:37

I have been having "panic attacks" for years! Shortness of breath, palpitations, etc. Who knows? All along I could have been having issues related to needing a PM and didnt know it!! I have had several stress tests and other cardiac related tests...nobody called it. Thank you Sentara.

You know you're wired when...

Your favorite poem is “Ode to a Cardiac Node”.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.