Congenital heart diease

quite a few of us!

by Tracey_E - 2022-10-05 18:23:55

I replied in your other post, but will repeat. I have congenital complete heart block, have been paced since 1994, and live a perfectly normal, very active life. I'm 56, two grown kids, own a business, am a bit of a fitness nut. No one looks at me and sees a heart patient.

Not congenital, but inherited

by Julros - 2022-10-05 19:43:34

I have a genetic abnormality that has led to arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy and puts me at risk for sudden cardiac death.I have a CRT-ICD. I jog 3 days a week and cycle when I can. No one would call me a heart patient either. 

cchb

by dwelch - 2022-10-14 01:55:09

I have complete congenital heart block.  Started in 1995.  Am on device number five.  The pacer in no way shape or form has limited my life over these decades.  Like my belly button I know the device is there but pretty much never think about it.  Will for a while now probably still be the youngest patient in the doctors office.   I also repied to your other post with a longer response.  Sorry that I tend to get wordy...

Your fears and anxiety is normal.  TV and movies make us sound handicapped, we are not, we are now normal with our device and can do normal things.  The device is not going to hold you back from a very long life, to spend how you choose.

You will have a transition period getting used to the new lower rate in particular. You WILL get used to this and it will become your new normal.  

Feel free to ask any questions, there are no bad or dumb questions here.  

Your anxiety will pass, you willl recover from the surgery...Life will be good.