Hi

*waves*. New to the club.  Had my pacemaker put in a week ago.  It was a bit of a whirlwind.  I had a syncope episode at work one day and after much testing and monitoring I was diagnosed with an irregular/abnormal heartbeat.  And so here I am :)  I am still learning and adjusting.  

I found this site while googling around with one of my many questions.   
 

ETA : to expand on things I did wear a Zio Monitor for 14 days during which I had multiple pauses over 10 seconds most of which happened while I was asleep. In the end I was diagnosed and prescribed the pacemaker by an EP who had access to all of my test data.  I had all of the tests.  I had so many tests.  Sorry, I was just trying to shorten the story and left out the gory details.  :)

5 Comments

Abnormal heartbeat

by AgentX86 - 2022-10-08 00:38:02

Hi Heart, welcome to the last place you want to be.

I have a lot of questions that you probably can't answer.

First is what "irregularity"? An irregular heartbeat isn't a reason to get a pacemaker and, in fact, it's highly doubtful the a pacemaker is going to do anything about it.

"Abnormal" can mean anything.  Since you had a syncope event, obviously real intervention is needed.  Syncope is very dangerous even if the underlying cause isn't.  Passing out when climbing stairs wouldn't be pretty and while driving you wouldn't be just risking your life.  "Abnormal" is a problem and evidently your pacemaker was the solution. That's good. Now you can get back to your life as just as it was before. That's real good!

However, if you have (technical questions of us, we're going to need more information). OTOH, if you're looking for company, you're in the right place too. There are a lot of fellow travelers here.

"Waves" to you too

by Gemita - 2022-10-08 04:33:15

Hello HeartL, welcome and we hope you will enjoy your journey with us, that your pacemaker will work well and help you to feel better.  Mine was implanted in 2018 for tachycardia/bradycardia syndrome, pausing and syncope and my quality of life has definitely improved.

Just go ahead and ask your questions.  We will always try our best to help in any way we can based on our individual experience.  I also have arrhythmias (electrical disturbances) and they do need controlling but it is always best to go in slowly at first, until we are more familiar with some of our common triggers and understand more about the nature of our arrhythmias.  Once common triggers are eliminated or controlled, our arrhythmias may improve.  If not, then we take the next step, but always a gentle approach is best

👋🏼

by Lavender - 2022-10-08 10:47:20

Hi you! Welcome to the club of hope!

 I'm listening....as Fraser Crane would say🤣

Welcome!

by MinimeJer05 - 2022-10-09 15:59:23

Hello,

welcome to the club. Sorry to hear that you had syncope and are now here with us, but hopefully the worst is over now. 
 

Keep drinking fluids, getting exercise and eating the right foods. You'll be back on your feet in no time!

Take care

Jer

multiple pauses over 10 seconds

by AgentX86 - 2022-10-09 22:11:28

That is the most important detail!  A ten second pause could easily turn into a fish hook (end of the line). You're very lucky.

You know you're wired when...

You can shop longer than the Energizer Bunny.

Member Quotes

It made a HUGE difference in my life. Once I got it, I was finally able to run, and ride my bike long distances.