Be thankful for a little bit of Tech

All,

I am a 50 Test and Design Engineer fatehr of 3 (9,9 &4). This past May I developed CHF and we, (The Docs and I), didn't know how bad it was until I had not been able to sleep for a week and went to the ER. While in the ER I had 3 micro attacks. Following a grunch of tests including a PET they were able to figure out theat the lower third of my heart was just dead meat. And a Bypass wouldn't do any good. So after the letters and the anger, the sadness and teh fear, the Docs said, oke doke its time to do a PM or son you only got a couple of years left to go.

The thought of having a chunk of active metal and extra electricity stuck into me didn't excactly make me feel happy. But after looking into my childrens eyes and seeing thier own fear and sadness I decided, lets go.

So 3 weeks ago on the 16th I had a combination unit from Boston Sci, dropped in. Its a PM and ICD. A bit on the heavy size and as the pocket has shrunken the device moves a lot less. And besides sucking on tylenol for the last two weeks things are going a lot better. But above all I would like everyone who has one or is getting one to know something very special.

We all have been given a great gift of time. No matter what your belief or your creed. You have been given time to look at the clouds, to look at the grass or the weeds grow. To see the the world as it should be. And not for what it just throws at you. Enjoy that cup of coffee a little more. And enjoy the sounds of the world around you. Becuase if it weren't for our friend the Energizer Bunny we wouldn't be here. And no matter how bad everyting seems or is, there is always hope. We as pacers are living proof of this.

Enjoy tomorrow.

Greg

7 Comments

Thanks Greg

by saragunther - 2007-09-02 11:09:23

Your lovely message was just what I needed to hear. We are indeed very lucky people to have our little devices and I needed to be reminded of this.And yes there IS always hope.My morning coffee is going to taste really good when I get up.Good luck to you! Sara

Heartfelt posting....

by auntiesamm - 2007-09-03 02:09:14

Hi Greg,

What a wonderful, heartfelt message you posted. It takes a reminder such as this for many of us to slow down and appreciate this technologic wonder we now depend on. Yes, we are very luck people to have our pacemakers and other cardiac devices. Like Sue, my morning coffee will taste especially good! Thank you for the little nudge with your words. Bless you.

Sharon

thank you

by pat - 2007-09-03 03:09:40

greg,

you took the words right out of my mouth.

bless you,

pat :)

Thanks

by janetinak - 2007-09-03 12:09:00

Real great post! Brought tears to my eyes as I feel the same way. I was very resistant about getting a PM but on my second & very grateful to live in these times when this can be done. Keep on pluggin along for those kids.

Janet

Hi Greg

by bini - 2007-09-03 12:09:54

This is such a great message to everyone! I love the comment about the enegizer bunny....this PM is our life saver and instead of fearing we need to rejoice it.

Good luck with everything!

Christine

greg

by jessie - 2007-09-04 10:09:18

see you have a purpose in life and when things were bleak right away you looked into the purposes eyes and you had to decide to live. isn't it great to see another sunset? to look at another ocean? to like you said just enjoy the coffee more and even the heat and humidity? it all feels good to me. i wish you all the luck and love out there jessie

Thanks

by grasshopper - 2008-07-01 01:07:21

Greg, Thanks for your entry to the divorcing woman looking for hope. I am also 42 and divorced since 1997.Over that period of time I have had two heart surgeries for neurocardiogenic syncope for wolff parkinson white syndrome.I have three children and have raised them alone since they were babies. My children think "it's" normal. Don't all Moms come with batteries?( They should!) As PM peeps, we do see things differently and thankful for that too. Although it has been hard I am thankful for what I have gone through because of it I am stronger , more educated and much wiser. For what made me weak, I am now strong! Enjoy your day!

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I live an extremely normal life now and my device does NOT hinder me in any way.