What is it like?

When I got my pm it was just accepted in my family and those around me. Unfortunately when I fel so ill it just fell on deaf ears and I went though a very personal lonely time. My doc ignored the symptoms I was presenting with and it was all sorted out one morning in emergency. After that I changed my doc. I had been going to him for about 6 months when he asked me the question: "What is it like to have a pacemaker?" I was taken aback as no one had asked me. I could have hugged him. Is there a book on this subject with answers to what it is like to have a pm or other implant. If not I wonder if we could all get together and assemble a book of our answers to the question. Just a thought Billie

6 Comments

Great idea!

by Swedeheart - 2008-05-08 02:05:41

This is a great idea! I would have loved a book like this! I remember (years ago...) when I was pregnant with my firstborn I read several books on pregnancy, delivery, etc. One book in particular became my "bible". It was a day by day explanation of the changes of one's body and how the baby was growing and changing. Along with that was a day by day dialogue of women who had been there and how they felt. Good comments, bad comments, and everything inbetween. It made me feel ok to be frightened sometimes, or proud other times. (Naturally, this was way before the internet and forums!)

I searched for books about pacemakers from a patients point of view along with some basic information on procedural stuff, never found a thing.

Excellent suggestion!

Swedeheart

What is it like?

by Blueaustralia - 2008-05-08 02:05:58

Thanks for your comments this group is like its members growing stronger and stronger. With talk of a reunion wouldn't it be great if we could all put our experiences and stories together and produce it for our get together with a photo of each contributor. There is a lot to be thought of and I am sure we could pull it together if we can find a publisher.

you better believe it!

by jessie - 2008-05-08 02:05:59

we could dio sure we could it would be fun to do too jess

re: what is it like

by ajay - 2008-05-08 12:05:19

What a great idea. I remember being wheeled into the room to have av node and pm implant & was a little concerned about it all and the nurse looked at me with disdain and said -it's only a device! Well, I'm sure when you are in her position it's 'only a device' but it was much more than that to me. I have often said to my family that much is written about the mechanics of having a pm but there is not much attention given to the psychological impacts etc. In you go, get implanted and are supposed to choof off home and resume a normal life - I think Billie's idea is great and I'm sure would help many people.
PS This club has been a wonderful help to me so thanks to everyone, especially the hardworking behind the scenes folks who keep it all running!
Cheers
Ajay:)

Great question

by heckboy - 2008-05-08 12:05:42

How would you all describe what's it's like to have a PM?

Me?

1. It's like having a stack of quarters stuck in your chest that pinches in certain positions while sleeping or working out.

2. It's creepy if you think about it too much

3. It's great to be able to run again and have endurance

4. It's depressing to know that most likely you'll just get worse over time.

5. It's inspiring to hear about athletes with PMs

6. It's awkward to explain to a new girlfriend that you have a PM when only "old" people have them.

7. It can become an obsession to always check your pulse and wonder if your PM is working, or if you've accidentally pulled a lead doing something you shouldn't have.

8. I identify better with IRON MAN now.

great!!

by Pete K - 2008-05-09 10:05:13

Write the book and then I want to make a few Cardialogists that Im thinking of read it !!! "It'll be just a simple small incension and then you'll be back to better than you were in just a couple of days..." myyyy (bleeeep) !! Was just chatting with wife about how a few of them need to have gone through the "simple proceedure!"

Pete

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