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IM ONLY 34 WHO CAN RELATE
I NEED TO TALK WITH SOME YOUNGER PEOPLE WHO CAN RELATE. I JUST CANT GET USED TO THIS THING AND ALL THE RESTRICTIONS THAT COME ALONG WITH IT. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH ALL THIS PAIN AND LIMITATIONS THAT COME ALONG WITH IT. I ALWAYS THOUGHT THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN TO OLD PEOPLE. WHAT NOW??? CAN ANYBODY RELATE???
11 Comments
Ha
by kyle0816 - 2008-03-11 03:03:37
I'm 34 as well, I know where you're coming from. I have an ICD though and not a pacemaker (not sure which you have). If it makes you feel any better the ICD's are MUCH larger.
There are a lot of younger people on here, you are in good company.
Me and many others
by heckboy - 2008-03-11 03:03:49
Hi,
i was 40, an active swimmer and scuba diver and gym guy when I got mine (I'm 46 now). The person in admitting at the hospital actually did a take when I told her I was coming in for a PM and said, "But you're too young to have a PM." Like that made me feel better!
I have to say that for the most part, I've forgotten that I have a PM and it hasn't limited my life except for the rare exception. It took me about 4-5 months to get my settings just right, so be patient. This site and the people on it were invaluable in that I knew specifically what to ask for in my tune-ups.
Remember, they work for you, you don't work for them. If you're not feeling right, keep pushing.
Chris
Hang in there!
by ela-girl - 2008-03-11 03:03:53
Hi, Heidi.
I am 30 and got my dual chamber pm a year and a half ago via emergency surgery. I had been suffering for over 4 years...I thank God that I have my pm! I have my life back! The first few months were a trial because it is all new and you're trying to adjust and heal from the surgery and get settings tweaked etc. I hardly even notice my pm now and do more activities than before because I'm healthier now and am not afraid. PLEASE feel free to private message me if you need to talk about more specific things...I would love to share with you.
Happier pacing!
ela-girl
mom of child with pacer
by Elizabeth4 - 2008-03-11 04:03:37
I am so sorry you are having a hard time with the pacer. I am sure it is a very difficult adjustment. My son was 5 when he got his pacemaker. He is now 12, plays basketball, baseball, flag football, etc. He has never considered it a restriction but a way of living. He is upset that he can't play REAL football, but other than that he lives a very normal life. I hope things get better soon.
You Are Not Alone!
by scadnama - 2008-03-11 04:03:46
Heidi,
I know where you are coming from! I am 23, and I just had my pacemaker implanted in November '07. I am still struggling with other issues, and trying to get all the adjustments right for me.
It is not an easy thing to deal with at any age, but I believe that it is much harder to accept the fact that we have to have a pacemaker while we are still so young. I just keep telling myself that the pacemaker has already improved my quality of life, and it can only get better from here. Hang in there, and if you ever want to talk, feel free to message me!
Amanda
hi
by Shell - 2008-03-11 05:03:17
I got my pm at 34. (I've had it almost 2 years). I was born with a complete heart bock and at that time my heart rate was at about 38 beats per minute. I'm at the point that I don't even notice it really. Besides the limitations I had when it was first implanted I don't have any that interfere. (I've never done contact sports) I know mine will need to be replaced sooner than ususal though because a lead is twisted or something so they need to up the power so it works so the battery will wear out sooner. I always grew up knowing that i would need a pm but was told it probably won't be until I'm at least 50. Well, I switched cardiologists and he recommended one.
PS
by Crystyna - 2008-03-11 10:03:39
I bet that people twice our age ( 60's ) don't like to be seen as old , any more than we like 15 years old seeing us as "old", OLD is a state of mind.. I'm 31 and just yesterday I was 20.....now I have a metal reminder of mortality at any age in my chest!
Hang in there,
Christina
Hello !
by Crystyna - 2008-03-11 10:03:58
Heidi,
Nope, you're not alone. I'm 31 and just got my PM 8 days ago, so still learning , not much help to you except to say youre not alone.
And if it helps, I'm a nurse working in intensive care, so the tables really felt turned for me, it was unbelievable to me, I cried and cried, and I never cry.
Christina
i think i know what you are trying to say
by jessie - 2008-03-12 01:03:08
it is hard at any age to accept but anywhere up to 55 i would think doubly or tripply harder. i cried too but not now. it took awhile tho to accept. i am grateful tho to be here for sure. this site is awseome for helping one to accept a device. hang in there you will get there. keep coming back jessie
only 14 years old
by Anita - 2008-05-15 04:05:57
My son is only 14. He has had his ICD since Jan 07. He had just turned 13 at the time. He has been shocked 9 times. He had an ICD storm in June 07 and was shocked 8 times in 20 mins. He has ventricular Tachycardia and his heart rate goes over 300 bpm.He had 4 open heart surgeries as a baby. They think the scar tissue from his surgery is causing his VT. He is a very brave young man and having to grow up way to quick. He is dealing with panic attacks and it is heart breaking. He does take medication for the panic attacks,but the meds don't seem to have attacks under control. Try to stay strong. Just wanted you to know you're not alone.
You know you're wired when...
You know the difference between hardware and software.
Member Quotes
I live an extremely normal life now and my device does NOT hinder me in any way.
Heidi
by MHCHAMPION - 2008-03-11 03:03:07
Heidi, I am NOT young by any means; age 66, but I had a lot of the feelings you have and balked at restrictions because I am a very independent person. I have now had my PM 2 1/2 years and I don't mind it at all now. I realize that you are very young compared to me and you want to do much more, but hang in there, I promise it will get better even though your are in your prime!
I have no pain anymore and hardly know my PM is there.
Hold this thought, sweetie! It is happening to you perhaps now so that you can live to be old!
Love and Prayers,
God Bless you,
Margaret