Glad to find you all!

I just discovered this site last night and was overcome with relief that there were other folks who suddenly and unexpectedly needed a pacemaker and still are wondering how the heck did this happen!

I had my pacemeaker implanted in February'08 after suddenly developing complete heart block. I just turned 50, was in the best shape of my life, worked out religously, and in great health (or so I thought).
I had began having trouble walking up the stairs, but was never weak and could still lift fairly heavy at the gym. When the doctor told me I had to leave his office and either go straight to the hospital or go home and make my final goodbyes, I was as shocked as if he told me I had two heads!

It's good to know others are also struggling to wrap their minds around this new reality of self as well. I think I will find much support, knowledge and acceptance of this not-so -subtle protrusion in my chest (although my daughters tell me it makes me look tough!) and I thank you all in advance for this.

6 Comments

Welcome in!

by Carol - 2008-03-29 01:03:21

Hi pace50!
Welcome to our group. I think most of us would agree that if given the choice we wouldn't have chosen this battery assisted life, but on the other hand, it sure beats the alternative! I wasn't expecting to end up with a PM either and was 54 when 5 months ago the electrical system in my heart decided to shortcircuit ....it's a shock alright both physically and emotionally. I for one hated the thought of being "less than perfect" as my same age friends.
This forum is a lifesaver, especially in the beginning! Sooo many questions and many that our doctors (unless they too have PM's) don't really know how to answer....it's the day-to-day stuff that usually perplexes!
I ditto the responses from Donna and Pacergirl...ask asmany questions of us as you need to feel comfortable with your PM, peruse the past posts, and know that there are many veterans who can answer most of our technical questions as well. Again, best wishes and Welcome Aboard !
Carol

Welcome fellow newbie!

by Swedeheart - 2008-03-29 01:03:27

Welcome Pace50,

I received my pacemaker a month ago... It took my docs several months to figure out it was AV heart block... as I thought I had a different recurring health problem at first. I was shocked and horrified... I never had any heart problems. This seems to be the case for many of us here... We hear so much on TV, news, etc. about cholesterol and clogged arteries, but nothing about the heart's electrical systems.

This is a good forum and everyone here is helpful. The little search feature at the top can help you find answers many times. Or, just post the questions. It is great you found this site...I know many of us feel we didn't (or don't) get much information from our heart docs about our pacers and condition. I know that has been extrememly frustrating for me!

It takes a while to accept this situation. I know I am still trying to wrap my head around it. My main symptom was being quite tired all the time (except for a couple of syncope situations...) and occasionally being somewhat dizzy. So it didn't seem like an emergency to me.

Welcome we are all in this together!

Swedeheart

Hi

by Yorker - 2008-03-29 11:03:12

Welcome to the world of the "battery operated"!
I was 52 last October when I too found out at a routine Dr's visit that I have complete heart block - I wasn't even given the choice of driving anywhere, they called an ambulace before they came in an told me that I needed the PM - so I understand what a shock it was to you. I'm glad you found this site so soon, I didn't find it until I was over 2 months postop. Search through the past posts when you can - there's alot of good info in there.
The best anyone can do is hang in there, you've been through a bit more than you may realize and you will have ups and downs, both emotional and physical. Be patient with yourself, take support where ever you can get it (family, friends and of course this site). And, echoing, pacergirl - ASK QUESTIONS of your doctor, the manufaturer's rep the people here, eveyone! Knowlege it gold! Don't ever feel any question is silly or crazy - you alone know how you feel and a little knowledge can go a long way toward making you feel better.
Again, welcome and good luck

Donna

Hello pace50

by pacergirl - 2008-03-29 11:03:24

Welcome, sorry we had to meet under these circumstances, but welcome aboard!
I too had barely turned 50 when I developed Heart Block and Bradycardia and a few other little things just to even out the score. hee hee.
You body is going to go through many changes now that you have a pacer. Hang in there. It can be a bit emotional at times for you, man or woman. Be kind to yourself while you are healing and if you get tired.... take a nap! You have been through a lot. Another thing I would like to mention..... Ask questions... no matter how silly they might seem. We were all new at this when we started out.
Good luck,
Pacergirl

ME TOO

by bowlrbob - 2008-03-29 12:03:35

I am older than you but I also thought I was in very good shape. It was 2 and 1/2 years ago I was 63. I managed to go right to the wire. I was on a weekend out with my wife. We went to Reno and I blacked out for 3 hrs.+ Heartbeat 10 per minute on the way to the hospital. Heart stopped 3 times for up to 20 seconds then restarted. Two days in intensive care a PM put in the
2nd day there. Wow! what a trip that was. Took me about 6 months to wrap my brain around that. The good thing I hardly know it's there anymore. So I fully understand your feelings. Give yourself some time and this will be no big deal. Just on of life's little curve balls. Bowlrbob

Talk about Attitude!

by pace50 - 2008-04-03 01:04:04

Thanks to all those who sent welcomes and encouragement. Talk about terrific attitudes! It's a relief to be able to talk about how things "really are" rather than joking and reassuring family, friends and co-workers so that they are not freaked out.

Just when I think I'm back on track, I'll have a day where I feel "off" or tired again. My husband tries to understand exactly what "off" means, but as you all know, it's a concept that's pretty much indescribable to those not battery operated.

This site will be my first resource for questions, advice and information. Hopefully, I'll be able to contribute now and again as well...

Thanks again!

You know you're wired when...

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Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!