Unfortunately, since the pacemaker I have never felt better. I was told I would not only feel better but also I would have more energy and no more dizziness. Well, for some of us, our devices, for whatever reasons, don’t fix these problems. But let me say I am glad I have my pacemaker, it brings me peace of mind knowing that my heart will not go below 60 anymore. I went through a lot both physically and emotionally and since then I’ve just been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I had gone through major depression and anxiety for the first 2 years after all I had gone through, which is understandable, but I knew in my heart (no pun intended) that what I was experiencing was much more than depression and anxiety, so now I have the challenge of going through treatment for PTSD. It’s seems to be a never ending journey, but also quite the learning experience!

Since the pacemaker my health has been really bad. I’ve been diagnosed with Neurocardiogenic Syncope, Hypotension Intolerance, Colitis, and a form of Meniere’s Disease which is an inner ear problem hence my dizziness and problems with balance. I also have chronic pain in my head and neck. I’ve had numerous diagnosis for the chronic pain, everything from Migraines to bone spurs. The latest diagnosis is Eagle’s Syndrome (which could very well be the answer for my chronic head & neck pain along with the dizziness), so I’m just waiting to see a specialist about this. I truly pray that it is Eagles so I can have the surgery and get my life back in order. I have been living in chronic pain and dizziness for 5 years now and have been on Long Term Disability for the past 2.5 years. That, my friends, is the hard part, not working, not being able to get out and actually see and talk to people, not feeling productive. But, I have hope that eventually my medical problems will be addressed. We all know we have to stay focused and positive when we can. It’s hard, but each day is a new beginning.

How often do you visit the club?

I visit the club almost every day since 2005. Sometimes several times per day.

Have you met fellow members? If yes, can you say who and share a little about your meetings?

I have met SO many friends thru this site and for that I truly am grateful. Wow, where to begin and with whom?

I joined the club in 2005 as me, Karen Amirault, then I made made a boo boo of trusting an individual a little too much which became uncomfortable for me, so I disappeared for a few weeks. I missed the site and my pacer friends so much, I truly needed to come back, so I then decided to come back as Pookie, which is my nickname. I didn’t feel too good being Pookie at first because I felt like I was fibbing, but then I thought about it for a very long time and what I came up with was this: what does it matter what my name is? I go to the site for support and offer help and support to others if and when I can.

The first person I have to mention is Harley63. I met her in February of 2008 and we instantly clicked. To date we chat each & every day. She is my true angel. She has been there for me every inch of the way. She has gotten me through some very deep moments during the last year. I consider her my sister and love her dearly. I thank my lucky stars that she came into my life. My life has changed for the better because of her. We are even planning on meeting one another soon which will be a dream come true. Thank you Harley, you mean the world to me.

I also want to make a very special note to Maryanne and Shelley as they have been there for me too. I am very thankful to have become friends with these 2 special gals. These 2 girls can lift me up when I am having a bad pain day; we laugh together and we cry together; I just don’t know what to say other than thanks for always being there for me. Here’s to headsets and webcams!!!

I have also made friends with some other dear members: Ela-girl, Janice, Smitty, Electric Frank, Candi, Arabella, Turbo, Jessie, Blue Australia, Alice G., Peter C., StoneFlyer, ABC123, Heckboy, Vonnie Vern, Justwatchme, Sis, Walkerd, TraceyE, Bionic Beat, Renee, and of course, the infamous Cabg Patch. I have received so much more than I can ever give back.

How do you stay positive?

I stay positive by logging onto the site every day. It has taken me a long time to accept what has happened to me but through the support of the members of this site, that is how I stay positive. This site, to me, has saved my life. I honestly wouldn’t know where I’d be without it. I’m not always positive though. We are all human beings with heart issues which is hard emotionally and sometimes physically as we all know. We all have our good and bad days. I also stay positive as much as I can by thinking of my medical problems as a challenge. It is a goal for me to get to the answers. Plus I’m a bit stubborn.

Why do you need your device?

I was told I needed a pacemaker because of Bradycardia. My heart rate during the day was always below 60, but at night it would go down into the low 30s. I was also told I have SSS and Heart Block. Junctional Rhythm was also brought up at my last cardiologist/pacemaker check so now I am waiting to get a Loop/Event Recorder in July followed by my first appointment ever with an EP.

I was also sent to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota (I got to choose the facility) back in February 2007 as I have a rare heart defect called Left Ventricle Noncompaction. What was I thinking???? Minnesota in February....brrrrrrrrrr. But, I chose that facility because of it’s reputation and my twin lives there. My left ventricle was thoroughly checked and every year now I have a Heart Wall Motion Study Test to check my Ejection Fraction, which is excellent at 62%. My last pacemaker check was March 30 and I am pacing 48% in the atria. I have pacemaker checks every 6 months and the atria pacing has been anywheres from 27% to 72%; the ventricle has always been at less than 1%. 


What is the best thing that has happened to you since having your device implanted?

The best thing that has happened to me since my device....would have to be my friendships with Harley, Maryanne and Shelley. My pacemaker simply changed me for the better. My life has completely changed. I have become more compassionate, a better listener, I’ve become more knowledgeable, I now can truly understand what others go through. And I only hope that my postings and/or replies on the site have helped even one person.

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