I went to the Pacemaker Clinic for a checkup yesterday. I'm a 36 year old woman and I've had my pacemaker since 1995. I was sitting in the waiting area and 2 older gentlemen sat down beside me and were waiting for their check ups as well. The started talking with each other, they though I was waiting for someone, about how they are too young to have a pacemaker and how it's a sign of getting older and they just seemed so down trodden and negative and depressed. One was 79 and the other was in his late 80's. They've both had a pacemaker for a couple of years. They continued talking about how awful their life is with a pacemaker and how limiting it is. I turned to them and sais, excuse me for interrupting but I'm 36 and have had a pacemaker for 13 years and having a pacemaker has never limited my life or made me feel older. They both didn't know what to say when I went in for my appointment. When I came out they were smiling and laughing, they said have a great day, Ma'am. It's nice to cheer someone up.

 

 

That's a good story! You were quite young when you got your pm but then we are never too young! Even babies need them.

I was in my very early 40's when it became clear that I was to need a pm. Even the nurses in the cardio unit thought I was too young!!

I think the general population does not realize that pacemakers are not just for seniors anymore, obviously even the elderly don't realize. It seems that when you get implanted, then you see and hear of all the people that do have them.

BTW, pawgles, are you still on your first pm?

 

It's my second pacemaker.

 

When you get older you should expect to be not in the same health as a spring chicken. They should think themselves lucky to have been given another extention to their lives. Cheers Peter

 

Wonderful story!
It confirms that I can always find someone who has greater problems than I. After joining our pacemaker club, I consider myself one of the lucky ones.

Thanks for your story,

Richan

 

Wow, that's a great story, but I just have to laugh because I've had my pacemaker since day one... literally! So, I've grown up with one, but other people have to adjust. I know it's not funny, but if you've got my perspective, it is.

 

Hi Pawgles

I love your story. I can sympathise with you all the way on that one. I'm roughly the same age as you (I'm 37) and I've had my PM since I was 15 (implanted in 1986). I've always had strange looks from the older generation waiting for their appoints with me in the waiting room. They don't think you could possible have a similar condition to them.

You, like me, sound very upbeat and positive, and I, like you, have never had any problems accepting I have a pacemaker. The quality of my life is brilliant and it hasn't stopped me doing a thing. I even had a baby, and he's 12 now !!! I think we're really lucky and those 2 old guys should have been thankful for a lot. Some people in the world just seem to love complaining (bless um). I'm going for a new battery on 29th July. It'll be device No.4 for me. I'm a bit anxious and feel tired, but apart from that I am still feeling very very positive about life and every day thank my PM for being with me!!!!

Take care
Luv Ju xxx