3/23 2009, one year ago...

my heart stopped during an ablation to correct SVT's. I had an ablation one year earlier to correct my WPW, but another accessory pathway presented itself and caused recurrent SVT.

After getting jump started by the paddles and three days in the hospital with a temporary pacemaker inserted through my neck, my EP thought that the anomaly had corrected itself and I went home. One day later I was back in the hospital with a diagnosis of 3rd degree heart block after feeling tremendous pauses and an overwhelming (at the time it was thought "irrational") fear of immediate death.

Two more days over the weekend in the hospital, lots of monitoring and a bunch of Atavan later, I had my PM implanted. I am glad to say that I will no longer feel the urge to say "It's been an interesting year" or "My health is good - thanks for asking".

I am certain that my recovery, both physical and mental, would have been much longer and much more difficult had I not found Pacer Nation. Thanks to Blake for hosting a place for everyone to share, and thanks to anyone who has read, responded and shared on here over the last year.

My wife, daughters and extended family were always there to support me, but everyone here UNDERSTOOD me.

Dave

5 Comments

Irrational Fear

by ElectricFrank - 2010-03-24 02:03:21

A good example of that "irrational" fear is when doctors or nurses wind up in the hospital with scary symptoms. Of course for them it isn't irrational!!!

I'm glad things are going well for you after getting the pacer.

frank

Great!

by heartu - 2010-03-24 10:03:15

Great to hear you're doing well a year later. For me it has just been 4 weeks and getting better each day.

So what else have you been doing the past year?

Happy Anniversary

by Pookie - 2010-03-24 11:03:59

Hi DC,

This site is awesome. You are correct, family & friends can support you, but the members here understand.

Just think where we would be if we didn't have this site to come to!!!!!!!!!! Blake deserves a gold medal.

Take care,
Pookie

heartu

by DC Pacer - 2010-03-25 08:03:51

I have spent a lot of the last year getting my PM settings tuned in properly - don't really feel it or think about it anymore.

Other than that, the last year has been spent enjoying every day I have with my wife, daughters, family and friends. The sun shines a little brighter and the snow shovels are a little lighter.

If you have ever seen It's a Wonderful Life, I feel a little more like George Bailey. As corny as the movie is, it reminds us to make the most of every day and to remember the impact we have on the lives of others.

I Understand

by heartu - 2010-03-27 04:03:55

I have seen It's a Wonderful Life countless times! I know what you mean about having a new or perhaps a renewed outlook on life.

My next step is getting "fine tuned" and become more educated on my "life" buddy. Glad to hear great outcomes like yours.

You know you're wired when...

You are always wired and full of energy.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker since 2002 and ever since then my life has been a total blessing.