Just down

Hi,
My name is Amelia, I am 43 and had my ICD implanted about a year ago. I am so glad to still be here but the don'ts have me down. Now there are so many no no's that life seems dull. I realize that in the big picture they seem small but sometimes the small things count. Does anyone else battle depression about this stuff or am I just crazy?

10 Comments

I am use to it

by Beckes76 - 2010-10-12 03:10:01

I don't have an ICD just a PM. I have lived with it pretty much my whole life. I don't remember life with out a PM. I was 7 when I got my first one. This club will help out when you find some people in the same situation as you. I wish this club existed when I realized that I was different then everybody else. That was about when I was 10. I couldn't do everything that everybody else could because of the PM. With in the last few years I have met actually people with PMs/ICDs and it is amazing to hear their story of how they got one. I can relate to an extent. I can help them as much as I can and they can do that for me also. Even though I have had one for 26 years.

Becky

Your not alone

by PacedICD - 2010-10-12 03:10:33

I'd much rather be crazy than dull but no your not crazy. It comes with the territory. A big picture is the sum of small details, but now it's just a matter of making some slight changes to your canvas that is your life (sorry kinda just ran with it). Depression can seem like an uphill battle and it is. It takes time to get adjusted and talking about it here with other people is a great first step. You need to be strong and if you don't feel you are lean on the strength the others here can give you. The first step is helping yourself.
I hope you start feeling better.
Alex (Hope this can help, and If it can't, sorry and I'll try again)

Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.
Will Rogers

Find the sunshine

by wenditt - 2010-10-12 09:10:54

Hi Amelia,
First let me say I love your name. My daughter is 2 and I named her Amelia. :-)

I have had my PM for just over a year. I don't have the same restrictions that you do, but I have my own mental and emotional restrictions that I put on myself. I am still afraid a lot of the time. I try to find the sunshine in everyday. So much so that it's turned into my motto and greeting! I say "Hello sunshine" to every person I see and meet. It's a small thing...but just saying it makes me happy.

I fear fear. That's my problem. I fear it all happening again, and I fear something else happening again. I am afraid of life sometimes. So I can understand your depression. Its a tough way to live.

Try coming here, try talking to someone and letting it all out, try yoga, try to find things you can do that you really like that can take your mind off of the sadness.

I believe in you sunshine! You can find it!

Best of luck!

feeling down too

by willowrose - 2010-10-12 11:10:01

Hi Amelia, I have had my pm six weeks now and yes I am feeling some depression too. You will find that this site helps so much. Like you I want to know if others feel this way and if its normal, from what I hear it will pass and it is normal. I have faith we will make it. Hang in there.

What No No's'?

by ElectricFrank - 2010-10-12 11:10:18

I've had my pacer for over 5 yrs now (on my second one) and once past the initial time of protecting the leads, there is almost nothing I can't do. I use all the household appliances, work on my cars, camp alone in the desert, hike in the mountains at 13,000 ft, explore off roads with my Jeep, and get a good nights sleep afterwards.

About the only thing I would hesitate doing is things like arc welding which generate a large magnetic field. You notice I said "hesitate" not "wouldn't".

If I can do all that at 80yrs you should have all on a down hill pull.

Seriously, relax and get back to a normal life.
The pacer is nowhere near that sensitive.

best,

frank

Hi

by Pookie - 2010-10-13 08:10:22

Hi.

I have had a pacemaker since 2004 and went through 5 surgeries and then between early 2005 and now I presently have 15 medical diagnosis one of which is a 50% torn rotator cuff...I was sent to a specialist and I have several sets of exercises that I do at home to rebuild the muscles around the tear as to avoid surgery. And the exercises have worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


good luck
Pookie

Torn rotator cuff

by dsaunders - 2010-10-13 08:10:54

Did you both do something to tear your rotator cuff or is it a side effect of the PM? I am having trouble too since my PM was implanted.

Thanks

by Amelia18 - 2010-10-13 12:10:12

Just wanted to say thank you for all your support, it means a lot. Guess all my restrictions would have made more sense if I had mentioned the left rotator cuff that I tore shortly after my ICD was implanted. Caused swelling behind ICD so I am restricted from that too.
I did not realize that so many young people were dealing with this, I was "shocked" pun intended.

Thanks again for your support.
Amelia

Restrictions

by turboz24 - 2010-10-13 12:10:14

Are your restrictions based on the actuall heart issues that require the ICD or no?

I have an ICD and except for no contact sports, no alcohol, no decongestants (or stimulants of any kind), and my self emposed "no being seen shirtless by myself or anyone else" I don't have any other restrictions. I still weld, lift weights 1-1.5 hrs/weekday, etc.

PM OR ICD

by jroche - 2010-10-13 12:10:54

Glad you are doing so well with your pm Frank but I think Amelia has a ICD and not a pacemaker.

Amelia, I think everyone has a different experience w/pm or ICD placements. I wish you well and wish the best for you. I think it is normal to have some depression but keep your chin up think of how wonderful life is.

You know you're wired when...

Microwave ovens make you spark.

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I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.