Pacemaker

I have had this thing since 3/25/11 and it has changed my life so much...I need help how to deal with this thing!

7 Comments

Debby

by lahbigbro6 - 2011-04-13 02:04:09

I had no problems 8 years ago. I was on disablity and watched the Yankees. Relax and go about your usual routinue. About 97% of the time, I do not even remember I have one. I exercise, shop and do everything I did before my pacemaker. No changes ! I tell everyone I meet I have a pacemaker, I do not care ! The only thing I am mad at these days, I need a replacement (getting on 4/29), its more of a inconvenience. This is a wonderful helpful site for support and friends.

7 stages of grief

by COBradyBunch - 2011-04-13 03:04:38

I always recommend this to anyone who got a pacer, especially if it was unexpectedly and you are relatively young (age being a state of mind some people are old by the time they are 30, others still youngsters in their 70s). Knowing about what you are going through and the fact that you will deal with a lot of the the issues the 7 stages talks about helps you get through it.

Need More Info

by SMITTY - 2011-04-13 12:04:02

Hi Debby,

I'm guessing you are talking about getting a pacemaker on 3-25-11. Can you give us a few more details? How has it changed your life. Are you having pain from it, or anything you want to tell us. I'm sure some of the members can offer some encouragement or help.

Smitty

debby

by jlo - 2011-04-13 12:04:49

I hear your anger and dispair, i felt exactly the same. i had my "THING" in january, and hated it,i think the main problem, is that we think we are indistuctable. And for someone to tell us, that we need to rely on a battery to keep us going, is hard to take. However, i had to have my surgery redone, problem with lead and placement of device, and i have no idea why, but i suddenly came to terms with the situation, Right now you are in the early days, and still feel fragile, but as time goes on, and you feel better, and continue to read posts, and get advice from your fellow members, "you can even have a good moan" You too will come to realise that, yes your life has changed, but you will see, that instead of changing for the worse, it has changed for the better. A new begining, how many of us can say that, Everyone here will give you all the support you need, remember, you are not alone.

pacemaker

by Sue H. - 2011-04-14 03:04:23

Smitty is right, if you give us more information there are enough people on here that can help you.

My own opinion for what it's worth? Stop calling it a "thing". That will be the first step to your healing by realizing it is a marvel of medical technology that has most likely saved your life. A lot of us pacer chicks (you are one now, LOL) call it our internal bling. I think a much nicer name. It's also been called the energizer bunny. I think a lot more positive than calling it a "thing".

I don't mean to make light of how you feel. Many of us on here felt in a state of shock after getting a pacer and the emotional healing can take a lot longer than the physical.

Give yourself time and be kind to yourself and don't fight the pacemaker. Look at it as your internal guardian angel watching your heart so you don't have to.

Best to you...

Sue

It will be OK

by mb113944 - 2011-04-18 08:04:51

Yes, don't call the pacemaker a "thing". I got mine implanted 3 days before you and everything is fine. The only time I really notice it is ironically when I use my seat belt in the car; have to adjust it. I'm having my grandkids run a contest to name my pacemaker. I had a few days of "woe is me" during the first week and after a very short pity party I had a talk with myself and said "get on with the rest of your life". I am 71 yrs young and today went on a 4 1/2 mile walk. Debby, just accept that you got a new lease on life. I wish you well; this is an great supportive group and we are all here for you. Good luck!
Mike

me

by debby - 2011-04-19 05:04:26

Mike How do you do it?Cried all day,slept,misrable. But after I read your blog,,my hairdresser came t5o my h.ouse and did my hair. The whole front had turned White. I have always been ablonde and she did ita carmel color. Another adjustment...But thanks to you guys I AM TRYING TO COPE.pLEASE CONTINUE TO ENCOURGE ME dEBBY

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.