Re: Want to have a baby but no ones giving me any answers.

• by chico
• 2008-06-25 03:06:34
• General Posting
• 1343 views
• 0 comments

Hi Sara,

I've just seen your posting asking about pregnancy and pacemakers. I'm 32 years old and I've had a pacemaker for just under two years. Sounds like it was fitted for the exact same condition you have! In fact, your description of your symptoms and reaction to pain is pretty much identical to mine!

I know it must feel scary not having any answers from your doctors but you just have to persevere. I fainted for 24 years before I really threw a hissy fit and got referred to the Autonomic Unit at UCLH in London. They told me I had to be fitted with a pacemaker because my heart was stopping when I fainted - usually because of pain. I can genuinely say that this pacemaker has turned my life around and I'm so grateful for every day that I have.

With regards to pregnancy, my husband and I were told that there shouldn't be any issues with pregnancy and how, in fact, the pacemaker would help me along. I usually have a low heart rate - around the 40-50 mark tops - so feel a lot more lively since being fitted! I am now 28 weeks pregnant with our first baby. I'm under the care of UCLH who have been fabulous. They're watching me like a hawk because of the pacemaker but mainly down to another condition I have called Ehlers-Danlos. This is connective tissue issue, which makes my joints and muscles too stretchy. Even my veins get in on the act, which lowers my pressure. Interestingly enough, Ehlers-Danlos patients don't react well with anaesthetics - anything from dental injections, to full blown ops.

Anyhow, I'm rambling on. All I can say is that both of us are much better off with pacemakers and there are many women on this site who have been through pregnancy with them and been just fine. In terms of anxiety about procedures and in particular giving birth - I am completely there with you! We have been on a hypno-birthing course, which really helped with relaxation exercises. Just learning to breathe a bit deeper seems to help me along every day. I did think it might be a bit too "tree-hugger"-ish but it was such a lovely experience. Obviously, when it comes to the birth, it may be a completely different story but I know in my heart (no pun intended) that it will be so completely worth it! So, to sum up (a) Don't be scared of fulfilling your dream, (b) shout loudly until you get the answers you deserve and (c) best of luck with it all. Do please let me know how you get on!

Take care,

Chantal x