Pacemakers are wonderful things!

I've had my pacemaker for about 4 years now, it's a dual lead and I'm 100% dependant on it. I can honestly say my life has been better, I keep all of my appointments and have heard from some of the techs that some people don't come back for their checkups because they don't like the feeling of the testing. I admit when they shut mine down just for those few seconds I paniked at first, but they always pop it back up to full charge and I'm fine. It doesn't bother me at all anymore. It sure beats passing out and it would not have been long before just fainting would have been the least of my problems. So for the new pacemaker recepients take heart and stick with it and do what you doctor says to do. We all have some down days, but doesn't everyone. Well, it's going to rain for the next 5 days at least, but that's okay. My nephew joined the Peace Corps and went to Mongolia about a month ago, I think given the choice, I'd have a pacemaker! :o)

5 Comments

11 years

by vampiregardening - 2009-06-29 01:06:39

I've had my pacemaker for the past 11 years, actually this is my second one as the first lasted for nearly six years, I must admit having it checked can be a little uncomfortable but it's better than the alternative, and it doesn't last for very long.
I hardly think of my pacemaker any more unless someone talks about it, I work in a blood clinic at our local hospital and see quite a lot of people with them, and I must say that somepeople let the pacemaker spoil there lives by doting on it too much, get on with life that's what I say, it really doesn't stop you doing anything you would normally do.
I've even been on fast rides in Blackpool even if I am a pensioner off 62. so what, it was great.
Life goes on, maybe not without it.

Not Counting

by martinb - 2009-06-29 05:06:32

I figure I'm going to have the pacemaker for the rest of my life and I don't think about it much unless I strain or pull or try to pick up one of the heftier grandkids then I may feel some soreness for a day or two, just a little reminder to be smart. It's doesn't affect my life, I have more trouble with arthritis than the pacer. I work from home full time, will be 62 this year and enjoying life. I use the phone check between doctor visits, so my thoughts and hopes for anyone who is frightened talk to your doctor and make the pacer a positive part of your life. Any day you wake up on the right side of the grass is a good one!

It is what it is

by ShadowWeaver - 2009-06-29 11:06:21

I am 34 and 3 months post implant. I must say at this point it seems far from being a blessing to me. I find myself conflicted with everything from the limits on my life (I am a 20 years martial artist and can not spar with a PM), the fact that I am alive, the constant pain in my chest, the watching my child go through new experiences to the feeling that the natural order of things is upset by me still being here. The pain makes a constant reminder that I am defective. I hope that someday I can look at it the way you guys and gals do, but for now...well...suffice it to say I hate having a PM.

Great Attitude A+A+ ;D

by CJD2007 - 2009-06-29 11:06:50

Love your great attitude!!! ;D

I also love your quote:

"Any day you wake up on the right side of the grass is a good one!"

Takre care,
Casey

You'll get past it

by martinb - 2009-06-30 08:06:22

Hi there, I remember my doctor telling me that I should be able to do just about anything I did before I had the pacer. You're right though, my husband was a wreck for about 6 months. He didn't want me to move, "don't lift your arm above your head," "don't pick up the kids..." once the leads become part of your heart there is very little chance of them pulling out. I'm not saying I didn't think about it for a while, but time tends to take care of a lot of things. Before the pacer I passed out at work 3 times, flat lined 5 times in the hospital (the nurse was nice enough to show me the ekg strips) and said it was really close, but a miss is as good as a mile. Knowledge is power, tell the child what's going on, show pictures of how it works and what it's doing kids are much smarter than we give them credit for. It's amazing how many people have them that you have known for years and they've never said anything. Most people I know have forgotten. Please don't give up, you're a martial arts skilled person and that doesn't sound like someone ready to throw in the towel. Use the arts to make you stronger in other areas and add it to centering your life and it will calm your child and let you teach patience and endurance and healing. My best to you as you go through the process. It's not easy, but beats the alternative. Take Care, Dale

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