One Week with My PM

I've made it to the 1 week point and things are looking up. The first few days were tough. I was pretty much overwhelmed by it all. Couldn't sleep much, the incision hurt and I felt like my heart was out of control.

I nearly passed out a few times last Monday morning and had trouble breathing. Thought I was having a heart attack so went to the ER. They explained my problem with the electrical system in my heart and said they would do some blood tests but I might need a PM. They said lay still and try to relax. Well, within an hour my heart stopped twice and the blood tests didn't show anything so they did a temporary PM and put in 2 stents in my "widow maker" heart artery. I felt much better almost immediately. About 5 hours later they did the regular PM.

Next day I was home - dazed and confused. I'd heard of PMs but I knew very little about them. This club and other websites have been an education, I figure I'm at about the 6th grade level so far but I'm aiming for an advanced degree in understanding all this. 

I would bet that my initial reaction is pretty common - near death event followed by terror and uncertainty. The more I learn the more I realize I was pretty damn lucky to survive so I should be very grateful. I am very grateful to be alive and I know I have a lot to learn about all this PM stuff and right now it all seems pretty challenging but doable.

Reading the postings and FAQs on this site have been a big help. Knowing that lots of others are in the same boat I am and they are surviving was a big lift.

Thank you to everyone involved in this club! I'm really glad I found the club so quickly.

3 Comments

I agree!

by Ileen - 2017-01-16 10:11:39

Tom we are blessed! I sent you a private message awhile ago. We are learning how to deal, and all these kind people are helping. I try just to think about the positive,not always easy, but the folks here help alot! Hugs and welcome, Ileen

Exclusive Club Membership

by NiceNiecey - 2017-01-16 10:30:28

Admission to the club is steep but it's a great deal!

You and Ileen both talk about how lucky we are and I join you in that assessment.  For those of us with complete heart block (and probably other diagnoses as well) we couldn't live without our devices.  I've had mine for 3 years now and figure I'm at about 2nd grade knowledge: beginning with kindergarten, that gives me a grade for each year I've been paced.  You're quite advanced at 6th grade!

Tom, would you help all of us by completing the member profile?  It is very helpful for the club members as we try to offer direction and encouragement.  Because you have 2 stents AND a PM, you are said to having plumbing AND electrical problems.  We just upped your Club benefits for that!  We want all the nitty gritty since most of us have 'just' electric problems.

Hope to see you at poolside (aka the Q&A forums!).

Niecey

U Tube & the PM implantation

by oldearthworm - 2017-01-16 14:23:37

About ten days ago, I found an EXCELLANT video on UTube showing the PM medical implanation procedure. It is still miraculous, but not all that difficult, thanks to our surgeons, their training and technology.

You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

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