21 year old with 3rd degree heart block

Hang in there!

by Reboot1212 - 2018-05-15 22:44:08

I'm not that young, but I had the same surprise and diagnosis 5 years ago. You came to the right place. There are young folks here who can relate and others not so young but have lived long active lives that can help you with their experience. Keep in mind that with this condition, your new electronic friend removes limitations - it doesn't bring them. You have a lot to look forward to!

Hi

by Tracey_E - 2018-05-16 14:04:48

We have had dozens of members your age, but they tend to heal and move on with their lives rather than stick around as regulars. I hope one (or more) of them says hi soon. Until then, I can give you a glimpse of your future. Hint, it's not much different from everyone else's.

I was in your shoes, once upon a time, only difference was they found my heart block when I was 5 and waited until my 20's to give me the pacer so I had some time to get used to the idea. And by get used to the idea I mean, cry a lot, freak out, and generally build it up in my head as the end of the world.  Then I got it, and my energy skyrocketed, I wasn't dizzy all the time, and I can honestly say I haven't once regretted it.

I'm 51 now, on my 5th pacer, have two daughters your age (20 and 21). There is nothing I want to do that I cannot. I was at Crossfit this morning, just like every other morning. I'm running a 10k this weekend so I can get a better proof of time for the half marathon my oldest conned me into running with her. My youngest is making plans for us to go canyoneering when I visit her in August. We skied spring break and have a day at Disney planned when she comes home next month. There will be roller coasters :o)   My doctors have always encouraged me to stay active, to do what I want without restrictions. No doctor has ever told me that this will shorten my life expectancy. 99% of the time I don't give it a thought. 

They talk about physical healing but rarely the emotional. It is real. It's ok to take some time to get used to the idea and accept the new you. It's ok to pout, to mourn, to be angry, to scream why me, to be anxious about the future. It's hard when you are different from your friends, most of them still think they're going to live forever and haven't given their health a thought. I found it even harder when they treated me like I needed to be wrapped in bubble wrap. All I really wanted was them to forget about it. That day eventually came. Once I started feeling better and doing things again, I stopped thinking about it so much. People follow our lead. When they see us feel good and act normal, they treat us normally. 

It's just a hunk of titanium, don't give it more power than that. Diabetics take insulin, broken bones get screws, some of us get a little computer to keep our heart in sync. No one gets through life without scars, some of us just get a bit of a headstart on it. You are going to feel like your old self again, keep up with your friends, live your life exactly how you had planned. It may not happen tomorrow or even next week, but you will get there. This is just a bump in the road.

If you ever have questions or want to chat, you can reach me through private message or I'd be happy to give you my email. You're already past the worst, it can only get better from here. 

Tracey

Keep on keepin on

by mtaylor - 2018-06-03 01:20:19

I'm outside your range at 26, but I got my ICD when I was 19 so I think I can relate pretty well.  I'll message you my email address if you want to chat.