Newbie

better times ahead

by Tracey_E - 2018-07-11 15:45:55

No one chooses a pacer, but it beats randomly passing out and not knowing why, and it is for sure better than going to sleep and not waking up again. Pauses like that are sneaky and it's not uncommon to go as you did, years with no diagnosis. But it's all up hill from here! You have a diagnosis and there's a fix. Most of us heal and get on with our lives. If you have questions, please don't be shy. 

No one else understands

by Theknotguy - 2018-07-11 19:14:33

This is the club no one wants to join.  Having said that, no one can understand what it feels like to have a pacemaker.  Only those of us who have one can understand what it feels like and, after a little experience, what you can do to make yourself comfortable with the new situation.  As much as the doctors and nurses would like to, they can't explain all the little thumps, bumps, and other tweaks that happen after you have a pacemaker.  It's really great to be able to get on the forum, ask your questions, and have someone say, "Yeah, I know what that feels like and here are some suggestions as to what you can do."

For some of us the other option besides having a pacemaker is being dead but that doesn't mean you have to go on with a life of doom and gloom. I now volunteer at the hospital where I woke up with a newly installed pacemaker.  I take heart patients out after their heart stay and sometimes can let them know there is a not only a chance at a good life but also the chance of a great life after having a pacemaker.  Instead of it being the end of an old life it can be the start of a new and better life.  

I hope you're not having too much angst about having a pacemaker.  I wish a speedy recovery and a smooth transition to your new life.  
 

16 second pause?!!

by AgentX86 - 2018-07-11 22:01:22

Holy cr*p Batman!  I was having near syncope problems and ended up in the hospital not knowing what was going on.  They missed a 5-second pause but sent me home with an event monitor.  A couple of days later, at 3:00AM, the monitoring company called and strongly suggested that I get myself to the ER.  I'd had an eight second pause.  I had a 9:00AM appointment with my EP anyway, so didn't bother with the ER (probably wouldn't have gotten out of there in time to make the EP appointment).  That was a Friday.  I had my pacemaker implanted the next Monday morning.

So, I understand the owl eyes completely.  ;-)

3 year loop recorder huh?

by Washingtonienne - 2018-07-12 00:05:07

Wow. Early May to mid July with a loop recorder that would have lasted three years! I thought I was fast when I went just three and a half months with mine before it caught a significant pause but you win. Not like this was a contest anyone wanted to win. Still, I know I was thankful to have a resolution sooner rather than later and I imagine you are too. 

My story is quite similar. Years of passing out randomly - got tired of not having answers - fitted with a loop - dual lead pacer within six months. I’m only 35 and had a lot of mixed feelings over my new reality but, it gets so much better. I’m shocked at how well I feel now. You will surely get there too. 

officially a member now......................................

by Rookie - 2018-07-20 17:59:29

see what I did there? that 'flat line' thing. well NO MORE I hope because three days after my initial post I got as close to 'first class' as I ever will as I was wrapped up like a burrito and flown to Kelowna for surgery. It's day four at home and I'm still wrapping my bean around the fact that there is a wee computer in my chest. I know that I'm not close to what you'd call 'hardy' when it comes to surgery but my god I felt like that was a tad rough. I'd much prefer to be out out but apparently that doesn't work. :(

Anyways, no pain meds today and so far so good. I'm behaving but am looking forward to learning to trust this little thing and fall asleep without the imagination taking flight and imaging all sorts. I'm giving myself the rest of the week before attempting to work. hmm maybe next week too.....the upside.......no housework for six weeks.....ssshhh.......I know it's the vacuuming only but I went with the NO HOUSEWORK for six weeks...we have to have some perks. Take care.......