New to PM

Bradycardia

by AgentX86 - 2018-08-10 01:07:04

There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to do anything after you get you pacemaker than you did when you were healthy, with the possible exception of direct physical contact sports. In your case that might mean law enforcement. You might ask your union rep (not your boss, at least until you get your ducks lined up).

With Bradycardia,  it's not clear why you need a two lead pacemaker. Did your doctor say anything about "heart block"? The reason this may be important is that there is a long term issue with two lead pacemakers causing heart failure in people with complete heart block. A third lead is used to mitigate this issue. If you have no heart block, a simpler, single lead, pacemaker is the norm.

At your age, getting freaked out is quite understandable. You will have to have the pacemaker replaced many times over your lifetime but other than that inconvenience,  your future is bright. There really is little to worry about. I know,  easy to say but we've all been there. My suggestion is to learn as much as you can about your condition,  pacemakers,  and the procedure. If you know what's going on,  it won't be nearly as scary.

Pacemaker at age 29

by LondonAndy - 2018-08-10 07:22:14

I can't add too much on the medical front - I am 52 years old and had my first pacemaker for only 4 years, as a result of surgical complication.  So for me, whether to have one is not an option: no pacemaker = dead! 

Having said that, I honestly don't think my device has had any impact on my lifestyle. Not that I am as active as you, but I can swim, run a bit etc.  I have seen some comments about weight lifting elsewhere on this forum, but remember that they can put the device in different places, to avoid it being an issue for some activities.  However, also consider that they will need to replace it every 10 years or so, so if it is buried deep in you somewhere that could be more difficult to access for replacements.

If you are concerned about having a visible scar, then once the initial 6 weeks healing has happened I would recommend rubbing in "Bio Oil" every day (ish) for some months.  This helps the skin enormously, and now you really have to look closely to see mine, as it is nearly invisible.

I am sure that you will weigh up the consequences of NOT having a pacemaker as much as rightly doing your research into them.  If you collapse or pass out at awkward moments like driving, that can be fatal not only for you but for other people.  Sometimes we have to go with the "least bad" option.  And remember: it is nothing you have done that has caused this.  Electrical problems can just happen, and at ANY age.

Micra Pacemaker

by Paulb - 2018-08-10 12:23:03

I  had my St Jude Pacemaker fitted last month.  It was a hasty requirement and I am still trying to come to terms mentally with being dependent on an embedded personal computer.  However given the alternative I am very pleased to have the PM (an alternative was never being able to drive again, or the other alternative which was completely unacceptable). Now I am sitting around waiting to lfit anything more than a cup of tea I was googling about pacemakers.  There is a new Micra PM now approved and available.  I have no idea if it might be better or worse than the standard PM but it might be worth looking in to.  It appears to do everything necessary and there is no lump to be seen either.  Others on this forum may have more knowledge about it or even have one hopefully!

OMG

by The real Patch - 2018-08-10 12:40:20

So one question...can I have your golf clubs, seems you won't be needing them...

Nah I'm trying to make a point, I can almost guarantee you know people who have a pacemaker, or ICD and just aren't aware of it. It's no big deal, you have an electrical issue that requires some back-up to prevent such pleasant experiences such as Syncope (fainting) at least for a slow heart. Fainting when you see the love of your life is unpreventable.

The only thing you need to focus on is whether your law enforcement department allows employees on active duty to have one. Sadly it should not be a factor but businesses are behind the times and only look at liability or their perception of same. The irony is having a pacemaker makes you less susceptible to heart problems others can be stricken with out of the blue, or brown, whatever color your uniform. Be proactive and talk to your Cardiologist about how to combat the problem should they say it's forbidden.

Good luck and relax, this is just the start of a new adventure and you'll be robotically enhanced

You can do this

by Gotrhythm - 2018-08-12 13:43:13

"will my heart ever be able strong enough to support itself. "

"I may just be being paranoid but the whole thing has got me worried going from healthy to needing a PM in less than 2 years any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated."

Believe it or not, people on this forum say that all the time. 

The pacemaker is not doing the physical work of pumping your heart. Think of it as like an electrical pump with a bad switch. You don't replace the pump, you just replace the switch. A pacemaker is for hearts that have developed electrical problems--in effec,t it replaces the switch. Strange as it seems, a heart can be perfectly healthy and strong, free of coronary artery disease, and yet have electrical problems.

Just because you need a pacemaker is no reason to think you've started down the slippery slope to heart disease. Electrical problems can come on gradually, or seemilngly out of the blue. Regardless, they aren't a sign that your heart is weak. Your heart is probably as strong as it ever was. With a pacemaker you can be as physically able as you ever were. It's likely that you'll find yourself feeling better than you have felt in a while.

As for careers, The Real Patch's advice is good. But your're only 29. Even though it's what you want now, it might not always be. Most people these days change jobs and even whole careers several times over the course of their lives. There are many, many service jobs where a pacemaker would be no barrier at all.

Educate yourself about pacemakers. Youtube is a great place to start. The more you know the better questions you will ask, but don't get carried away with worry. People with pacemakers live long and healthy lives. And have good jobs. You can too.

No worries

by Pitrfarkas - 2018-08-12 16:24:30

Hi there, I got my pm 3 years ago when I was 31.

Was really worried whether I can continue my physical actvities, such skiing, kiteboarding, gym and martial arts. The outcome is that I do everything as I did before the PM and I could say even better even started to ride a motorcycle 😀

Do not be worried about getting a PM, it will be your back up and  you will be able to do anything you did before. 

Trust me I know what I am talking about.

The most inspiring remark

by silver star - 2018-08-13 01:49:19

I have been surprised by a vast many people your age I have met that have told me that they have pacemakers when I have talked about mine. However the most inspiring remark I ever heard was from a motivational speaker. He said that life is like a football game, and you don’t want to go to the locker room after the game is done with a clean uniform on, as that meant you haven’t played the game. I do more now then before I had my pacemaker. I wish the same for you.