New Pacemaker yesterday!

Hello, I just recently had a Medtronic pacemaker implanted yesterday. Last year 2017 I fainted twice in June. Each episode was different. The first time I went to the dentist, was given laughing gas for 2 wisdom teeth extractions and about an hour after the procedure I fainted Sitting in my car trying to eat a taco...scared the hell out of me but I brushed it offi as a side effect of the laughing gas and hydrocodone I was given for pain. Second fainting happened in Aug when I was hungover and thought it may have occurred due to dehydration. Sometimes I do experience shortness of breath but I also associated that with smoking weed weekly. Long story short, in April 2018 I went for a physical...my ekg came back abnormal. Wore a heart monitor for 30 days and was diagnosed with stage 3 Complete heart block that required a pacemaker implant. I literally couldn’t believe I had to have one. I was a CNA for 7 yrs and I always associated pacemakers with older patients. I felt like my life would b different forever until I educated myself on the procedure, causes of heart block and how it would actually enhance my life. It’s literally been 24 hrs since I had it implanted and I feel like I have a brighter future ahead of me with it. I’m really blessed to have found this out when I did. I’m a healthy 32 yr old female that looks forward to learning more about my pacemaker and this forum has given me lots of hope and clarity! 

9 Comments

New beginnings

by Claracluck - 2018-08-30 03:53:33

I had my pacemaker fttted in march and while the roads been a bit wobbly due to new meds im so grateful and feel lucky to have my second life! I too thought pacemakers are for older people ( altough i’m fifty in October) but thanks to the pacemaker i’ll see that big birthday.

good luck and good health to you in your new life.

great attitude!

by Tracey_E - 2018-08-30 09:24:27

I hate the perception that pacers are for old people. They are for people with wonky electrical systems. And it really is a fresh, new beginning. I'm glad you see it that way, many take a while to realize that. I got my first one at 27 and for me it opened up a whole new world. No more dizziness and fatigue, suddenly I could enjoy activities that I couldn't even consider doing before. I acted like an old person without it, with it I was finally acting my age. 

Thank you All!

by Blessed31 - 2018-08-30 10:58:44

Thank you all for the responses. And yes Tracey I agree with you. I’ve had my pacemaker for 3 days now and have heard so many ppl say “your too young for a pacemaker” ... which is what I thought at first but hearing it so much I’m like No, I’m not too young for one, I’m too young to die!. Self education is key. It is definitely a New Beginning for me. Previously I drank and smoked on a regular basis. I am content with changing my bad habits to live a better life and take care of my heart/body/mind/soul. I’ve decided that god has given me another chance to do it right! And for that I’m forever greatful. I look forward to having more energy, and like you said doing the things a 32 year old should be doing without feeling pooped! 

you're too young

by Tracey_E - 2018-08-30 14:00:14

Get used to those comments lol. I'm 51, been paced more than 20 years, and still hear that nearly every single doctor's visit where it comes up. 

”if i had a penny”!

by Electric Elise - 2018-08-30 14:27:34

Welcome to the club, my “too-young-for-a-pacer” sister!! I’m 36 and i had my PM implanted 2 months ago... and my docs still can’t believe that this actually happened.

Go out into the world and enjoy all this abundant energy. All the tacos out there that you won’t be fainting on! I have zero fears now when i wake up in the morning. I feel like my life’s never been this good and i wish the same for you! Keep us posted!

Good

by Hiker Girl - 2018-08-30 21:20:42

I so wish I will feel like you when mine will be in (sept 6th). For now I'm REALLY anxious and sad. I barely sleep. Like TraceyE said, pacemakers are for people with electrical problems, but in a lot of people's minds, it's for older people. Thank you for posting this, helped me a bit. :)

Hiker Girl

by Electric Elise - 2018-08-31 01:47:35

I have a bit of a checkered medical past and i’d sometimes get so depressed about it all. In such cases, the only thing that worked for me was to try and imagine myself and my life weeks/months/years down the line. It forced me to realize that the situation would actually be better in the near (or far) future. As dear ol’ George Harrison put it, all things must pass.

Hope the next week flies by and the op goes well for you, Hiker Girl. Keep us posted!

Electric Elise

by Hiker Girl - 2018-08-31 18:37:34

Thank you! I'm 33! Glad to see I'm not alone... :)

Def not alone.

by PacedNRunning - 2018-09-03 23:02:23

I too was told I was too young for a pacemaker, 46! Like Tracey said I don’t like when ppl say that. The stereotype behind PM is old. My Doctor was hesitant to put mine in. He didn’t want to put one in unless he was 100% sure I needed it. You have a great attitude and you will do fine!! 

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.