Informing school/college

Hi everyone!

I’m 25 and approaching my 5year anniversary with my first Medtronic, Rate drop response pacemaker for Vasovagal syncope which results in asystole. Recently discovered that my atrium lead is not working and have to go in for a replacement...

Anyway, I have just started a 8 week pastry course in a France (foreign country, foreign language) where i’ll be on my feet for a large portion of the day. I’m certain I’ll be absolutely fine but I’m just wondering whether any of you informed your employees/teachers/lecturers of your conditions and the potential for syncope just in case? I don’t want to alarm anyone but part of me thinks it might be prudent to inform them, in case something happens! 

Thoughts and comments will be greatly appreciated. 

5 Comments

Asystole is very serious business

by AgentX86 - 2019-03-17 20:48:45

If I were running the school, I don't think I'd want the liability of someone with untreated asystoles (syncope) around.  If you pass out, you could easily hurt yourself or someone else.  I wouldn't have a problem, except the part about the broken lead.  I think I'd want that fixed before taking on the responsibility.

Don't ask, don't tell

by El Gordo - 2019-03-17 21:19:24

It's pretty hard to put the genie back in the bottle.

What are they going to do differently, except act to limit their liability.

Don't ask. Don't tell.

by AgentX86 - 2019-03-17 22:31:25

Exactly.  "It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission." That said.  Asystoles are deadly serious business.  It has to be corrected ASAP, or sooner.

who to tell what

by Tracey_E - 2019-03-18 10:33:55

If you can't have the lead fixed until after your program and you are at risk of passing out, then yes the instructors need to know and you should probably have a medical alert on.

If it's been fixed and you are fine now, then I wouldn't  bother. I don't bring my pacer up often but the management at my gym knows and the info on my medic alert is in my emergency contact in their records. Nothing has ever happened, but if I were to pass out I'd want EMS to know my history. 

Thank you

by Nickibsa - 2019-03-18 17:34:44

Hi everyone! Thanks so much - I should have added that I have a dual chamber PM and so I’m still being paced in the right ventricle. Doctor and EP were happy for me to come as they knew how important and big a decision it was for me to make and I have scheduled a replacement of the RA lead upon returning to my country. 

I informed the head of students today and they handled it very well. I wrote something in English and French and the distributed it to the various chefs and lecturers just in case. They also have a copy of my insurance and I wear a Medic Alert bracelet. I’m certain I will be absolutely fine but was anxious last night about my first day and starting thinking of too many things. 

Sending positive wishes out to the universe for all of you on here. 

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