Newbie…. First Message

I wanted to come and get some information about a pacemaker from those that have one.  I have found that doctors have little ability to inform the patient correctly.  

A little about me.  I am Spencer, I am 57, retired once but still working.  I spent 28 years in the Miitary as a Navy Commander and am a combat vet (dirt Navy).  I have a number of mental issues that I contend with but I wanted to see what is out there for information on a pacemaker and find a good forum.

So, Hello.  And I hope I can find a lot of information and support from the forum.

8 Comments

Hello & Welcome

by Penguin - 2023-11-18 21:00:03

Hi Spencer, ]

Welcome to the Pacemaker Forum. I'm pleased that you have found us and hope that we can help. 

I was very sorry to read, ‘I have found that doctors have little ability to inform the patient correctly,’  and that this has been your experience.

I'd say that it is not common for doctors to misinform patients - although it can happen I'm sure. Perhaps your doctor has miscommunicated something to you or left out some information that you need?  If you are seeking an explanation or help with this, we can try to help you figure it out or if not, suggest which questions might be helpful to pose to your doctor. We can support you either way. 

You mention mental health issues. Many posters on here have struggled with their own mental health at times for a variety of reasons. For example many people struggle to accept being the recipient of a pacemaker and the demise of their cardiac health.

  I imagine that a lifetime in the Navy has taught you a great deal about mental resilience and fragility and that you have had challenges during times of combat that most of us will never face.  I can't imagine how tough that must be. You will find acceptance re: mental ill health here from people who are grateful for your service and who will help and support you as best they can.

Best Wishes

lots of good info

by dwelch - 2023-11-18 23:05:45

Not sure if this means you have a new device or are about to get one or....

In any case, lots of good, collective, knowledge here.  As far as anxiety and mental recovery and all that, that is mostly individual, but understand that most or i would argue, all, have been through it in some way shape or form.  

Not the club you wanted to join, but you are welcome here, and we will do our best to help with your transition.

 

it would help if you filled in your profile

by new to pace.... - 2023-11-18 23:17:28

Since some of our answers depends on your make an model of your pacemaker.  Also your location as again our answers are different if you live in the US or someplace else.

new to pace 

Welcome,Newbie

by skigrl3 - 2023-11-19 08:51:02

I have found a lot of good (and reassuring!) info on here and I hope you do as well. You will find info on here from us end users! I work in medicine and while I am acutely aware that we need our cardiologists and the services they provide - they can't provide us with insight that only a wearer of a pacemaker knows. I am sort of new (1.5 years w pm) and I don't post often but when I have I have always gotten the answers I need. Best wishes for good health.

 

Lots of information

by Flo - 2023-11-19 10:10:21

Welcome Spencer, 

I think you will find the forum as helpful for information and support as I have.  Glad you found the forum and wishing you the best.

Welcome

by Lurker - 2023-11-19 11:01:56

"Dirt Navy" The word Seabee comes to mind. Im Ex Airforce tho not USAF. 

I go with Peguin on this. Perhaps what the Dr. told you was not what you wanted to hear. I,d go for a second opinion. 

PM's are very small,very efficient, and very effective for what they were designed. They give us a new laease on life. 

THere are a lot of runners,bikers,swimmers, and skiers on this site and eveyone will tell you it put them back doing the sport they love to do.

Best of health to you and I hope you find what you are looking for.

Im now finished waxing poetic........

Doc DX

Hey!

by Vtl.3 - 2023-11-20 04:52:47

First off, I would like to say thank you for your service, and welcome! I also am curently having a similar experience with doctors not properly informing me of all the motifications that can be made to my pacemaker, and what all the techincal stuff really means. it can be quite frustrating and belittiling, seeing as the device is going into YOUR body. Furthermore, I also struggled with a lot of anxiety pre and post opt, I will say that it is normal. And following your procedue, I would suggest you ask your doctor to be signed up for any cardiac rehab program to help with the sholder that the device is going to be placed in. I presume that it will go on your left side. The rehab helped me build up a little bit of confidence in doing daily task and light excersie after the sugery. Best of luck.

You are HOME

by USMC-Pacer - 2023-11-20 13:18:44

You'll soon see that you have come to the right place. As already stated, it's helpful to know your PM type, condition, and location to better help answer your questions. Welcome aboard and thank you for your service!

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