thanks to all

Two months ago tomorrow I was diagnosed in the ER after passing out two day before with complete heart block - pulse was 20. I received my pm on emergency basis.

I live alone - well with three Golden Retrievers!! When I came home from the hospital I was scared, hurting and depressed. I think most of you can relate. Five days before I thought I was in very good health and now I am two days after Thanksgiving depending on a "thing" assembled by someone I don't even know to keep my heart beating.

I did a Google Search for Pacemaker recovery and You came up!! Wow!! What a blessing all of you have been to me. I have only posted a couple of times but read your messages and comments all the time. By doing this you have verified my feelings and apprehensions. Thank You Very Much. I felt so very much alone yet by being on this site I feel connected to all of you.

Kay

3 Comments

Welcome!

by auntiesamm - 2008-01-21 01:01:35

Kay - Welcome to this terrific group of club members, some of the best friends you will "never meet". Like you and Jessie I was in 3rd degree HB, didn't know it until I had an EKG, went to ER, to ICU, did not pass GO or collect $200.00 and the next thing you know I have a pacemaker! What a surprise but let me tell you I love this little gem of medical science and technology. I shudder to think of what the consequences might have been. Date May 18 2006. Everyday I thank God for the PM that is allowing me to continue living. I seldom think about it anymore - can't even see the scar but wouldn't care if you could. I'm 67 y/o and as my grandkids tell me I am computer operated and I have 2 bionic knees. What next????? I think you will find the folks on here very helpful, kind, knowledgeable and so willing to share. The day I got home after getting my PM I was immediately on the computer seeking info. Landed on this website and looked no further. It is truly one of the great blessings in my life right now. How wonderful that you have your 3 dogs to love and watch after you. Aren't they just the best part of life? Take care and God bless.
Sharon (So CA)

PS: Check out the Photo Album - the selection is in the upper left hand column. You will find pictures of many of your new friends. Please add yours, and the dogs if you would like! My dog, Shuggy, agreed to pose with me even though he was having a bad hair day!

Hello there, dog lover!

by ela-girl - 2008-01-21 01:01:49

Hi, Kay!

I can totally understand your feelings. I had my pm implanted via emergency surgery, too. My HR was at 4 bpm!!! I can imagine that you are feeling much better now. In some way, I think we are lucky to have our pm's implanted on an emergency basis--less time to think and worry about getting the pm. I've seen a lot of soon to be pacers on this site who are a bit freaked out...I'm glad I didn't have to deal with that! I think when the time comes to have a replacement, it will be easier!

I also have 3 Golden retrievers and a black lab. We have some things in common! If you ever want to talk pets (well, they are more like kids) or about your condition/pm, just private message me. I would love to share info on our Goldens!!!!

Hope to hear from you,
ela-girl

hi

by jessie - 2008-01-21 12:01:17

welcome kay to this group. i too had mine on an e.r. basis my pulse was 28 and they took me by wheelchair from ekg to e.r. next thing i knew bamm a pacemaker. i was going to go into sudden cardiac arrest and so i was blessed to be in the right place at the right time. it was really hard for me to accept this but thank god there is such a thing. welcome again jessie

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