this is odd!! lol

Okay so its been a couple of weeks since my last post. I have a big ?. I went to the ep doc last week. He let me know that I am now 100% dependant on my pacemaker. Is this normal? I mean i knew going into it that the pm is here to help me but that kinda scares me. I mean to think i am a 22 year old and my heart nolonger works on its own? I guess its just hard to let that soak in. Is it normal for me to be tired again.The doc said my body would adjust. How long will that take? Its just so odd for me! I started feeling great and now im back to feeling bad. I hate it!! The good thing is that i have only had three things of a~fib since march. One more thing is it normal for me to get a led taste in my mouth? I mean i know you guys arnt doctors but i like getting your imput!! Thanks again!

4 Comments

Not Alone

by scadnama - 2008-07-28 11:07:07

Hello! I am 24 years old and have also recently found out that I am 100% paced. I started out only being paced between 15% and 40% but since have had problems with IST and possible a-fib. Do you take beta blockers or any other medication that supresses your natural heart rate? I didn't become 100% paced until after I started taking beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.
I too felt really well after my initial implant, but since have started to feel weak and fatigued again. I think that it is all the medication that I take that makes me feel that way though.
Being young and pacemaker dependant is a scary thing. I have come to terms with the fact that I have to have a pacemaker for the rest of my life. I know that these little gadgets are very reliable and that the chance that my heart will fail with it is far less than the chance I would carry without it.

Hang in there,
Amanda

pacemaker

by Freshfemale - 2008-07-29 03:07:30

Hello Amanda.

Im in a bit of a similar situation to you. Im a dependent on my pacemaker and im 20 yrs old. I had already had heart failure when i was 14. got the PM put in 6 - 12 months later n never really had a problem. although i just got checked last week and my battery is low and i now need a new one with my 21st a couple of weeks away BUT i must admit im very grateful for my lil buddy and with time i think you will be too, I recently have become alot more tired than usual and i think you should go to ur PM technician or ur EP and ask them to take a look, they could just change some settings and you'll feel fine. Im sure they will be happy to reassure any worries you have

Keep us up to date and take care :) !

pacemaker

by Bionic Beat - 2008-07-29 06:07:38

Hi,

I'm a lot older than you are, but my heart trouble was diagnosed at 27.

It comes as a bit of a shock that ones' heart is a bummer.

At least we can get decent pacemakers these days, that allow us to continue with an almost normal life....depending on what's wrong with our tickers.

I had over 30 years of medication, a very lousy solution.

I have a real sense of peace now, knowing that my pacemaker will keep me going indefinitely....well, til it's my time! lol

After you get used to the idea, I hope you find comfort in your lil metal friend!


Bionic Beat

Nope no meds.

by rdelvis07 - 2008-07-29 08:07:49

I was actually on beta blockers b4 i got my pm. but since have been taken off of them which is GREAT dont get me wrong.I guess its just the lil things that drive me nuts about being 100% paced. I know they are very reliable and i thank god everyday for something so great!! Its just a whole new way of life. Thank u so much for your imput!! It means so much to me to know that we are kinda in the same boat!! Keep in touch!

You know you're wired when...

“Batteries not included” takes on a new meaning.

Member Quotes

I am not planning on letting any of this shorten my life. I am planning on living a long happy battery operated life. You never know maybe it will keep me alive longer. I sure know one thing I would have been dead before starting school without it.