Hey there

Hey guys, I just wanted to say sorry to all the people I may have upset over the past few weeks. I am having a hard time. On top of the unsolved feelings in my chest, a girl at school just died, and I have a million and one things to do over Christmas break... literally. We had an assembly today and at the beginning there was a tribute to the student who passed away and I bawled my eyes out in front of everybody... and I didn't even know her! I don't know. Anyway, sorry and thanks for being here for me.

5 Comments

A Dad

by tuck3lin - 2008-12-19 09:12:29

I have a daughter who is a freshman in high school, and I also have a daughter who is a senior in high school. The freshman and sophomore years can be a tough time, especially for girls. Lots going on, both good and bad. It can be a roller coaster at times, that is for sure. Hang in there!

As for the feelings in your chest, what you are describing seems to be similar to what I have occasionally experienced. I remember being jolted out of sleep a few times in the middle of the night where it felt like my heart was beating out my chest (hard!), yet my rate was still a reasonable 78 bpm (or so). I've had this same feeling also happen during the day.

One of the things that led to my pacemaker was a bout of PACs (premature atrial contractions) that brought me into the emergency room. That led to a holter monitor, which led to the cardiologist noticing I had bradycardia at night down to 40 bpm but (more importantly), occasional dropped ventricular beats. A diagnosis of second degree heart block associated with the dropped beats, and viola! I now have a pacemaker.

A number of us in this forum have experienced PACs and, in general, a pacemaker does nothing to help correct them. A cousin of PACs are PVCs (premature ventrical contraction). PACs or PVCs can give you a feeling like your heart is not beating regular (which it isn't!). Kind of a "skipped beats" feeling. Cardiologists will tell you that PACs (and for the most part PVCs) are harmless. Like the name implies, the beat is occuring before it is supposed to, instead of contractions that occur in a nice steady rhythm. But when you are having them, they can seem pretty scary. Although it feels like your heart might stop at any time, that won't happen. If you are hooked up to a holter or EKG, you can watch them as they occur. I had 3062 in a 24 hour period. I still have had them show up once in a while since receiving the pacemaker, but not to that extent. Know that I know what they are, and know they aren't as harmful as they feel, they aren't quite as scary.

There are drugs that can help with PACs and PVCs, but they tend to slow the heart down. Or so I've been told. But, a pacemaker helps prevent your heart from going too slow. Might be something to explore with your cardiologist.

ahh honey it is okay.

by jessie - 2008-12-19 11:12:45

don't worry we are here for you. it is okay. you have a lot on my plate. many years ago when i was six. we had to walk along a highway when we got off the school bus. this was very busy and my best friend was struck by oncoming traffic and died. i was really upset and it scared me a lot. i have never been really quite myself at christmas since. it is in my thoughts forever at this time of the year. so calm down feel your grief and remember we all love you. honey love.jessie

CRYING

by pete - 2008-12-20 02:12:46

Having a good cry is good for you and helps you get over the loss. Dont feel embarrassed about it, it just shows you are sensitive to other peoples misfortune.
I think that having a pacemaker makes you value life more than you otherwise would. I too have balled my eyes out at the loss of a friend and particularly my the loss of my dog. Cheers Peter

so glad you are back

by aldeer - 2008-12-20 11:12:23

I have been hoping you would be back. You really add a lot to our pacemaker club and certainly do not need to apologize. Also, showing you care shows a great person. I will take this time to wish you a very Happy and Blessed Christmas.... with love & prayers....aldeer (the old lady with 10 kids, 23 grandkids, & 5 great grandkids).

Thank you

by uvagershwin - 2008-12-21 07:12:59

Thanks guys, you're wonderful. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or whatever you celebrate!

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