**New Member Alert**

Hi Guys - At last I've found where you're all hiding. Taken a while, but great to have located such a wealth of experience on this forum, really, a huge difference in reading your stories.

Little bit about me, I'm 29, live just outside London, hypertensive since 18 yrs, diagnosed with third degree AV block about 4 weeks ago. Symptoms include, short fast heart beat bursts, then (on seperate occassions) a feeling like my heart has a bit of a cough, so, from my own research the bottom chamber isn't firing on all cylinders and needs a little help with a PM to sync up. I actually haven't felt anything for about 2/3 weeks, so having that natural thought of 'maybe he got it wrong' or 'maybe it was a one of month where is happened a few times', hmmm, ECG shows categorically that there’s a problem, so I need to accept the diagnosis.

It sounds as if I accepted it all ok? The complete opposite, I am terrified, petrified, worried for my young family. So, just to say again, Hi! and thanks for such great discussions of support and well wishes to strangers, amazing what lift it gives you when you can see other people talking openly. I'm booked in for the 10th Jan 2008, so couple of weeks away. Thanks for even taking the time to read this! Gary

7 Comments

Welcome Gary

by Carol - 2007-12-26 08:12:39

Been there, done that! Have felt the same terror, worry, etc. For those of us who didn't have it placed in an emergency situation I think we've all experienced what you are feeling to some degree or other.

My Block (2nd degree) would come and go, in fact still does, the difference is that now the PM picks up on it and keeps my heart rate from dipping in the 30's. For that I'm greatful, as I felt pretty bad when it was low. Most of those with 3rd degree block report feeling better right away for the most part.

Everyone recuperates at a different rate of course, but physically (3 months out) I no longer have any soreness at all and can sleep in any position. The first few weeks are uncomfortable but not so bad that plain old tylenol didn't do the trick.

Hopefully you had all the right tests to determine for certain the degree of your block and need for the PM. That should put your mind at ease that by getting your PM you're actually safeguarding your young family by insuring you'll be around for a long, long time!
Sending you calm good wishes, Carol

Welcome!

by ela-girl - 2007-12-26 08:12:41

Hi, Gary, and welcome to the club! This is such a great place to find support and caring people who are willing to share experiences. I'm glad you have found us!

I wanted to tell you that I had my pm implanted via emergency surgery over a year ago and was 29 at the time of surgery. There are quite a few of us "young'uns" on the forum, so rest assured that people have been where you are about to go! I am glad that I had my pm implanted on an emergency basis because it didn't give me any time to fret about what was happening. But I can understand your fear and worry--it is natural when you are about to undergo an adjustment to your life. Since I didn't have time before my surgery to worry or ponder or get answers, I went through all that well after my pm was implanted. It's very normal! Just know that you and your young family are going to be better off because of your pm...you will be in better health with the pm than without it which should be a source of comfort to you and yours. And if your condition has kept you from enjoying certain activities in your life, you should get your life back!

Don't hesitate to post ANY questions you may have--someone will be along with an answer for you. There is a lot that our doctors tend to keep to themselves.

Best wishes for a great 2008!
ela-girl

Be Safe

by hooimom - 2007-12-26 10:12:08

Hi Gary,

I had a little wait from the time I was told I would need a PM until I had the surgery. It was a very difficult time. I found myself accepting it and thought I was fine with the surgery and then 30 minutes later I would melt into tears and totally unsure. My doctor explained to me that the only way to keep me safe was to give me a PM. At 42 a PM is not what I wanted! I finally realized though, that I wanted to live and be around for my family. My heart block didn't cause problems all the time. I had times when I felt fine and my heart functioned like it should, but, there were times that my heart stopped and during one of those episodes it might not restart. That is why I got my PM. I never had terrible fainting episodes or some of the other scary experiences some of the members here have had so I could almost convince myself I didn't really need a PM but for me it came back to being here for my family and not taking that chance.

I know at 29 this is not what you want to hear, but I can tell you that 18 months after getting my PM I hardly even think of it anymore. It becomes just another part of your body. I know you probably won't get to the point of total accepatance right now, but try not to worry too much. I look at my PM as a gift now because I feel better and have more energy now than I did for 2 years before my PM. Take care of yourself now and after the surgery. You'll be fine and on here encouraging others before you know it!

Ask any questions you can think of. That will make you feel stronger as well.
Michelle

28

by pacer28 - 2007-12-27 03:12:08

Hi! Welcome to the club. Im one of the youngins but I also had mine done on an emergency basis. The anxiety I think is there for everyone at first but then as time goes on you feel better and better. I have a 2.5 yr old and a 5 week old. I cant pick up the 5 week old for at least another 3 weeks. My opp was 12-17-07. Just follow the Docs instructions about recovery and you should be good. Im a brand new member, this place really helps! Good Luck & speedy recovery

encouragement

by golem - 2007-12-27 06:12:00

Hi Gary,

Just a word of encouragement from Holland. I got my PM 5 weeks ago after having been diagnosed with serious 2nd degree AV block (so called MobitzII). Had about a week to mentally prepare. For me the notion of a PM was not new as my father had one as well, thirty years ago. I know that it improved his quality of life considerably at the time and technology was very different from now. Even after 5 weeks, I feel fine and at moments I even don't notice it's there. I have been taking up some careful exercising in my gym and have decided I will not have it stand in my way. I can do almost everything I used to do. I am older then you are (54) but livfe an active life. Look at the positive side of it: you will be a lot safer with a PM then without it; it is a relatively small thing to which it shouldn't be too difficult to get used to. Don't let it upset you too much. Good luck with your operation and let us know how you feel after it's all done!
Best wishes for 2008,

Golem

Same boat!

by Tessy - 2007-12-27 09:12:21

Hi Gary

I live in West London and I am having a PM fitted on 28th January. I was given an appointment for the 9 January, but I am going on holiday on the 9th so they changed my appointment.
The only symptoms I have had are dizzy spells, about 6 so far. I am also missing a heartbeat through the night when I am asleep. I had a 7 day ECG monitor to take home just to double check I needed a PM, and the same results came up. I realise now that I must have a PM and am lucky that I am able to have this advantage as it will improve my life. Good luck to you and I will be thinking of you on the 10th.



....thanks

by GN - 2007-12-28 09:12:52

Guys, I really don't know what to say. Just amazing to think that people on this earth care enough to take the time to write your experiences with gifts of encouragement. Your stories are heartwarming and are definitely helping me understand the steps to recovery when indeed I undertake the operation in 2 weeks. I'm now am fully aware that PM are really not as rare as I first thought and will gladly stay in touch for others t not help myself but to help others in the same boat. I bid you farewell for now and send my new year wishes to you all! Happy New Year for 2008!
Gary

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