Pacemaker coming!

Hello,

I just found out last week that I will be getting a pacemaker in the next few weeks. I am dealing with the news now but it hit me pretty hard in the beginning. I always thought it was for older people, I am only 26. I found this site yesterday and already it has been a HUGE help in giving me information. A little scary at times though reading the complications postings. Just wanted to see if anyone had any advice of what I should do or what questions to ask before I get the pacemaker implanted.

Thanks!

8 Comments

good luck!

by Tracey_E - 2008-08-06 02:08:13

26 is certainly young! There are a few teens here and parents of babies with pacers so you're not the youngest. I was 27 when I got my first one. I've always been the youngest in my doctor's office, I keep waiting for the day when there's someone in the waiting room younger than me. For 35 years now, lol, one of these days it will happen!

It's a blow when you find out you need it and it takes a while to get used to the idea, but I think you'll come to see that it's very little inconvenience to have it and many, many of us have active, perfectly normal lives with it. Most days I don't even give it a thought. I would have died that day when I had the surgery to get my first one (I'm on #4 now). Before that, I had limited activity and was always tired and dizzy. Now I'm active, healthy, have children, and most people who meet me never know I have it. I'm very grateful to that chunk of titanium! I've always felt I'm blessed to have something so easily fixed.

I would ask about location of the implant before you get it. It's common to put it under the collar bone and many doctors never consider putting it anywhere else, but if you are active and/or thin, you may want to consider burying it more. Mine is buried and I'm so glad it is. It never gets in my way with sports or carrying a backpack.

Keep in mind as you read about the complications here that the vast majority of pacer patients get them and never have an issue! People don't generally come looking for a site like this unless they have a problem or question. Complications are the exception, not the rule.

Please don't be shy about posting any of your questions or just venting! We've all been there, done that. :o)

Relax...

by dward - 2008-08-06 02:08:29

Yes, it sounds like a big deal. It IS a big deal, but the odds are that you'll get through it without any problems.
I too was told by every Doctor, Nurse, Technician, etc. that I was "too young" to be getting a pacemaker - and I'm older than you are.

Just do what they tell you (as far as taking it easy for a few days, not lifting your arm over your head, no heavy lifting, and whatever else) and you'll be okay.


Cheers,
D. Ward

Hi piglet!

by dw5281 - 2008-08-06 04:08:03

I'm 27 & have had mine for 6 months - i got it a week after my birthday - nice present!

Try not to worry (I only had a days notice - I'm glad I didnt have time to think about it!) it is an important operation but it was not as nearly as bad as i thought (& I'm a wmp!) - having the catheter put in was more stressful. I had light sedation & i was only vaguely aware of what was going on i could hear the surgeon talking & i was annoyed when the anaesthetist kept shaking me awake grr! The only uncomfortable bit was the final lot of stitches - it wasnt painful just very weird!

I kept thinking of Q's i wanted to ask but kept forgetting when it came to it so I had some post it notes next to me & every time i thought of something i wrote it down so i was prepared! I still forget things to ask now! I would definately write down anyhing that you think of from now - i wanted to know what condition I had, what make & model it was, what settings it had, what did it actually do & what could/couldnt i do with it!

Try not to worry about it its not as bad as you think!

Let us know how you get on

x

Youth has nothing to do with it.

by rwarren - 2008-08-06 04:08:13

I am 48 years old and just woke up from my nap. Had PM installed 2 weeks ago. paulse rate would get real low and pause. I either felt really bad or would pass out. Who ever thought at the young age of 48 I would have to have a pacemaker. Of course I was scared when I first heard that I needed a PM but after thinking about what could happen without one I knew this would be the best thing. I will be going back to work in 5 days with some weight restrictions and can start running again in about 2 weeks. I was running about 4 miles 4 times a week before this happened. Follow the doctors orders and ask lots of questions and please use this website as reference. God knows I have. Thanks to all on this site for all your support. Rick

Hi

by Fluzy Suzy - 2008-08-06 05:08:30

As long as you are ok, age is irrelevant in having a pacemaker, I was 35 at the time of my first implant and would not be here today without one, it lasted for - 18 years before my second one was implanted, yes 18 years. God bless technology of today.
Only after 6 weeks of first implant I did the 1/2 marathon for the coronary care unit at my local hospital here in England.
You will be fine - worrying wont help, just think how fit and well you will be afterwards
God bless - Fluzy Suzy

To Fluzy Suzy

by axg9504 - 2008-08-06 06:08:28

You must have been running and in good shape when you received your PM. So, can you tell me, what is your upper limit setting is on your PM, if you have one? (Wow 18 years battery life! ) Do you know if your heart rate used to go to the upper limit that you have (again if you do have one) years ago before you got your PM?

Not To Worry!

by scadnama - 2008-08-06 08:08:51

Hello! Don't be too concerned about getting a pacemaker...the surgery is not bad at all, but the recovery stinks cause you can't really use your left arm for a few weeks. Just be confident that you will feel better after the implant. I am 24 and have had my pacer for about 9 months. I have had very few complications and wouldn't dream of not having one.
Take care and let us know how you do!

Amanda

Something to consider

by ElectricFrank - 2008-08-07 01:08:02

It depends on your nature, but if you can handle it I suggest having the implant done with a local anesthesia rather than being completely out. I realize it sounds easier to just go to sleep and wake with it done. What isn't easier is what happens to your body while you are out. The surgical team just considers you to be an "out" body that they can flop around any way that is convenient.

I was totally awake during the entire procedure and several times asked to be allowed to stretch or move a bit. They didn't like it, but agreed. Also, I had no recovery time after the procedure. I was wide awake, made some phone calls, and took a nap. An hour or so afterwards I got up and walked around. The upside is that I wasn't sore or stiff the next day except for the incision.

I realize this isn't for everybody, but it is worth considering. Another consideration is where they are going to put it. Being young you may want it buried deeper which will result in a bit longer recovery and might make the staying awake unworkable.

best of luck

frank

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Member Quotes

I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.