40 years with a pacemaker


August 5, I celebrated 40 years with a pacemaker. I received my first one when I was seven after having open heart surgery for a ASD.

I have survived two cardiac arrests and a heart attack. I received an ICD in Jan 2005 which is my 12th device. Aug 2006 I had my second open heart surgery to replace the mitral valve.

I don't know everything there is to having a pacemaker. I find I am learning all the time. I think the Doctors that work with me are also learning about what it's like to have a pacemaker for so long.

At times I feel like I'm not a normal heart patient since I've had heart problems all my life and for so long. How many other people are out there that have had pacemakers since the 60's? I only know of two other people besides me.

Una

6 Comments

wow!

by Tracey_E - 2008-08-06 03:08:20

How incredible!!! You've sure seen a lot of changes in technology. I was diagnosed in 1970 at age 5 and they put off doing the pacer as long as possible so I didn't get mine until much later.

WOW!

by Gellia2 - 2008-08-06 10:08:16

I'm impressed!! I've had mine for 33 years and counting.
1975 with 7 replacements since. I've been going to the same place for over 25 years so they can learn, too.
There is only one other person where I am that has one a bit longer.
40 years is GREAT!! What a wonderful inspiration.
Thanks for sharing!

Cudos!

by joy1 - 2008-08-06 10:08:53

I am amazed at you folks! Your input to the medical knowledge pool must be great. I wonder if the number of implants you have had reflects the generations of the advances of device technology. Thank you for sharing.

Joy

wow

by jessie - 2008-08-07 01:08:14

in 1961 i was in my second year of nurses training at st. joseph's hospital school of nursing in london ontario canada i would have never thought then i would meet you and have a p.m. myself all these years later. i married shortly after training and birthed two children. they are in middle age now and it all seems so long ago. so nice to meet you. wow we have come a long way. all the best. you have a wealth of knowledge i am sure. jessie

Changes

by ElectricFrank - 2008-08-07 01:08:24

I'll bet that first one was large especially in a 7 yr old. I'm an electronics engineer and have watched the changes in technology over the years. I'm 78 and happy to have mine. It pretty well restored normal function for me.

frank

TREMENDOUS ENCOURAGEMENT

by pete - 2008-08-07 03:08:38

Wow you could almost get into the Guinness Book Of Records with that. Keep up the good work and I wish the chicken that will scratch on your grave will never be hatched !!!

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