they say I need a PM

Hi all,
Last month I was diagnosed with Sinus node dysfuncton,Sick sinus syndromw with Junctional rhythm.Well this is all techinical I know about my condition right now. I don't even know what else I should be knowing. I was hoping that I could manage without Pm for a while but my doctor today asked me why I wanted to wait. I really don't know. Except for dizziness once in awhile iam totally normal. I never fainted till now. Nobody in our family has any heart related problems ,so I'll be the first one that too at the age of 33. Now I know there are so many people like me after joining your club. I have a 4yr daughter and 2yr old son.Nobody knows for how long I have been with this codition, but the dizziness started after my first delivary. I thought I was aneamic untill ,last week it felt little strange and went to my general physician who immediately sent me to ER. Well there started my new journey. Today,Doctor asked me to call when I decide to have the pacemaker.IAm worried about the issues after the implantation and to have it in me for rest of my life. Isn't there any other alternative solution for this conition???

6 Comments

In Need Of A Pacemaker?

by Pookie - 2008-11-19 09:11:57

Hi and welcome to the club.

This is only my opinion...if the doctors are saying that you need a pacemaker, get it.

This dizziness of yours could get worse and sometimes a pacemaker can help with that. I'm just thinking of your children....do it for them. I wouldn't want to see your dizziness become worse; what would happen if you passed out while driving?? A pacemaker is not that bad. Sure you will be sore for a few weeks after the surgery, but you can handle that I'm sure.

Yes you are young, but there are many people even younger than you that have pacemakers!!

Good luck and keep us posted.

Pookie

don't wait

by Tracey_E - 2008-11-19 10:11:31

What Pookie said about your kids... if you are having dizziness, that is the first symptom. Passing out is the next step and you're already there. I think you'll find that not only will the pm keep you safe, it will also give you a lot more energy.

Why wait? It's crazy to risk passing out when you're alone with your kids or, heaven forbid, driving. There are no other options, sorry to say. When your heart slows down, a pacemaker will make it speed up again. It won't go away on its own and there are no meds to fix it. I'm sorry to be so blunt! I procrastinated and waited too long... and my hr was so low the day I ended up in emergency surgery that I almost ended up in cardiac arrest. It's much better to choose to do it at a convenient time now rather than wait for a crisis.

It's really simple, not nearly as bad as it sounds. It doesn't take over your heart, it's more of a watch dog keeping an eye on things, ready to step in when your heart doesn't beat fast enough. The surgery is fairly minor. Other than not being able to lift your kids for a few weeks, you'll probably find you bounce back pretty quickly.

The issues after implantation are really not that bad! I got my first pm at 27. I'm 42 now and on my third. I have a full, active life. Most people have no idea I even have it. I go for battery checks every 4 months. I can't arc weld or have an mri. I take a bit longer to get through the airport. Small price to pay to know my heart won't slow down so far that I'll arrest.

If you have questions about the surgery, recovery or living with a pm please don't be shy! We've all been there.

hello friend

by randrews - 2008-11-19 11:11:37

Would it ease your mind to get a second opinion? the decision to get a pm is a big one. It is a lifetime kinda thing, but like so many mention, it can be a good lifetime. I've had mine for 1.5 years now and all is well. I'm back to normal stuff and hardly think about it. My biggest issue was anxiety afterword. But this website was a lifesaver for me. Physically I'm fine, but getting the mind and emotions around it took time. This is a great group of people, keep talking
Rusty

me too!

by enigma - 2008-11-20 05:11:18

I am 22 years old and i was diagnosed with the same condition that you have when i was 19. I also had dizzyness alot but i also had fainting spells. I may be younger than you but i know alot about the condition and i wanted to tell you what the doctor told me. She said that it is 100% fatal without a pacemaker. It may not do it now, or in 10 years but it is fatal. With a pacemaker it is cured. You will never have to worry about passing out and never waking up again. Of corse i know it sounds terrifying. But i wanted to tell you the cold hard facts about the situation. I didnt want to sugar coat anything here, especially with you having children. I suppose it is possible that you may not have the same degree of the problem that i have, but regardless...if your heart is stopping you really should just go ahead and get the PM. There is no better way to feel SURE that your heart will not stop again. If you wanted to know anything else about it then you can always message me. I am always happy to know im not the only person with the problem and more than happy to help someone out.

holter monitor

by Tracey_E - 2008-11-20 05:11:45

Have you had a Holter monitor yet? It's like an ekg that you wear for a day or two. You may want to ask for one if you haven't had it yet. It'll tell you exactly how often your hr drops and how low it gets. Sometimes seeing the numbers helps it all make more sense to you.

Get It!

by TJB - 2008-11-20 12:11:20

I have a long story, but I'll make it short and to the point. I'm also 33. I got my PM at 32. I got electrocuted at work and the docs told me i was fine. 2 days later while driving on the expressway home from work I started to feel lightheaded and dizzy. Luckly I had enough sense to call 911 and pull off the road. Suffice it to say when the police officer got to me I had ran into a curb in a parking lot. The car was still running and in drive, radio on, windshield wipers going. I have 2 boys 13 and 9. They told me my heart had stopped and I needed the pacemaker. I didn't even get a chance to decide. Looking back though I'm just glad I hit that curb and not another car or person. I might not have even lived long enough to see my kids again. It seems like a big decision, but you really need to think of your family, not just yourself. At least thats how I feel. It has been about 10 months post PM and feeling good. Took some getting used to, but overall if it helps me watch my kids grow then it is well worth it. Sorry I rambled on, but I hope this helps.

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Member Quotes

The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.