Young People With PMs

Hello
I am 22 years old and got my PM in March of 2008. I am just wondering if there is anyone else on this site in their 20 that is going through the same stuff as me. Or anyone not in their 20 either!!!

6 Comments

Me too!

by mbvkd - 2009-01-28 08:01:02

I found out one day before my 23rd birthday that I had to get a PM. I got mine in April of 2008....what is yours for? I had to get mine for dysautonomia/neurocardiogenic syncope. It was very strange being so young and have to undergo this type of procedure. I have had some complications with my lead wires though - so make sure to keep a close watch on them.

I find that one way to help me deal with any social discomfort surrounding my pacemaker is humor. My co-workers and I tell magnet and microwave jokes all the time just for fun...it may seem weird, but it helps the people I'm surrounded by feel more comfortable about my situation. I've also become more "heart aware." I am organizing a First Aid and CPR class for people at work, trying to learn more about my disorder so that I have appropriate questions for my doctor, and have been working out much more that before so that I can (try) to be in the best shape possible.

I don't know that you needed any advice....but it was comforting to see your post! We're not the only ones!

lots of us!

by Tracey_E - 2009-01-28 08:01:58

mbvkd, I commend you! You have a fabulous attitude and I love how you've taken control of your life. And there's nothing better than humor to break the ice! When people see you joke about it, they feel less awkward.

bensonalex, I'm 42 now but I got my first pm at 27. There are quite a few 20-somethings here as well as a few teens. Welcome! If you have any questions about being young and living with a pm, please don't be shy.

26

by BriBoy01 - 2009-01-28 09:01:25

I am 26. I got my PM last year for Sick Sinus Syndrome. I go back tomorrow morning to get rewired. I too was/ am very active. I love backpacking, caving, scuba diving, etc. My friends/ coworkers and I also love to crack jokes about it. I think a good easy going attitude has helped me through a lot.

YAY

by bensonalex - 2009-01-28 10:01:32

I deal a lot with humor too. I love to tell people that if they use the microwave in the kitchen while I am in there that I will forget my name for an hour.

I find it sort of difficult to explain to people that I don't really have any limitations. It's like they want me to be sensitive about it or have things I can't do. My ex boyfriend's mom cried the first time I went on a roller coaster after the implant.

It's so nice knowing that there are other people with this. Everyone without one looks at it like it's something I have to deal with. Truth is I kinda forget about most of the time.

I did however recently get new insurance and my new cardiologist looked at me like I was crazy because I was trying to explain to her how my old cardiologist had been changing my heart rate threashold so I could still work out. Turns out.... I'm my new docs first young adult with a PM. GREAT... a learning expierience for both of us.

And as for the question of what I have... Its Third Degree Heart Block. They found it when I went into pre-term labor with my identical twin girls (Halen and Vai). They both died withing 5 hours of birth, and in turn saved my life. They relized an evident problem when my heartrate was only 25 IN LABOR. So yeah. Thepast year has been quite a journey.


The pacemaker is my little reminder that life is worth trillions.

PM in my 20s

by Melissa1221 - 2009-01-29 09:01:00

Hey...I just wanted to tell ya I am 29 and I got my Pacemaker and defibrillator when I was 26. When it all happened, I was depressed and a bit angry at the fact that I am in my 20s and I have all this happening to me. There are times still, not very often, but once in a while, that I still get these feelings. I know its wrong to think this, but I always associated pacemakers and what-not, with "old" people. Here I was, this 26 year old girl, with her life turned upside down. I saw thought it was so unfair. I am a lot better, but it still takes some getting used to.
I'm sure you have questions that I may be able to answer, and you probably have answers to mine. You may just want to talk about whats going on with you. If either of these are the case, PLEASE feel free to write me anytime. We are in the same boat, so remember you're not alone!

~ Melissa

The laughs keep comin'

by Broken Hearted Jane - 2009-01-29 10:01:14

I've had my pacer/defibrillator since I was 16 and am now 23. After 7 years, we still find ways to joke about it.

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Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.