NEW FOR ME

I just learned I am going to have a Pacemaker put in within a month to 6 weeks.
As I was searching for information, I came accross this site. SEEMS VERY GOOD, but after reading some of the problems some people have had, I am afraid. ANY COMMENTS?

8 Comments

good luck

by Jayson20 - 2010-05-06 02:05:24

good luck buddy.
what made you decide this way is , diagnose ?
i myself havent made a decision yet and i am on holter monitor test.

Hello :)

by petrolhead - 2010-05-06 02:05:34

Hello, and welcome. This is a great place to come for support and advice, and it's great that you found us before you had your pacemaker implanted, because that way you can ask as many questions as you like and get all your problems off your chest (no pun intended...)

Try not to worry too much about the pacemaker, most people have no issues at all.

If you have any questions, you can always private message me. :)

Emma xxx

New PM

by SMITTY - 2010-05-06 03:05:35



Hello Hutch,

Welcome to the Pacemaker Club.

While this is a very good source for answers to pacemaker questions, what you see here should not frighten you about the prospects of getting a pacemaker. Several million pacemakers are in service around the world today. The Pacemaker Club has some 10 or 11 thousand members. Not all of these members have problems with their pacemaker but if they did it would still make the parentage of those with problems very small and the odds for a no trouble implant and pacemaker use are in your favor.

You don't say what problem is responsible for your needing a pacemaker, but sometimes when you have a few minutes tell us. I'll bet we have members that got theirs for the same reason and they can tell you their experience.

A pacemaker brings with it a strange terminology for many of us. Words and descriptions for which finding pertinent answers for can be difficult. There is no better place then the PM Club to learn a little about what you are hearing. But you don't have to wait until you get your pacemaker to start asking questions.

I wish you the best,

Smitty

Don't worry

by heartu - 2010-05-06 03:05:47

Most people are apt to post when they do have a problem, much like getting a negative review for a product that fails to work properly for you. They are looking for answers by trying to see if others have had similar poor experiences. Or they just need the support of others to uplift their spirits. We are a family here!

I have had my pm for 10 weeks now. No problems with the pm. Had mine adjusted after the 2 month initial healing period. (I had my Upper Tracking Rate raised from 130 to 150 and this has made exercising much easier for me). I have healed well and my life is not much different than it was before the implant (I was basically asymptomatic)

My only problem was that I had less than 24hours to deal with the pacemaker being implanted. I have accepted this just as much as someone who has to accept a cancer diagnosis, heart blockage etc. You mourn, curse, cry, and then look forward to a long and happy life. If this is the only physical adversity I ever have to deal with, then I can consider myself blessed.

Don't worry

by qwerty - 2010-05-06 04:05:25

You will be fine. This is a great place for any questions. Good luck and keep us posted.

Hi!

by Jean S - 2010-05-06 04:05:50

I am also new to this whole pacemaker world. I didn't have time to think about it because I was feeling short of breath and went to the ER and within 48 hours a pacemaker was implanted for second degree heart block. This is not major surgery but does require a recuperation period where you cannot lift your arm above your head or carry anything heavy. I am 7 weeks into recuperation and feel pretty good - I just need to start exercising to get back in shape. I am sure once you have your pm implanted you will see a difference in the way you feel (for the better!). I can now walk up a flight of stairs without getting completely out of breath - a major accomplishment for me!

So, do not be afraid. This is a positive action you are taking which will help keep you healthy and strong. Try not to think about it too much - the procedure is performed quickly and you will have worried yourself sick for nothing! Good luck and best wishes, JeanS

Welcome to our family!!!!

by harley63 - 2010-05-06 09:05:55

Howdy,

All I can say is that I was scared when I had my pacer placed, emergency situation with no warning. And I'm 3 yrs 5 months post placement and have NO regrets of having it done. Now that is not to say that all the days since have been a bed of roses. But at the end of the day.. I can say that YES this was the right decision for me.

My advice.. don't base your expectations of YOUR pacer outcome on the experience of others post. Think positive, see positive... get the positive mindset ahead of the game. As with any medical procedure/test there are 'potential' complications that can occur. So, I'd say to have an understanding of what those are and how they are treated might help to relieve your worries.

I will be cheering that all goes well for you! Please keep in touch and know that we are here for you.

Zoom.. zoom...
Harley63

Pacemaker problems

by ElectricFrank - 2010-05-07 01:05:25

Keep in mind that the posts here are biased toward folks that are having a problem. There are lots of people out there who are getting along just fine who we don't hear from.

I've had a pacer for over 5 yrs and am doing great. Like any surgery there will be a few days where the implant site can be uncomfortable, but even that is mild. The surgery is so easy that I had my original implant and a recent replacement done without and sedation.

frank

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

Member Quotes

Hi, I am 47 and have had a pacemaker for 7 months and I’m doing great with it.