I'm learning that the Human Body is amazing

Hello. Been a while since I've been on here but for those that don't know, I've had a PM since a baby. I was born with a congenital heart block and now I'm finding out how much more of an impact it has had to my body. It's amazing how interwoven the human body is and how it adapts to changes in the structure. Case in point... Found out after my last replacement surgery (2008ish) that in addition to having the congenital heart block I was born without my internal iliac vein. However, my body found a way to compensate for it by rerouting the external iliac vein taking over (if I recall correctly).

I have recently discovered that my heart defect has had an impact on my skeletal system as well. Since going to the chiropractor I've noticed that my left side gives me most of the problems (left shoulder, upper back, lower back). Upon discussion with the chiropractor she believes it's congenital. My dad provided a point that agreed to this when he mentioned that before I was born my heart filled my whole chest cavity as it was enlarged at the time. My left lung was collapsed and wasn't fully developed due to this and so it makes sense to think that it could also have pushed my bones so that they developed out of place as well. Who knows how much is wrong with me! :) After my PM was implanted my heart shrunk back to normal size and my lung developed. But it just proves to show that the body is such an amazing machine that it will be rewired to correct any shortgivings wherever possible. For me as a Christian, too, it shows how perfect God really did create us. So perfecty that the body would be able to tell when something is not growing right and be able to fix itself. I just find that amazing and thought I'd share. So I guess for you out there who are scared or anxious about receiving/requiring a pacemaker/ICD take comfort that our bodies are built to adapt to these changes. Everything will be alright.

3 Comments

Thanks for sharing!

by uvagershwin - 2013-01-23 06:01:17

Hey vbilbrey! I was also born with complete heart block, paced since 15 hours. Your post is very thought-provoking!

Thank you

by jeanlancour - 2013-01-23 08:01:10

It's wonderful to here of lifes everyday miracies, of which you are one. Jean

I think I remember you, uvagershwin, from other posts.

by vbilbrey - 2013-01-23 11:01:08

You have me beat. I was a day old when I had mine implanted but back then it was unheard of for babies that young to receive one and survive. Amazing how much technology has improved over the years. It improved a lot by the time you were born. I had to pace with an adult PM until I was seven! So little ol' me was trying to be active but could only do so much before getting exhausted and having to go to bed early (after school). Boy, then after I had my 2nd put in, that was it... I was skating and riding my bike and starting gymnastics, and on and on...

Anyway, I saw that you want to be a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon. I wish you the best! I used to think (and still do at times) about doing something with cardiolgy as well because of my history. But I'm just as happy crunching numbers all day...

On another note, I found a facebook page you may be interested in. I saw an article on there about wireless PM. Pretty interesting!

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Heartbeat-Saves-Lives-Heartbeat-International-Foundation/281723716762

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic man.

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