Differences

Such a great group. One thing I haven't seen discussed is how reactions differ depending on age. Some of you are so young, some even teenagers. Tracey, you mentioned you were 47, Don is 77, Smitty 84 and it seems the younger people are, the more positive in attitude once their fear has subsided. I wonder why that is. Sometimes I read about everything that you are accomplishing and feel wow, what is the matter with me. And then I think listen at 83 if I didn't have a pacemaker, I would not have the energy some of you have. So any of you in the 80 range, just remember we have been through a lot of years and hopefully we will continue to survive and see all the amazing discoveries still to come. Everyone is different, that is the wonder of life. So enjoy each day in whatever way brings you pleasure. You don't have to prove anything.

5 Comments

Vive la difference

by magenniskeith - 2013-08-13 01:08:51

TraceyE, I love hearing about all the things you do. I was trying to reach out to those who do have limits and attempting to reassure them that the pacemaker is not intended to be a cure- all for the problems of aging. It's good to sign in to the Club for reassurances about what it will be like to have a PM or about some little hiccup that the pacemaker, is having and try to find out about this thumping feeling and to let them know even if they wished otherwise, atrial fib will still be there. The pacemaker will not allow your HR to go below a safe number and then meds take over. As we age, our bodies tolerance for meds changes. What worked fine in your 60s has bad side effects now. So don't give up. Keep trying for the right combination of drugs.
I wish I had realized when I was 60 and my parents in their 80s, that our bodies are not the same decades later. There are always the exceptions, the runner in the Boston Marathon, but they are looked on as exceptions. Believe me, I love the club. My heart bleeds for some and exults for others. I just realize I am me and not them. I go about my household chores, go grocery shopping, walk 15 minutes after meals for my heart but actually mainly for my digestive problems. Who knew? And read and watch tv and drop off the grandchildren somewhere.
And then usually in the evening I will check in on the site. I am so grateful for all that I have and wish everyone their own special kind of day.

age

by Tracey_E - 2013-08-13 09:08:50

I don't think age has anything to do with attitude. There are older members with very positive attitudes who take it all in stride, and younger members who are freaked out and not dealing well. I would say Don and Smitty are every bit as positive as I am.

As for accomplishing things, I often speak of the things I love to do, not to make anyone feel inferior if they can't or don't choose to, but to give hope to those who want to but are afraid they will never be the same again. Some truly do have limits, but many are limited only by fear. Those are the ones I try to reach out to.

adjustment

by clarencio - 2013-08-14 02:08:09

I am sorry, but I think a little attitude adjustment or fine tuning would maybe help you some. You talk about old age like its a bad thing or something. I am 82 (with a PM) and I just bought a 40 year old derelict, rotted out,
beat up old boat with 2 foot weeds growing out of it, to restore. I figure that when I turn about 86 I will have it in tip-top shape, zooming across the lake at 55MPH.

Bad thing, no!

by magenniskeith - 2013-08-14 03:08:43

Clarencio, ask my doctor about my attitude adjustment. She mentioned yesterday that she never had a patient that was as accepting and disciplined as I am and she is head of staff at a hospital, so she has seen a few. My point was if I had just came on this site for the first time and at 83 read that an 82 year old like you had just purchased a wreck to restore, I might ask what is wrong with me. Why can't I do that never considering my body has been through mastectomy with all its aftereffects, hysterectomy, open heart surgery where they replaced a valve, installed an annuplasty ring, a maze procedure, my PM implant and preparing for gallbladder surgery, and mentally recovering from the care and death of my husband from a stroke, and the latest the death of my beloved son.
My point was we are all a product of what our life has been up to now. I have not put all this on the message board before so a newbie might think he can restore that boat, why can't she? That's why. But maybe you are not as adept at writing short stories or acting in our theatre group or heading up this year's high school's 66th reunion as I am.
Mentally I am as sharp and involved and in love with life and its wonders as I was at 20. Just wanted to point out to any newbie that he is unique and that there is nothing wrong in not being able to do everything that someone else can do.
Post a picture when you are 86 out on the boat and I will send you one of me at my book signing.

Talents

by Bostonstrong - 2013-08-14 06:08:02

We all have a different skill set, talents, interests, medical histories, and life experiences. It's not a competition and we don't need to try to keep up with others activities and accomplishments. We are all unique and can differ in recovery time, activity levels, and goals. The beauty of the pacemaker for me, and I hope for many of you, is being stronger to do what we enjoy. I enjoy reading posts like yours and hearing about your interests and activities. It gives me hope as a newbie that withs God's grace I will be able to do things I love when I am your age. Thanks for sharing.

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