My son

My son had a pacemaker fitted nearly 2 years ago now and I just wanted to share our story.
My son was found to have 3rd degree heart block during a stay in hospital when he was 3 years of age. We were lucky as other than the heart bloke there were no further complications.
It was a bolt out of the blue for us and completely knocked me sideways as I had no idea there were any problems.
He was monitored then after a year it was decided a pacemaker would need to be fitted. This was done when he was aged 4.
I personally found it all very hard to deal with and really fell apart at that time and for a while after. I just had so many questions whirling around in my head. I have since been diagnosed
PTSD.
As time as gone on I have certainly come to terms with my son having his pacemaker fitted and he has a fabulous life not stopping for a minute. I am so grateful his condition was diagnosed and he is able to lead a very active happy life.
I just want to say to anyone who has a child or themselves about to have a pacemaker fitted stay positive. It is very hard for a parent to be told a young child or even a baby needs a pacemaker.
It does get much easier to come to terms with and it is a miracle how quick the operation is and how rapidly they recover. Kids are so resilient and take it all in their stride.
Wishing all the pacemaker patients an active happy life and to all the parents and family members we are lucky to have you in our lives. Kindest regards.

4 Comments

son

by Shell - 2014-07-10 04:07:54

I'm glad your son is doing well and it sounds as if you're letting him live life, not hovering over him. I know that can be hard for parents.

I was diagnosed with 3rd degree congenital heart block when I was 6 months old. They didn't do routine pm placements on kids then unless it was necessary (I was born Dec 1971) I know growing up I must have given my mother many worries but she never restricted me from anything. (neither did the doctors that I saw 2ce a year) I was a cheerleader, played ball, went on amusement park kids (still do) etc. I didn't get my first pm until 8 yrs ago and had a replacement last week.

Your son is 6, he's going to make you go crazy many time in his life but he's able to do it. (my sons are 14 and 16 and totally drive me crazy at times) He should have a long healthy life.

great story

by tammythomas - 2014-07-10 07:07:55

Hi, thank you for sharing your story. I had my pacemaker fitted, when i was only 10months old. I personally do not no how it feels to be a parent who has a pacemaker, but my parents have told me how they felt. Must be terrifying keep strong it will get easier. I am now 22. 😊 Again thanks for sharing your story x

Thanks for posting

by Grateful Heart - 2014-07-10 12:07:00


I am sure this will help many members and soon to be PM/ ICD hosts.

So glad to hear your son is doing so well and his mom too.

Grateful Heart

Great Story

by NiceNiecey - 2014-07-10 12:07:59

Such an encouraging story you have shared with us! You know there are other parents on this site and your honest appraisal of your emotions during the past three years will resonate with most, if not all, of them.

Thank you!

You know you're wired when...

You make store alarms beep.

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My ICD/pacer is not a burden. I still play tennis and golf.