Nervous

Had a stroke 2 years ago. My doctor is now telling me I need to have a pacemaker. I don't feel I need one, but what do I know. I have so many questions and really don't want to do this period. The wife suggested a support group might set my mind at ease if I talked with another person who had the same questions, what ifs, concerns regarding my future, work, fun, etc. I have all these things racing through my brain 24/7.
So hear I am.

6 Comments

Nervous

by Grateful Heart - 2013-08-09 11:08:15

None of us want one initially. I didn't think I needed a Bi-V ICD either. I thought they must be wrong so I went for a 2nd opinion. The 2nd EP confirmed it and it helped me to accept that I needed one.

This is a great support group. We have all been through it. Recovery is different for everyone but I think you will find it comforting to know you have support here. Ask any questions you may have here, you will find much help on this site.

Reading and learning about pacemakers will help ease your mind.

Welcome....BTW, your wife is a smart lady.

Grateful Heart

don't forget

by alicia6650 - 2013-08-10 01:08:48

Hi I am new too! =)

I think that the thing to remember about these devices is that while they come along with tons of worries, and new considerations and restrictions, and procedures and surgeries...to name a few things...haha...the bottom line is that while no person without heart problems would want a device, well, we aren't people without heart problems.

I know it may seem awful black and white, and maybe a little dramatic, but it is much better to have to get a device, even if the worse case scenarios come up (I have had all of them!) and to worry about what a pain in the ass it is then to worry about dropping dead somewhere.

Most people would NEVER have a gushing cut on there finger without cleaning it and putting a bandaid on it. Wouldn't want it to get worse or infected. I think that if that level of consideration can be applied to a finger, it certainly should hold for the heart. Listen...if you end up getting a device, its not easy. But if a loved one of yours told you they had heart problems that could be helped with a device and possibly could save their lives, you would tell them not to even think twice...ya know??

trust your wife!

by Tracey_E - 2013-08-10 11:08:32

She is a smart lady :) No one wants one of these but most of us find we feel better after, and that once we heal we get back to normal we can pretty much forget about it. What are your questions? We're all amateurs here but many of us have been around this block a few times so we're pretty good at the questions the doc may not have answered clearly. But the best part is we've all been there and get that the emotional part is often harder than the physical. Drs never tell us that. Family will be supportive and sympathize but that's not the same as walking in these shoes. It's a good feeling to know we are not alone.

When the thoughts and questions race through your head, don't be shy about posting them here!

hi rhoades

by lubro - 2013-08-10 11:08:59

well, as you can see, your wife's suggestion to seek out a support group is the best advice you could receive. Not only do the members here have a plethora of good information to share, there is also the feeling of belonging to a group of individuals, diverse and complex, but all with one thing in common...
yes, it is a hard decision, but the more infromed you are will help you with that decision. Search thru the posts here, and you'll find that so many of us have benefitted tremendously from being here. Just remember that you are not alone. That in itself was a blessing to me. so, let us know more about you and ask as many quesrtions as you wish...there are no stupid questions...
take care, and hopefully this helps you...

Lubro

You left out one key peice...

by donr - 2013-08-10 12:08:01

...of info - WHY do you need a PM?

That would help us out a lot.

Don

welcome

by jeanlancour - 2013-08-10 12:08:53

This is a large spread out forum with a large amount of information on many different levels, all willing and able to answer questions, share information and stories. It would be helpful if we knew why your dr would like you to have a PM, some medical history would help. Any questions you would like answered, I had a low hr, falling into the low 30s at night. I had no energy, wanted and could fall asleep at the pause in conversation. A PM was inserted at very little pain, hardly a hiccup in my life, but a major change...way did I wait so long?

Hoping to hear more from you Jean

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