New Here

I had my combination pacemaker/defibrillator "installed" a couple of weeks ago. It has not been a picnic, and the hour or two estimated to do the surgery turned into four, with my heart stopping about two hours in - when it wasn't supposed to. I am not sure what I ought to be feeling, but it does feel different. Funny to think that, a couple of months ago, I had no idea there was even a problem.

Anyway, hello to all!

6 Comments

Welcome NMWanderer!

by bluebowtye - 2014-02-27 03:02:54

Hello! I too am very new here. I just got my PM about a week and half ago. I understand how you feel and from what I have read others feel the same way. I have good days and bad. Yesterday I felt the best I have felt since my surgery and today - not so good. The only way I can describe it is I just feel "weird" or as you say "different". I hope in time that feeling goes away. Like you, a month ago I had no idea there was anything wrong with me. I am still in a bit of shock that one day I was perfectly fine and healthy (or so I thought) and the next thing I know I'm needing a PM ASAP! It's just crazy!

Anyway you will find lots of caring, knowledgeable people here and good advice. Best of luck to you!

Take care,
~Sheila

Wow Zia!

by NMWanderer - 2014-02-27 05:02:02

It really IS a small world! I have been reading comments from all over the world, and thought maybe I might be the only Silver City person here. Mind you, even I am an import.

It's good to be here, isn't it?

Thank you Sheila

by NMWanderer - 2014-02-27 05:02:32

I know the "needing a PM ASAP!" feeling. I had my daughter's wedding to go to on February 23. On February 5 the cardiologist told me, "You need to do this NOW or there simply won't be a wedding for you. You will not make it that long." It was something of a shock to the system - to put it mildly.

I went to the wedding - and I walked my beautiful down the aisle. I think the PM/ICD was a good thing.

Welcome

by Zia - 2014-02-27 05:02:33

to our world. I, too, was totally shocked four years ago (this month) to be told it was a PM now or else!! But now my little bionic bosom buddy just rides quietly around and I seldom remember she's here. BTW I live in Silver City NM also, truly a small world.

Surprise!

by Theknotguy - 2014-02-27 05:02:53

Don't you just like it when you get the "Surprise!"

Sounds like you're handling it well. Feel free to come back here and ask any questions you have.

For me, things are a lot better with the PM, slowly getting back to "normal" for whatever that means. Hope it goes that well for you.

Theknotguy

Combo for me too

by Marie12 - 2014-02-27 07:02:29

ICD/Pacemaker for me as well. Installed eight months ago. Yes, it feels different. A combo device is not small and there is no question if feels weird. As time goes on, you will experience periods of time when you forget it is even there and then at others, it will be an annoyance throughout the day. Can't make any sense of it but just remember that this device is there to save your life.

Welcome to the site. You will find it a valuable source of information. You will discover lots of things that the hospital, doctors and nurses don't tell you because they don't have the actual experience of living with a device.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and visit often. I highly recommend Cardiac Rehab if it is available to you.

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

I am no expert, but I believe that without the defibrillator that I have, I would be dead.