New

I guys I just got my pacemaker on Friday and I am looking for support groups here in central texas. I am still trying to get used to the idea of having died twice last week . I have bradycardia and I am only 48 years old so just a little freaked out. I am a rural mail carrier and I am wondering should I go back to work or what . Again it's all still so new and scary .

5 Comments

Hello

by Parrothead57 - 2014-04-07 04:04:11

Hi Rusty,
I live in Austin and I've had a pacemaker for a little over 3 years. Sorry I don't know of any support groups in the area, I guess because I never felt I needed one. The Pacemaker Club is a really good support group. I was active here for several months following my surgery, it helped me vent and answered a lot of my questions.

I have a desk job so I was back at work 2 days post op. My life style hasn't changed one little bit because of the pacemaker.

I would say don't be afraid to go back to work.

I'm NEW TOO!!

by Laurenacraig - 2014-04-07 04:04:50

Hi Rusty! I'm new too! Just got my PM last thursday and I am also 48 yrs old. I'm a nurse in Cincinnati Ohio and, like you, am freaked out a little over all of this. I have bradycardia from an ablation procedure 22 yrs ago for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. How have you been feeling? Mine feels a little strange at times, like my heart is racing for no reason.
Love this club…lots of good resources here. Wishing you well and here's to a quick recovery!

Hi Rusty!

by bluebowtye - 2014-04-07 06:04:17

I'm new too! Just got my PM on 2/17. Since you are a rural mail carrier, I would check with your doctor about when you can drive. Mine told me I couldn't drive for 2 weeks after my surgery.

This group is great! Welcome and good luck! I understand you being a little freaked out. I was too after fainting twice for no reason one night - the first I was just sitting on my couch with no other symptoms whatsoever. I was shocked when I found out I needed a PM but it does get better.

Take care! (My husband is a city letter carrier!)
~Sheila

Thanks

by Rusty66211 - 2014-04-08 01:04:07

Thanks guys all those comments really helped. I guess I was just looking for a support group cause I don't know anybody with a PM that is my age and I thought it might help me to talk to somebody that knows what a freaky thing it is to die twice in one day. Lol anyway thanks for all the comments

It's Okay!

by cheshirealice - 2014-04-08 07:04:23

It's weird getting a PM right? I got my first one at 17 and I'm currently 27 with my third implanted 2 weeks ago. You're not going to have to drastically change your life or anything! Think of the PM as your lifeline. It's weird that you've got something zapping your heart but this means you don't have to worry about your heart anymore. Sure the occasional arrhythmia or fast beats will happen but it's sure better than the alternative.

I also have bradycardia but it's comforting to know that I wont go under 50bmp ever again. I went back to work yesterday and I'm still tired and sore. Just ease back into your normal routine and everything is going to be okay.

We're glad you're here for support!!

-Erica

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