Joining the Club Soon!

I'm sorry if this is in the wrong forum section. I just wanted to just introduce myself.

My name is David. I am 41 years old and I am happily married and the proud father of three children (ages 8, 7, & 3).

When I was 4 I had open heart surgery to for sub aortic stenosis. During this surgery there was some damage done which created a left bundle branch block. Since that time I have lead a very active lifestyle. Probably more active than the doctors would have liked. I was young and healthy, in my mind anyway. Not once in the last 36 or so years have I had any issues, until recently.

This last month I started feeling chest pain and some odd feeling heart activity. Long story short, after several trips to the cardiologist (and a visit with an out-of-state 'specialist' for cases like mine) and multiple echo tests - I will be on the receiving end of another open-heart surgery.

The plan is to remove the scarring/tissue growth in the aorta and install a PM for the left bundle block. They MIGHT install a mechanical valve but that won't be determined until the pre-op tests are completed. Sounds like the surgery will be done sometime in June.

I've heard the doctors kick around the PM idea when I was younger. I never liked the idea. Apparently it wasn't needed until now. I still don't really like the idea but I like the idea of living a long life for my children. I'm excited to see what these "heart upgrades" will do for my quality of life. I've recently been pretty lethargic and easily tired. A few short years ago I was doing 100 mile bike rides multiple times throughout the year. My doctor makes it sounds like I will be able to get back to that level again once I recover from this surgery.

So in my research of pacemakers I stumbled across this forum. Looks like a great place to learn about my future implant and the psychological effects as well. I look forward to reading and learning here and hopefully I can contribute in some meaningful manner as well.

Regards,
David

3 Comments

Welcome David!

by bluebowtye - 2014-05-07 03:05:10

You have come to the right place. There are lots of friendly knowledgeable people here to help you learn about pacemakers and offer support.

I did not find this site until about a week after my implant (almost 3 months ago) and the things I learned and the support I received made a huge difference in my recovery and especially my mental attitude. I would have had a much harder time without it. I did not know anyone with a PM prior to receiving mine and knew nothing about them at all. My need came about suddenly and unexpected so I had very little time to research.

I wish you the best for your upcoming surgery and know you will find lots of beneficial information here. Once you recover you will find you should be able to do everything you did pre-PM and maybe even more so.

Take care,
~Sheila

pm's

by Tracey_E - 2014-05-07 04:05:15

Pm's have come a long way since we were first diagnosed! The early ones just increased heart rate and they didn't want to give them to us unless there were no other options. They kept us going but didn't always do much for quality of life. Don't know about you, but that attitude stuck with me for many years even though times changed and it was no longer true. Now, they more or less duplicate what our heart should be doing. You'll probably find your energy and stamina improve. When I finally got my first one, I was amazed at how much better I felt.

Some people are affected emotionally but imo, it's different for those of us born with our problems. We never have that harsh new reality and adjustment period. I'm not saying it's easy but we have more tools to deal with it, if that makes sense.

I can relate

by ohiolaura - 2014-05-07 11:05:21

I was born with a heart defect,and at age 4,had open heart surgery to patch a hole ( easy way to say it).
Life was pretty good after that,I did everything too,married,have 2 kids,did whatever I wanted to do.
Then,out of the blue,had issues arise,and at age 49,ended up with a pacemaker.
Sorry to say this,pacemakers were for old people, sorry again,but that's what I always thought.......guess not!
So,here I am at 51,coming up on 2 years with this heart helper,and am good.My EP believes that during my open heart at age 4,the surgeon may have "knicked" the wiring, and it just started being defective when it did.
Go figure! I didn't have any time to get info,and didn't find this site til a week or two after my implant.
So glad I did though,its amazing!
Keep posting and asking questions!
Welcome!
Laura

You know you're wired when...

You take technology to heart.

Member Quotes

But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.