No more Zumba for me!

Hi all
I just thought I would share my story with you and hope it will help others and also help me to not feel so alone too.
I am a normal 40 something lady (or so I thought) and I take regular exercise. I was doing a Zumba class with my daughter when half way through I felt very strange, heart pounding and giddy and found myself holding onto the wall. I left the class and found a gym instructor to check my pulse but he couldn't get a proper reading, he thought it was the machine playing up as my heart rate was over 220! After an hour of resting and drinking it was still going crazy so my daughter rushed me to A&E as she is a nurse and she knew I had to get there asap. They tried to regulate my heartbeat with drugs but that didn't work so they had to put me out and zap me with the defib! Now back in normal rhythm they transferred me to the other hospital in my area for more tests because they needed to find the cause. I was hoping they would let me go home as I felt much better but no because they were concerned it would happen again, even though nothing like this has ever happened to me. I had ECG's, Angiogram to check for blockages, Echos and a long MRI scan before they finally diagnosed that I have ARVC - Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy. Its a inherited heart condition that only affects about 1 in 1000 people. What happens is the proteins that hold the heart cells together don't develop properly and break away and the cells detach. The heart tries to repair its self and fatty deposits build up. This can cause sudden cardiac death which explains why they wouldn't let me go home!
They told me the best thing to do would be to insert an ICD to pace my heart and give me a shock using the defib if I need it.
The surgery was scary because they would not be giving me a G.A but would do it under a local with some sedation.
After lots of pulling and prodding it was fitted and I could begin my recovery. My husband has been wonderful and now calls me 7 of 9 and I have told him he will be assimilated if he doesn't behave!

This all happened only 2 months ago and I am still trying to get my head around it. I feel strange like it didn't happen to me but of course I know that it did as I have my constant reminder inside me.
I have just gone back to work but on a part time basis to start and feel so tired each day.
I can't exercise properly yet just gently until I know what I am allowed to do. One step at a time.

I do have problems sleeping and I think its because i'm not very big and when I lie on my side the ICD weight pulls on the scar tissue. Does anyone else have this?

Anyway please get in touch it would be nice to speak to others who have had a similar experience!
Tracey

7 Comments

No more zumba

by Good Dog - 2015-04-03 03:04:56

I was a thirty (38) something man when I received my PM. My situation was much like yours in that I went to work that morning in great health. Twenty-four hours later I had a pacemaker. It is kinda surreal............suddenly I have a life threatening heart problem!
Well, here I sit thirty years later in good health, except for some arthritis. The arthritis is far worse to deal with than my heart problem. I have lived a perfectly normal life in every way!
Obviously, when your first unit is implanted I think it takes a couple of years to really become comfortable with it. After that you will completely forget you even have one.
If you gave-up zumba, remember that the best exercise is walking.

Time

by Jane S - 2015-04-03 06:04:43

It must have been a big fright to you and your family but you got sorted out.
I am very scrawny up top (was told that was why I got the pneumothorax ) and it took about 2 weeks before I could comfortably lie on my L side, a pillow at the side to rest your L arm when lying on your RHS helped me. 6 weeks in and I hardly notice mine in bed and quite a lot of the time during the day but it stills feels "funny" to touch and a bit tender at one end.(had to get a stitch removed as it had escaped). Do try and move your shoulder/arm gently as it will only stiffen up more.
Hope you improve soon.
Jane

Sleeping problems

by tracey68 - 2015-04-03 08:04:46

Thank you Jane for your help.
My scar area is a bit tender too but I am sure it will improve with time.
I'm putting Bio oil on it each day to help with the healing process.
Best wishes Jane, have a good Easter
Tracey

P.S

by Jane S - 2015-04-03 11:04:42

You will also be sore after being shocked , that really damages muscle. My friend calls me 3 booby Jane as my PM gives me a bump. As time goes on the muscle will build up again. I am also trying the bio oil.
Chocolate helps too.
Jane

No more zumba

by tracey68 - 2015-04-04 05:04:45

Thanks Jane
I haven't had the shock treatment yet and i'm dreading when it happens but I know it will be for the best even with the pain. I'm trying the chocolate medicine lol!
This must be the only time I have wished that I had a bit more padding on me!


Thanks Gooddog for your comments its nice to know there are others who have had surgery out of the blue.
I am still learning about my heart condition and I hope to speak to others who also have it to understand a bit more.

Enjoy lots of chocolate this weekend!

It does get better!

by suzzyq - 2015-04-07 04:04:36

I have had a pacemaker/defibrillator for 10yrs now. I was only 44 when I had very sudden onset of CHF. Cardiomyopathy with unknown etiology. I do wonder if it was a result of radiation therapy to my chest two years before. Needless to say it was a frightening experience as I had young children who still needed to be raised. I can honestly say that it really hasn't adversely affected my life. I actually even forget that I have it for the most part! Airport security was my biggest complaint but with the new machines even that is a breeze! Keep a positive attitude and everything will work out!

Getting better

by tracey68 - 2015-04-07 05:04:22

Thanks Suzyq I went through airport security for the first time two weeks ago and that was interesting!

I understand how you felt and how strange it all feels.
I'm going to start Cardiac Rehab next week and then I will start to know what exercise I can do. I think that will help me a lot.

The only issue I seem to have is my BP keeps going down.

Oh well, Keep smiling!!

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

Member Quotes

I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.