new and confused

My 16month old just had a pacemaker put in on 6/30/15. I'm wondering what kind of life she'll have in store for her. Will she be able to do dance, gymnastics or even marching band? What happens when she's school age and has to take P.E.?

4 Comments

Look through past posts

by Theknotguy - 2015-08-12 03:08:10

If you look through past posts on the forum, you'll see the kids do really well. They drive their Moms crazy.

Their isn't anything around the typical American, Canadian, UK, or Aussie home that will bother a PM. You don't have to worry about store security, airport security, or other security items. You also won't have to worry about cell phones, cell phone towers, TV broadcasting towers, car remotes, microwave ovens, and a lot of other things. We had one mother who refused to let her child participate with magnets the kids were using in the classroom. She really didn't need to worry. The magnets weren't big enough.

You don't have to worry about physical play. The kids usually feel so well they're as active as other children. It's the mothers who worry. We haven't seen anyone report any problems.

I'm thinking about the only physical activity that would be denied would be American football. And, they'd have to be older before engaging in that activity. Other than that, most activities are OK. The kids lead a very normal life. The PM isn't a hindrance, it's a help.

Hope everything continues to go well for you and your child.

She will be fine

by Pacemum - 2015-08-12 06:08:50

My daughter has had a PM since being a few months old and also was born with other heart problems. She is now 15 and takes part in most of the things that her friends do. Care does have to be taken in some sports but most things can be overcome easily. My daughter enjoys dancing and has done from a very young age. With gymnastics when the pacemaker is in their abdomen they have to bend in a different place to other children as metal does not bend.

The only issue for her has been theme park rides which does not affect them when they are young but affects later when young people wish to ride the larger rides.

It's true

by Grateful Heart - 2015-08-12 12:08:21


Just last week my sons were playing ball in the backyard....me too. This week, they are all in their 20's. It happens that fast!

She'll be fine....Stay calm and she will follow your lead.

Enjoy her.....I know you will.

Grateful Heart

I've had a pacemaker since I was 3

by Val-8 - 2015-09-07 08:09:25

I was born with heart block. I received my first pacemaker back in 1977, at the age of 3. At the time I was one of the youngest to receive a pacemaker.

Anyways I've always kept up and done whatever anyone else has done. Other than the replacements I was a normal kid. My parents said they had to close there eyes a few times and let me go.. (Like hanging upside down on the jungle gym 2 days after I got home from a pacer). My childhood cardiologist told my parents you don't stop her, let her stop herself if she can't... And nothing stopped me!!!

I was in dance as a child, not gymnastics (not build for it! Lol) marching band...why not?!

PE I did everything but pull ups (moved my pacemaker) and doing push ups for the same reason. You may have to sit down with PE coaches and let them know?!

I've lived a normal life, marriage, babies, ect... I'm just battery powered!

You know you're wired when...

Your electric tooth brush interferes with your device.

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