Hello!

Hi all,

I've been on this site a lot the past few weeks, and thought it was about time I join and actually participate in some of the discussions, as I think this is such an amazing forum for people looking for information and support.

I 42 years old and am 8 days out from having pacemaker #5 implanted for congenital heart block. I got my first pacemaker at age 11. It seems like every time I have a procedure, they act like it's so simple and I'll be back on my feet in a few days, but it never quite works that way. Still tired and sore and ready to feel like myself again.

That said, I know this too shall pass. I will eventually feel better and be able to get back to being active again. In my adult life I've worked as a ski instructor and a kayak guide. I spent years taking trapeze lessons and 10 months backpacking around the world, and I don't intend to slow down now.

I look forward to getting to know you all on this site!

Jen

4 Comments

hi!

by Tracey_E - 2015-10-15 01:10:35

It's so nice to meet you! Love hearing about others like us, long time paced who are very active. I'm CCHB also, 49 and getting ready for #5 soon.

Sounds like no lead problems from the kayaking and trapeze?

I'm always sore for a while after a replacement, too. I feel ok after a few days but it's a good month until I can do my usual activities without feeling it. Where is yours placed? Mine is pretty deep, under muscle.

No lead problems. Yay!

by JenSF - 2015-10-15 02:10:08

My pacemaker is on my left side, above the muscle. When I do need a new lead, I have thought about asking to have the next pacemaker placed under the muscle and on the right side. Because I am left handed, the area around the pacemaker definitely feels irritated at times, both from active things like kayaing and pushups, but also just using my left hand for a long time.

No lead problems, going on 18 years. My first two pacemakers were placed in my abdomen and those leads are still in there as well. (I must look crazy in x-rays!)

leads

by Tracey_E - 2015-10-15 05:10:10

If it's buried, it doesn't much matter what side it's on. I can barely feel the edges of mine if I poke around looking for it.

Last time I went for a mammorgram, I warned them it looks like a bowl of spaghetti. I had a new lead put in 5 years ago but we left the old on in capped off.

Welcome aboard

by Good Dog - 2015-10-15 08:10:22

Great to have another active member on the site. The more, the better. I have learned so much here from others. It is a great resource.
I had a congenital HB also, but didn't go into full 3rd degree block until I was 38. I just turned 38 and after a night of weight lifting, the next morning ended-up in ICU. I started with a pulse of 35, but it dropped to 12.
I've had my PM for 30 years in January. I too was quite active until arthritis caught-up with me.
Welcome aboard............

Dave

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

Member Quotes

Think positive and go out and take on the world.