Pacemaker Club: New Member

New Member

by Cycleman
2016-08-08 22:59:15
General Posting
871 views
3 comments

Hi folks. I had surgery last Tuesday after fainting twice, once at the breakfast table (my wife eased me down to the dining room floor) and once in the ER. They put a pacemaker in that same day. I am 68, pretty good shape, no other health issues besides acid reflux, exercise regularly, so I was really shocked to find out that I needed one. The only prior symptom was a little lightheadedNess when getting up suddenly from a sitting position. Is this just part of the natural aging process or did I overdo it somehow in my exercise regimen? I'm so glad you have this way of comminicating. I think it will really help me adjust to this new lifesaving gadget in my chest.

3 Comments

Hello Cycleman & Welcome to the Club!

by NiceNiecey - 2016-08-09 01:17:47

I read your bio and it didn't mention what your diagnosis is. If it was simply bradycardia (slow heartrate) then it may be that you needed a pacemaker (PM) because of the natural aging process. But the average age of a first-time PM recipient is around 77 so I doubt it. And NO, you didn't need a PM because you overdid it in the gym. For unknown reasons, your heart's electrical system has malfunctioned. The PM is now in place to correct the problem.

Like many of us, getting your PM has come as a total surprise. For me too! I suspect that you will eventually look back and recognize that you had symptoms for some time. For some reason, we are able to explain them away and not seek treatment until one day when we start to pass out at the breakfast table!

~If you're super tired for a couple weeks, don't be surprised: it will pass. ~Keep your left arm moving. ~Be prepared for adjustments to be made to your PM in these early weeks and months as they adjust the device to suit your individual needs. ~Keep exercising. ~Sooner than you realize, you'll be feeling better than you have in a very long time.

All the best,

Niecey

Thanks!

by Cycleman - 2016-08-09 16:22:55

Looking forward to more energy and getting back to regular exeecise. Diag was sinus node dysfunction. Definitely going to let myself properly heal up first. No heavy lifting and reaching. Thanks Niecey!

Welcome.

by judyblue - 2016-08-10 21:38:29

I was shell shocked when told I needed a pm. I had always taken care of myself. The doctors said often they cannot determine why someone needs a pm. I was 52. So don't make yourself crazy trying to figure out why!