Life

Take time and be kind to yourself

by Fatty - 2016-09-27 09:05:00

Yes, this all can be so overwhelming.  When I found out I was going to have to have a pacemaker, I cried as I felt it meant that I was now "OLD" (and I am because I am 68 years old.!!). I felt and had crossed over from being "young" and this was a death sentence.  I felt terribly sad.  Accept these feelings and try to find gratitude in each day. This is all very normal and expected.. Stick close to your family and let them support you.Exercise and pick up some forgotten hobbies and books while you are recovering.  Read inspirational books and pray often. Please do not hesitate to call your doctors and nurses.  They are there to help you cope too and no question is unimportant. Don't feel bad about feeling this way, it is very normal and will take time.  It took me almost two months to feel better and hopeful about my future.  This website is wonderful for support and there is also a Facebook page for people with PM.  Good Luck.  

Acceptance

by Grateful Heart - 2016-09-27 11:45:21

The sooner you accept needing a device, the sooner you can move on and just live with it, even joke about it.  Yes....eventually joke about it.

Learn all you can about your device so you become more comfortable and informed.   

Most people are shocked in the beginning.  We only have one heart.  

Most likely, we wouldn't still be here without these devices.  Don't think of it as a separate entity, it's part of you now......embrace it!

Grateful Heart      

Grieving

by Jacque - 2016-10-06 15:00:37

I had to give myself time to grieve over the loss of my "perfect" health and to deal with feelings of failure since I have tried so hard to do everything right to stay healthy.  Initially, I didn't tell anyone but my family but found that talking about it helped.  I also tried to get back into my normal routine as quickly as possible, not always so easy when you are not feeling 100% and have restrictions.  Staying physically active and socially active really helped me get over the worst feelings.  It's been almost 2 months since I got my pm and I have to just say that life is good.  Spend some time on this site too. I found so many people who validated my feelings and made me feel like I was not alone.  Best wishes to you for a fast recovery.