New Member of "The Club"

Hello all!  I've read a lot of postings about folks who were surprised by their PM, but I'm the opposite.  I was born with a Weinkebach and I've managed to live with it for 39 years.  The PM discussion started when I was 10, but my parents chose to put it off.  I'm glad they did.  

In June, I "retired" after spending the last 19 years doing the greatest job on earth...as a police officer.  I woke up one morning and my body told me I couldn't do it anymore.  I have found a great second career as a disability examiner and I've learned a lot, which is coming in handy now!  I'm scheduled to have my PM implanted on 12/16, just 12 days before my 40th birthday.  What a present, huh?  

I'm waiting to get some feedback from my doc on recovery and all, since my job is asking.  I'm looking forward to getting through this and getting a little more active, which is something I honestly haven't done the last few years.  

Thanks for all your messages.  You might not know it, but I'm learning a lot through all of you.  

5 Comments

Thank you

by Cajun Girl - 2016-11-29 23:37:21

Thank you for your service as a police officer.

I have only had my pacemaker 8 weeks and I am still asking questions.  I am amazed by the amount of knowledge that the members on this site have.

You will find this site as a blessing both before and after you PM is implanted.

Will be praying for you to have a safe and speedy recovery.....  early Happy Birthday!

Welcome

by Grateful Heart - 2016-11-30 10:05:52

Great Attitude...so important for recovery.  Also, the fact that you are looking to get more active is a huge plus!

You will be just fine. 

Grateful Heart

Hello and welcome

by confused - 2016-11-30 23:11:54

First off thank you for your service and I know what a challenging job you left because my dad and grandfather both retired from being a police officer and I am also married to one. 

Second you said "what a present" ..... I honestly feel that mine was.  I received mine 7 weeks ago and it was a true life changer for me in the best way.  I am 44 years old and was scared out of my mind when I was told I needed one.  But now I see I was worried for nothing and I can't tell you how much better I feel.  I knew I didn't feel right for quite some time now but until after I received my pm I had no idea just how bad I did feel.  The difference in what I felt like 2 months ago compared to now is incredible. 

You were saying you are looking foward to being more active again and that is a great attitude to have. 

Nice to meet you and wishing you the best.

Tammy 

 

 

Yes It's a Gift

by NiceNiecey - 2016-12-01 00:17:39

Is Weinkebach the first stage of heart block?  Has it now progressed to Type 2 (Mobitz) or Complete Heart Block?  I'm curious as it relates to my own diagnosis!

FWIW, I hated my PM at first and didn't know I was "sick" until an emergency 'happened.'  It's a gift that you've known all along what's coming. Trust me, you'll be surprised how great you'll feel in short order. 

Furthermore, IMO, I'd take 2 weeks off work if possible. You may not need it but then again you might. I was so tired those first 2 weeks I was good for nothing. 

And BTW, I got my "gift" on Christmas Eve 3 years ago. What a blessing in disguise.  Scary being a police officer these days; glad you like your new career. 

Welcome aboard. 

Heart Block

by Topdog - 2016-12-01 08:13:04

My heart block is a little complex.  As a child, they believed it was complete heart block.  I only found out about Weinkebach a few years ago.  Last month, I wore a Holter for 72 hours and discovered my pulse degrades/slips/turns into a complete heart block at night.  This also happens when I'm not active.  My pulse is regularly in the 40s, but slipped into the 20s at night and into the 30s at some points during the day.  

Thank you everyone for the positive comments.  The clock is ticking!

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