Newbie

You're in the right place

by Bob J. - 2017-10-25 10:00:49

Welcome to the PaceMaker Club... You've come to the right place!  This site and it's many members are chock full of very helpful information... Don't be afraid to speak up.

Of utmost importance..... START DOING SOME RESEARCH!  Learn about your PM device.  You should have received a card when you first received your PM.  That card has a lot of important information including your Doctors contact information as well as the make and model number of your PM.  Learn everything you can about your device.  Check the manufacturers web site, Google the daylights out of it.  Knowledge is Power.  Take control!

Last but not least... Relax and begin getting back to your daily routines.  

time to get on with rest of your improved life

by bridgermichael - 2017-10-25 19:43:43

no one in the club has had a pm fitted who hasn't needed one and although there are some unknowns prior to having one fitted, once it is implanted you really can get back to living a normal lifestyle - the first month you are thinking did I do the right thing but the alternative of not having one is also the fear that one day you may 'drop' - once you have one there is no looking back and everything is stable and back to normal - even car insurance companies are happy as you are less of a risk as the pm will kick in if you are having a blip moment and you won't be affected! embrace the op - it was recommended for a reason - I certainly have no regrets and feel blessed that the monitoring , the unknown will I pass out again worries are over and life is good.   I had two leads from mine and some minor discomfort while the body tries to reject the alien within for a week or so but once it's embedded then it really is back to normal - good luck with the future - you really won't have to alter much ! You are vaguely aware it's there but really it's all systems go and normal lifestyle 

mike b 

You're going in the right direction

by Gotrhythm - 2017-10-26 16:06:49

Realizing you need to learn about your device shows wisdom.

Being somewhat techno-challenged, I have found youtube videos, both about how the heart works and how the pacemaker works, to be incredibly helpful. Somehow being able to watch it work while the voice-over explains it agrees with my learning style. Just use good judgement about whether you are looking at something from a reputable source.

The better you understand your pacemaker, the better questions you will ask, and the more respect you will garner from professionals. And the better treatment you are likely to get, especially in those times when you must speak up for yourself.

When you run into questions or need clarification, you'll always find someone knowledgeable here who can help.

Myself, I always feel so much smarter once Donr explains things!