Not a good start

Overnight last Thursday I went from no health issues to no beats for 7 secs about every 20 minutes. I was fitted with a PM Friday and sent home Saturday. 3 hours at home and I fainted and my pulse was down to 24. I must admit I was terrified and it was made more difficult because I had never thought to review how my new phone can dial 911.

I did not realise how difficult it is to even remember the 3 numbers when you are lying on the floor. It turned out a lead had moved and by Wednesday I was back home.

My psyche is struggling at the moment to build confidence in my new bionic self. It is great to find an one forum like this and see the positive comments. I am due to go to Europe in 7 weeks and I hope my confidence is back up by then! 

2 Comments

Moving Leads

by Pookie - 2018-07-18 00:31:06

Hi and I am so glad you found this site.  I've been a member since 2005/2006.  I too had my bottom lead fall, not once; but 5 times!!!!!  Not fun.  In the end it got fixed, but it was beyond an experience that I never want to go through again.  

Yes, your confidence may have flown out the window, but I promise you - just give it time.  With your trip to Europe 7 weeks away you will be just fine.  A lot (not all) of the member here have had their confidence rattled and it so understandable because we all went through having a pacemaker (or defib) for the very first time in our life and we don't know what to expect, etc. Just take it easy as much as you can, plenty of rest (if possible), and follow your doctor's instructions and you should be fine.

Best of luck and enjoy your trip!!!

Karen

(Pookie)

Getting your confidence back

by Gotrhythm - 2018-07-18 13:06:06

You found out a simple and terrible fact: when the brain cells aren't getting enough oxygen, they don't work so good. Even remembering and dialing three numbers might be more than you can do.

It's shocking to your self-concept as a competent, independent adult. Fortunately the human psyche is resiliant. After a while the shock wears off, and being bionic becomes just a fact, and not a very interesting one at that. 

There is an upside to all this. You've probably been having heart pauses for a while. Without knowing why, not been feeling your best or thinking your best. As your heart adjusts to your new friend you'll likely find you are  better than you've been in a long time.

Feeling great, having lots of energy, having gusto to bring to everything you do is the greatest confidence builder there is.

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

My ICD/pacer is not a burden. I still play tennis and golf.