Hello

Hi folks - why didn't I know until now this place exists? I'm really interested to see how others are coping with life with a pacemaker. I had mine implanted at 19....which I think was quite young - I'm 41 now and it's still in there! Everything is so technical now, talking downloads and firing out acronyms for this that and the next thing....mines is mechanical in comparison. All fascinating. Anyway, just thought I'd say hello! :)

5 Comments

hi!

by Tracey_E - 2018-07-18 20:24:02

Glad you found us!

You are still on your first one?? Is it even still pacing? I got my first one in 1994, am on #5 now. #jealous

Welcome!

by AgentX86 - 2018-07-18 21:54:54

Twenty-two years on one pacemaker?  What is it, wind up?  Do you have to trail an electric cord behind you? 

Anyway, you're the old hat here.  I'm 65 but was just electrified in February.

Thanks! lol

by Boznap - 2018-07-19 11:32:52

Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but yes - still first one. My battery is still showing 93% (they'll review at 85% apparently). I was diagnosed with sic sinus syndrome. I had a near blackout one day and had to then wear a 24hr tape, which showed my bpm drop to about 18 then shoot up in to high hundreds. My unit kicks in if I drop below 50bpm, which is rare, but I needed to have it to ensure I could keep driving etc.. I also had wenchebach diagnosed recently after I saw a consultant for the first rime in about 20 years, so apparently I still need it. Would be hard getting it out now anyway I'm guessing! Was tough psychologically to have the implant at first (I was 19 ffs). Absolutely fine with it now, but don't go shouting out about the fact I have it. Haven't carried a card/tag in a long time and only discovered this site when I looked up tattoos to do that job. I have an aversion to jewelley lol

I thought I was young

by RoboCop - 2018-07-20 12:43:24

I got mine when I was 25, so you got me beat!  Similar issue, my hr would randomly drop to the 20s at rest which would cause me to almost pass out.  My pacemaker doesn't let me go below 50bpm, but since my normal resting hr from athletics/genetics was about 40bpm, it's running about 80% of the time.

On the tattoo comment, I got a tattoo of Zeus throwing a lightning bolt onto the pacemaker scar.  Not quite a medical alert, but you can make it personalized if you're into tattoos, just saying!

Bolt

by Boznap - 2018-07-24 02:24:01

I like the sound of that tattoo! I'm thinking a metallica style ride the lightning reference for me lol Yes, my HR was lowish, about 55-60 so was near it, but thankfully not had to get a new unit.

You know you're wired when...

Your electric tooth brush interferes with your device.

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