Local support groups?

Wondering if anyone knows of any local support groups for pacemaker patients with complications in the Lakeland/Orlando/Tampa area of FL?  Therapy isn't cutting it and would rather work with people/therapists who can relate to what I'm going through.


4 Comments

Local support groups

by Theknotguy - 2018-11-20 18:43:15

You'll want to check with your local EP and also with the hospital where your device was implanted.  

There is a national group called Mended Hearts that has local chapters.  However, the group that is local to my area was suffering from a "My dog is bigger than your dog."  attitude.  If you didn't have at least a triple bypass they didn't consider you had heart problems.  That, and it was hard to talk to the back of people's heads.   Then they had a doctor who was willing to "answer all your questions" - until I started asking questions.  Then I was supposed to make an appointment and pay money.  So I only went to several meetings.  

Your local EP may have some kind of group and your local hospital may have a group too.  

support

by Tracey_E - 2018-11-21 08:32:30

As knotguy said, Mended Hearts is in most hopsitals but it's geared more toward heart attacks and open heart surgery. I've never heard of a group outside of online groups like this for just pacemakers. 

Local support groups?

by CJ2.0 - 2018-11-21 11:24:22

Thanks for the advice.  I originally asked my EP, cardiologist and pacemaker clinic staff about this a while back and the only thing that was available was for patients with an ICD.  So I sought out a therapist at the same facility.  He just doesn't appear to have much experience with patients with my history.  Guess I'll have to do some further searching.  Thanks again.

We're just an internet connection away....

by BOBTHOM - 2018-11-21 22:40:13

I think most of us are in the same boat which is how/why we found our way here.  There's always someone with a similar situation or issue either current or former.  Searching the archives might help answer some of your questions.  I know its helped me and I thank everyone who has and continues to post!  Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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