New to PaceMaker

Try not to overthink it

by MarkFranklin99 - 2019-11-18 00:09:39

Similar situation here. I know 100% how you feel, mate. I was 56 when it happened to me and thought my world would collapse around me.

I'm also quite active. I had been jogging most of my life and kiteboarding for nearly 20 years, now I kite hydrofoil as well. Nothing has changed there, except that now I don't have to worry about passing out on the ocean and drowning. That's kind of an upside! 🤣

Moreover, I fly a lot due to my job. I started going through the special pat-down check and it was super painful to have to spend so much time getting through security and always be reminded of it. One day, during a check-up with the specialist, the tech said not to worry about the pat-down and just walk through the security gate thing. I have done so ever since and nothing has happened so it' s been a great improvement. But you better check that with your own specialists first!

I'm back doing most things again and after three years, I don't spend too much time thinking about it anymore. Stamina-wise, I have found that I can often outlast my peers on the water and do a couple of hours when they come in after one and need a break in the middle. 

The only thing I find myself doing now is sometimes I take a 10 minute nap after lunch. It's wonderful, I celebrate it, I would have seen it as a weakness when I was younger though. My grandad used to do the same thing and he lived to 101 years old and rude health...

Listen to your body, don't force it, but don't overthink it as you are now taken care of physiologically. The rest is psychological. For the first year or so I let it define me and felt the need to tell people. Now, I rarely tell anyone, as it's none of their business unless of course, they have a need to know.

If you feel up to it you should totally go on your vacation. If not, it might be more stressful for you than to go. Perhaps you can postpone it? I am walking 8km every morning and have done much more, so depending on your individual situation, you should be fine. There are other members on this site that run marathons!

I hope this helps you move on. It will take time. I count myself lucky to be living in a time when such a marvellous invention is available and here in Australia, it did not cost me a cent.

All the best, take care, be kind to yourself and focus on moving on, 

Cheers, Mark

Truly Encouraging

by nkg - 2019-11-18 01:03:51

Hi Mark,  Appreciate you taking taking time to respond. I already feel better reading your encouraging remarks. I agree on your suggestion, not to overthink on "why" it happned and move on with a positive attitiude. 

Thanks a ton.

Cheers - NKG

Welcome to the club that no one wants any part of

by AgentX86 - 2019-11-18 09:12:31

All of the above is good advice. In this group you'll read a lot of war stories but the problems tend to rise to the top. The vast majority of PM patients have no problems and just get on with their lives. The chances are excellent that you can do the same, if you choose to.

You seem to be doing well now, so in six weeks you'll have improved more, probably back to where you were, or close to it. I'd plan to go but also use it as a carrot to get your butt moving.

I'm 20 months from my implant and half way through my daily five mile pre-breakfast walk. I'd normally do 20+ miles today but my brother is visiting, so will miss the gym (9mi on the treadmill) today. Walking should be something that you can do today. It will help you toward that vacation goal.

Also, as Angy implied, forget the "why".You'll likely never get a good answer and it doesn't matter. You're here. Deal with your future,  not your past.

I discovered some years ago .....

by Pacer2019 - 2019-11-18 10:40:03

"The man who sits in fear that something bad will happen is alway right "

took me a few years after bypass surgery to come to that conclusion..... I'm now relearning it after a PM insert 

Thanks for Support

by nkg - 2019-11-19 21:46:40

Thanks for encouragement and support. As I'm getting into my normal routine its getting much better. Started walking a bit hopefully will hit the treadmill in some weeks. 

Glad I found this site, all teh positive remarks helps me keep moving ahead.

Micra

by Micra 1943 - 2019-11-26 18:48:39

I'm getting Micra next week I'm so afraid. I have high blood presure and I'm just freaking out. My pulse is around 30, 31 non - stop and I have AF. I haven't fainted or fallen but was adviced to put a PM. Is Micra retractable after time?

Any heads up on what to expect. My doctor asured me all is good and laugh but I'm just all nerves.

Thank you