Great site...

Hi Everyone

This is my first post on here, I hope i'm doing it all right!

I had my pacemaker fitted 23 March 2005 and cannot believe I have only just come across this site - I really could have done with chatting to you all about 2 years ago. My family and friends are fantastic but sometimes I think nobody really knows what sort of effect needing a pacemaker has on me mentally. It's great to know i'm not the only bionic person out there hahaha!

I had my pacemaker fitted on the above date at the age of 21 and it was the best thing thats ever happened to me (of course it would be much better if I never needed one). After 6 years of blackouts and treatment for Epilepsy doctors finally decided they should actually test my heart and suprise suprise I wasn't epileptic after all. I have a form of SADS, my heart actually used to stop for around 2min and in that time I would blackout. When my heart finally decided to start itself back up (apparantly uncommon - i'm a very lucky girl) I would shake violently (this being where the doctors got Epilepsy from). I got to the point where I wouldn't leave the house, i'd go downstairs on my bum, wouldn't take a bath in the house alone, this loss of independence was probably the hardest part. However after having my trusty little friend fitted I now feel better than ever before. I have had a whole new lease of life.

I would love to know if some of the problems I experience are common problems experienced by all pacemaker owners.

Pulsing of pacemaker when lay on left side
Uncomfortable pacemaker site when swimming (as if grinding on collarbone). This pain is actually bad enough that I have given up on swimming
Pacemaker sticks out under arm pit when arms are raised - actually looks as if it might burst through skin

All problems quite minor but I still seem to panic as you never know whats normal and whats not.

I think I am probably babbling now but it's just so nice to know people reading this know what its like to go through it!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend x

4 Comments

welcome!

by bambi - 2007-05-11 04:05:31

First and foremost, welcome to a great group of caring, informed people! I know there are a few [and the numbers seem to be growing] young people on this site. While there are bound to be some issues only you youngsters face, we all, young and old, have gone through something unique. So don't be afraid to take advantage of what all the members have to say! It seems as though Dr.'s are finding out, that anyone, whether old, young, male, female, athletes, people with good health, can have rhythm problems with their hearts! All of your "minor" problems should be addressed by your Dr., because it sounds as if your pacemaker has slipped from the pocket, or it wasn't placed properly to begin with! Anyway congratulations on feeling better and starting your life over without your past worries! Take care, Bambi

same experiences...

by paula07 - 2007-05-11 11:05:58

at 22 i just received my PM. i blackedout only 4 times over 4 years and went through many tests, some for epilepsy, but that was ruled out. after doing a tilt-table test they found out that my heart stopped but only for about 6 seconds and i would get stiff and apparently it looked like i was ceasing and then wake back up. maybe its not as uncommon as they think.

since i've only had my pacemaker for a little over 2 weeks i don't have any answers to your questions, but i'd love to hear your answers and find out more about how my life will be with a PM.

paula

welcome

by patpeter - 2007-05-12 07:05:41

hi, glad you found us, I haven't experienced all of the symptoms you talked about but my pm sticks out in my arm pit when I lift my arm over my head, I think it's just where it's situated, my first one did the same thing and I had that for 9 yrs. So I don't know if that helps but know you are not alone with the arm pit manevuer! Take care
Pat

Thank you

by KRFRW - 2007-05-14 05:05:34

Thank you to you all for replying to my post and making me feel more at ease. It really is great to know there are other people out there with the same problems (i'm sure you've all felt like the only one at times)

Do any of you set of the shop security beepers? Really embarrasing!!!

You know you're wired when...

You have a high-tech ticker.

Member Quotes

Your anxiety is normal. It takes some of us a little time to adjust to the new friend. As much as they love you, family and friends without a device just cannot understand the adjustment we go through. That is why this site is so valuable.