Anyone my Age

Hey!

I was just wondering if there was anyone my age with a PaceMaker? I am 23 years old and my friends make fun of me becuase I am like an old person who was on a blood thinner and have a pacemaker....

Just curious!

Hope all is well with everyone...

Alexis

12 Comments

25

by dettiger2003 - 2007-05-11 03:05:02

i am 25 and have a had a pacer since I have been 4

alexsis

by jessie - 2007-05-11 09:05:11

they are not friends if they make fun of you. anyone can have a heart pacer even babies. do they not read or can they read? lol lol lol you need to inform them. this is what is wrong with our world to-day no honest caring for others. jessie

22

by paula07 - 2007-05-11 11:05:17

I just turned 22 in March and I had a pacemaker implanted in April. It is nice to know other younger people who have PM. I get the reaction from everyone, even people at the hospital or doctors, "you're only 22 and you have a pacemaker?" but my friends and family have been really supportive about it, especially since both of my mom's parents have pacemakers also...even though they are 75. how long have you had your PM if you don't mind me asking?

take care,
paula

29 and counting......

by swilson10 - 2007-05-11 11:05:34

I am 29 with a PM and had it initially placed when I was 27. My friends and family have been very supportive, but it is me who feels so different from all the other patients I see at the cardiologist. So often the older patients are wondering if I am there with a parent or grandparent. This site has really helped to normalize this experience for me and remind me that are so many people of all ages with pacemakers.

I'm 23 too...

by herbie - 2007-05-11 12:05:21

Hi,

I'm 23 and have just received my first pacemaker, luckily my friends and family have been really supportive.

I hope your friends are laughing with you, not at you. If not then I must agree with Jessie - they're not true friends. However, I too have to see the funny side of things in life - it helps us cope I think!

Take care,

Hannah

hi!

by tcrabtree85 - 2007-05-12 03:05:42

Alexis,
I'm so sorry to hear that your friends are treating you that poorly. Valerie was the first person I started to talk to on this site we both are 21. If you ever want somebody to talk to just sent me a private message and I will give you all my info. She helped me through a lot.
It really is a challenge with friends for them to completely understand where you are coming from and along with you i'm so sick of people telling me i'm to young to have this. I really think that they just don't understand and honestly are probably a little scared for you and just don't want you to know.
I haven't had my pm for very long and have been doing almost everything on my own with out much support from friends. They all live far away and i'm lucky to get a phone call from them once a month.
I will keep you in my prayers and I will also say a prayer for your friends. Things will get easier and just know that people are here for you.
I'm much better at picking up my phone though than checking my e-mail. Sometimes i'm kinda lazy. Though I do get on here at least once a day and will respond as soon as I can. Take care of yourself. Remember you aren't alone and people do care about you.
Blessings,
Tammy

I have connections...

by valerie - 2007-05-12 05:05:57

...with the PM mafia, so if you ever need something, like....oh, I dont know.....a message to send to your non-pacer friends....I can make it happen. Just send a private message my way.

lol! jk. Well, Alexis, you are in good hands with your new pacer friends here. You can tell a lot about people from their member names...
take Susan, for example. "Queen_Beez"...she likes honey. But she finds herself "strange". Poor thing. You'll come to realize she's such a great person :)
Then there's Tammy....she likes crabs on trees I guess. She’s around your age! Small world eh? She’s a great person.
And then Cathryn…hmmm, well, I think her last name begins with the letter “B”. She’s a great person.
There’s a bunch of great people here (hence the “great person” pattern). Whenever you need to chat, we’ll be here.
I hope you are doing fine with your pacemaker and keep us posted on how you’re doing.
Take care,
~valerie

Thank You All

by angellexis - 2007-05-16 01:05:44

Hey Everyone,

I just want to thank you all for replying to my posting... It really made me feel special and not alone, your words have done wonders! I hope all is well and everyone is having a great Spring/Summer..

Again Thank You,

Alexis

I got a pacemeker for my 21st birthday

by kish - 2007-05-17 02:05:24

Hi I just singed up and just got my pacemaker on may 1st 10 days after my 21st birthday. (Its sad but it is the best birthday persent I got.) Sadly I had to go threw the surgery twice because the leads in the upper chamber came out. But besides that things seem to be ok so far. I am looking to get back to work and that.

O my friends and family bug me to about an old person (all in good humor) sometimes its gets a little sad but whatever my theory is that when were older we well be the healthiest old people because where living the old problems now and the Dr’s well have all our medical things sorted out be then. And when there (all our friends) are old it’ll take them forever because they’re old but their problems will be new. And we will be healthier. I swear I shall be the healthiest and coolest old person ever. (I can’t wait LOL)

Anyways I hope to meet lots of people on here so far iv had/learned a lot from what I have read. And I am glad to know that I am not the only young person with a pacemaker. keep in touch
~ Later Days

Got my first when I was 18

by CTB - 2007-07-18 04:07:30

Hi. Just found this site after hearing I am due for my 3rd surgery. I'm 31 now, but had my first PM went I was 18. I was lost with nobody my age to talk to. When I went to see the doc all the old ladies chatted with me and I found myself giving them advice.

I have a question for the young ladies out there getting PM - has your doctor ever considered locating your device under the breast? I've read a lot of posts that younger women are complaining about chest discomfort and wearing strapless bras. When I had mine implanted we decided to go under the left breast and it has worked out fairly well. Just curious.

CTB

First one at 28! :)

by 423battery - 2007-08-05 09:08:31

First one at 28
Second one at 38
Lived to see my son become a senior in high school, and counting.
Life is so much better with my battery.
As for your friends- I'm thankful that my friends, co-workers and family are so supportive.
Best of Luck! nad keep beating

25 with a pacemaker.

by Bluen20 - 2008-01-01 11:01:54

I had my first one implanted when I was 13 and replaced at age 24. Like Kish my second implant had to be done twice because the lead came out a month after they put it in. I understand what you are going through Alexis, a lot of people do not understand what it truly is like having a pacemaker and often argue with me that it is all in my mind and that I a young person doesn't need to get pacemakers or take medication. They are usually people who are healthy and fit. I don't really know anyone my age with a pacemaker and its sometimes hard when no one else knows what you are going through. All you need to do is inform them about your situation. If they are good friends they will understand and accept it.

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