Worried Newbie

Hi All,

I am from Scotland, how are you all?

I have found out that I am getting a pacemaker, I dont have a date as yet, but it will be soon. I have heart block, side affects are dizziness, fainting and irregular heartbeat. I also have very low blood pressure.

I am 37 and really feeling as though I am entering something that I dont have any control over. I found this site last week and it is amazing, it is answering so many of my questions. I think I will take great strength from this site over the next few weeks. I will let you all know my date, when I get it.

Fiona_R

10 Comments

welcome

by TOGUY - 2007-05-14 03:05:05

Hi Fiona,
Just to encourage you I got my PM 19days ago I was feeling all the things you decribe. The proceedure went well, healed quickly and now I feel like my old self. There is light at the end of the tunnel, good luck and good health. Please keep us up to date on your PM and speedy recovery.
Gary

Hi Newbie

by rosep - 2007-05-14 03:05:23

Welcome to the wonderful world of pacemakers. I am from 49 and fromYorkshire, have heartblock, and have had mine 9 weeks now- hope when you get yours you get on as well as I have! I feel 100%better in myself and have healed well- just about doing everything I was before I became ill - the big plus is everyone is telling me I look so much better! And I hadn't really realised how ill I was!
Give yourself time to get used to your pm and the strange flutterings you may feel for a while- you'll soon get used to them to the point where you don't notice them and you'll gradually feel less anxious about your pm site getting knocked etc. Take heed of advice not to lift your arm over your head for a good few weeks- it does pull if you forget! And that's all there is to it!!! And the novelty wil eventually wear off for your mates- the "ticking over " jokes soon stop!
Good luck with yours - hope it goes well for you Rosep

Hi Worried Newbie!

by valerie - 2007-05-14 06:05:54

Scotland eh?
Ya Man! Oh, wait, that's more Jamaican isn't it.

lol jk.
Don't worry, this will all be done with before you know it. It may take awhile to get your settings just right, but just remember it will get better.
I am so glad you found this site before your procedure b/c, as you say, you found a lot of answers to your questions. Soon, you will be on here helping other future pacers like yourself.
Please keep us posted on the date of your implant. You'll be in my prayers.
take care and good luck Fiona!
~valerie

Another Hi

by hooimom - 2007-05-14 09:05:44

Welcome Fiona,
You have many supporters here! We have all been through what you are experiencing and we totally understand. You are right, you can gain great strength here by getting educated and informed before your surgery. Ask any questions, express your frustrations, share your experiences--this is the place for all of that! Many of us felt too young to get a pacemaker, but are finding that we can live full and happy lives with one. Keep us posted on your surgery date.

Michelle

hi

by randrews - 2007-05-14 10:05:10

congratulations on finding this site. It has been a God send to me. I guess your right in a way, we don't have any control over the need to have a pm, but we gain some control by knowing what is happening. For me, the greatest source of comfort has come from the encouragement and shared experiences of others who care, just like what Michelle said above. It's different for everyone. Please stay in touch and let us know how your doing.
Rusty

fiona

by jessie - 2007-05-15 05:05:14

hi you are young but so are a lot. this is not an old person's dilemma by any means. thank god we can all be helped. my brother was 15 and he had the first surgery in london to repair his valve to heart. when he was young our parents were told he wouldn't see his 21st birthday. well he did and he is coming up for 64. he taught high school and he got his pacemaker in his 50's/ susan is right. ask anything you wish. we all did. welcome to the pacemaker club a place you will meet many people and make true friends.so welcome fiona jessie

Welcome aboard!

by pacergirl - 2007-05-15 10:05:14

Welcome Fiona,
What a beautiful name....lucky you ;-)
Your heart sounds like mine beat for beat... same problems here for me. I have had my pacemaker for 2 years now. 2 years that I would not have had had I chosen not to get the pacer. Ask any and all questions you have. Nothing is unimportant if you need to know. I am 53 and was 51 when I received the pacer. Life is good once again. It did take some time to get "used" to the idea, but then it became my best friend! I'll be thinking of you, good luck and please keep us posted! pacergirl ;-)

welcome

by bambi - 2007-05-15 12:05:41

Hi Fiona,
I just wanted to also join in and welcome you to this great site! I was 45 when I got my Pacemaker, and I've had it for 5 years now. I know how apprehensive one gets before the surgery, but to tell you the truth, this is one of the easier surgeries to go through! We'll look forward to hearing how it all went. I know you'll be feeling better when it's all over with! Take care!
Bambi

Do Not Worry !

by Paul R UK - 2007-05-17 06:05:24

Got my pacemaker aged 39 at 4 days notice after admission to hospital.

You ask yourself why me ? and you may worry until it is in. You may worry afterwards. But really the procedure to put it in is painless and if you start worrying the drugs they give you to calm you are pretty good !

Well I am going well 18 months down the line. Think of the box of tricks as your insurance policy - without mine, who knows when I might have fallen short on beats - with the box you know it will keep you going.

After a while you will be reassured.

By the way this site is a great help, as you will have many questions. Most on here will be able to tell you good news stories and answer any questions you may have from their personal experiences.

Good luck !!

we are here

by 28sedan - 2013-06-02 07:06:25

Take care I wont quote everyone here I just agree with them

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Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.