27 and bionic!!

Hey everyone I just thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Amanda. I have two toddlers that are 2 and 4. I just had my first pacemaker implanted on November 4th, 2020.

It's a dual chamber Boston scientific. I found out I have a relatively rare condition called cardio inhibitory syncope.

I'm thankful for this community as it helped me cope when I got the news I needed a pacemaker. đź’—


7 Comments

cardioinhibitory syncope

by AgentX86 - 2020-11-07 01:20:03

I believe this is the same thing as vasovagal syncope.  If so, it's not all that rare and I think there are several in the club who have the same issues.  You  might want to do a search of the site to find others in a similar situation.

I saw a few people that had it.

by MandaPanda - 2020-11-07 04:40:44

It is a different variant of syncope. It causes asystole.  It is neurally mediated just like vasovagal though.  

72 and bionic !!

by Gemita - 2020-11-07 11:39:33

Hello Manda, Welcome to you and to your two toddlers.  They must keep you busy.

I have suffered from sudden faints for as long as I can remember, although only in the last ten years have I been able to get some real answers.  As you know syncope can have so many different causes and it can be difficult to treat.  I tend to black out during eating, well actually swallowing, which is something I cannot avoid.  I have also passed out when I have been really dehydrated, but sometimes it has happened for no apparent reason.    My doctors call it “Situational/Vasovagal/Swallow syncope”.  I have had a range of autonomic nervous system tests done to confirm the problem.

In 2014, I developed arrhythmias and by 2016 my dizziness and brief faints had increased and I felt extremely unstable and lost confidence in going out.  I was diagnosed with Tachy/Brady Syndrome and in 2018, I got my dual chamber pacemaker which has really improved my quality of life and helped to keep my heart rate up and steady.  

While the pacemaker is able to prevent a heart rate drop going below the lower pacemaker set limit, it cannot prevent a blood pressure drop and of course a blood pressure drop alone can cause syncope.  My doctors warned me that my pacemaker may not address all episodes of syncope/pre-syncope but that I would nevertheless benefit from having a pacemaker.  This has been my experience so far.  I still get some strong pre-syncope warnings occasionally during eating, but usually have time to take action (sit down/lie down) before I fall down.

Hope you do very well with your pacemaker.

welcome!

by Tracey_E - 2020-11-08 07:38:07

Glad you found us! I got mine at 27 also :o)  

43 and bionic... and my name is Amanda!

by amanda_shanti - 2020-11-09 07:11:48

Hello Amanda, my name is also Amanda :)

I have my first PM implanted on Nov 3rd, 2020 due to complete heart block. I'm 43 and never thought that I have a heart problem. I'm still coping with the whole situation since everything happened so quickly (within few days), had an emotional breakdown in front of my cardiologist. Lucky to find this website and read all the warm words. 

Welcome - 59 & Bionic

by Nanakandirae - 2020-11-11 01:09:46

I am 59 and received my new best friend August 3, 2020

Welcome

by dwelch - 2020-11-12 05:52:36

I got my first one at 19.  On device number five.  33 years paced.  (I have leads older than you). 

My daughter is fully grown and in college, would never have had her nor seen that without these devices, well worth it.  They are easy to live with anyway...

Welcome to the club there are a number of us that started young and will have many devices.

You know you're wired when...

“Batteries not included” takes on a new meaning.

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