Discrimintation

Hi all, first of all i wanted to say happy new year i hope its a good and healthy one for all of us :).

I was just wondering if anyone has suffered discrimintation or has been treated differently because thay have a pacemaker?

After i has my pacemaker my school didnt know how to treat me because they had never dealt with something like that b4. i was bullied by other kids which ultimately led to me leaving school early. i have applied for jobs and such but have been turned away because i have a pacemaker. i am only young and my spirits are quite broken atm. Does it get any easier??

Thanx for your time,
Impacing

6 Comments

Don't tell them

by kmhayward - 2007-12-31 01:12:30

They actually have no legal reason to know if you have a pacemaker so dont mention it. except for the military of course. Go back to school is my advice. Try college and dont tell anyone you have a pacemaker unless you really trust them.
If you have an ICD then thats a little different as people around you may need to be aware of any shocks you may recieve and what to do when this happens.
I hope you take my advice and i hope life is better for this coming year!

Katherine

You are not alone .... ;-)

by pacergirl - 2007-12-31 01:12:33

Well, you ask an important question. I don't know about Ireland, but it the US it is against the Federal laws to discriminate for such reasons. I personally don't share with most people that I wear a pacemaker. It just invites a lot of questions I don't care to answer. You are quite young and you are just trying to discover who you are and how to live your life for you. I caution you to choose carefully whom you share any information with. Either the internet, school and even people you meet in the workforce. Protect yourself. The world can be a challenge no matter where you live. You will find your way and you will discover that there are good people in the world.... it might take a while to find them but keep your chin up and look carefully at those whom you wish to share your medical history with. Not everyone is as they seem. You are smart and you will know when it is right. Choose carefully. Good luck to you. Please feel free to talk if you like here where you are among friends.
pacergirl

hi

by jessie - 2007-12-31 02:12:37

people have given you good advice. my son in laws parents were nervous around me at christmas. they know i have a pacemaker. i don't like that they know. not everyone needs to know everything. that is the lesson i learned later in life. please listen to this advice. you are just as valuable and priceless as anyone else and deserve a chance and repect from all. if you can't go back to school or start a business think of what you would like to do for a living. apply for all jobs you think you can do. be positive. you will find your spot. take care there love,jessie

Good Luck

by Terry - 2007-12-31 03:12:12

Make your own luck. Those who disctiminate are not worthy of your time. Just enjoy the strength that your pacemaker provides and get back to school as soon as possible. You need to make yourself even more valuable to someone.

Terry

Dont take it.

by OIMAPRINCESS2477 - 2007-12-31 05:12:34

As another young pacemaker owner I know what you are going through. I have yet to be discriminated against but I know that it is not legal or ethical. If you are being teased in school you need to have your parents talk to your principle or head master and explain your situation. I am also with the others on keeping your pacemaker to your self. You may want to tell a trusted group of friends that you hang out with just in case something were to happen though. After I received my pacemaker I noticed that a few of my friends treated me differently. You have to accept that they may feel awkward around you at first but if they are true friends they will be there for you no matter what. I wish you best of luck and if you would like to talk anytime just send me a private message.

Britt<3

ty

by impacing - 2008-01-01 12:01:10

thanx 4 takin the time to reply :) you all give such good advice i appreciate it :)

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.