Life is Good
- by batteryblake
- 2023-03-27 20:48:52
- Success Stories
- 462 views
- 4 comments
I was born with a heart disease known as Tetralogy of Fallot. I had two open-heart surgeries as a child to patch holes & repair valves in my heart. My first pacemaker was implanted in 1978, at age nine. I've had seven devices implanted since this time.
In the Fall of 2010, I had a third open heart surgery to replace my pulmonary valve. Within days, I literally felt 15 years younger and told my cardioligst that my heart was beating so strong it was keeping me awake at night.
I'm active and follow a heart-healthy lifestyle. I love to hike and get to the gym 4 times a week. I'm married and have two young adult sons. I'm truly gratefull that my life is good.
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4 Comments
Such inspiration for us all
by Gemita - 2023-03-28 06:59:02
Dear BatteryBlake, I will certainly do a post for my husband and myself in the coming week on how well we are managing with our pacemakers, but I just wanted to say it is so inspiring to know that after so many years with your pacemaker, you continue to live a normal life in all respects.
No doubt much of your success is due to lifestyle and to your positive outlook but your experience has given me a lot of confidence that I too will manage to get through a battery change, or two, and to continue to enjoy a normal life with my pacemaker.
Thank you for sharing your remarkable journey with us all and I hope you will continue to enjoy your life with your family for many years to come
Great story
by piglet22 - 2023-03-28 07:39:02
Seven, eight? pacemakers.
That has to be worth a medal.
My goodness, you have been through a lot as well as having the strength of body and mind to get through it all.
Well done and keep on trucking.
Inspiring success story
by Shiva-Gupta - 2023-05-19 03:25:20
Thanks for sharing your success story. My son, 13 years, just had a PM implant. I am always worried for his future. Reading your story gave me so much relief that I can't express. 7 implants and you are doing good has given me so much hope for my son to live a healthy life. Thanks
You know you're wired when...
Intel inside is your motto.
Member Quotes
So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.
Success
by AgentX86 - 2023-03-27 22:12:27
Welcome Blake. It's not good to see you in the club where no one wants membership.
It's great that you're doing so well. I know what you're going through. My granddaughter had "Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)" when she was born. She was transported to Children's Hospital in Boston when she was first born and had open heart surgery when she was two days old.
She looks like any normal 8YO now (and just as much of a PITA😉).
You're doing great. Stick around and give the newbies some positive reinforcement. You have a story that will beat most of us. Hell, my parts are just wearing out. At least they started out as they were designed.