21 With Pacer

Well I am a 21 year old female and just had a St.Jude's Pacemaker implanted. I was having a horrible time with fainting,dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue. The doctors said that I had something called Neurocardiogenic syncope and also something called sick sinus syndrome which causes my heart rate to slow considerably.. Does anyone else have either of these problems. I am also dealing with Sleep Apnea. I feel like I am the only young person with problems like these. If anyone has any advice on how I am going to handle all of these problem I would appricate it.

2 Comments

Welcome to our world!

by dward - 2007-12-08 04:12:16

I think you will find most people on this site have similar stories as yours.
As far as the sleep apnea, you say you are working on it. I assume that means getting tested for oxygen levels etc. while sleeping. If so, that's good. If not, then get the simple testing done!
You probably know there are different methods to handle SA (Positive vent machine, diet, weight, etc.) Talk about your options with your Doc or Sleep Specialist.
As far as the Sick Sinus, well, welcome to our world! Most of us have some form of SSS or issues related to slow and/or irregular heartrate. Thank God for Pacemakers!!!
Cheers.

RE: 21 With Pacer

by gshuten - 2007-12-11 11:12:02

It gets easier with time, I have had a pacemaker since I was 4 yrs old (1971) and I have done everything I have wanted! I have 3 grown girls, none of them have what I had, and my grand daughter also seems to be free of defects. So I am pretty sure you will live long and have a good life, like me :)

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