young adults with pacers?

Hi everyone,

My name is Lexi. I'm 22 and just recently had my 3rd pacemaker put in. I had my first one at 10.

I am interested in hearing from some of the young adults who also have pacemakers/ cardiac issues. I feel very alone as far as having heart issues at my age. I don't know anyone else who does.

Every time I go to my cardiologist, I am the youngest person in the office. It is sometimes discouraging.
Please tell me about your experiences!! I would love to hear from anyone my age who has cardiac issues.

I am going in for my second catheter ablation (the first one was unsuccessul) and would feel better knowing someone my age has experienced these things too. Please share your story!
lschultz@live.com

7 Comments

Welcome Lexi3

by Swedeheart - 2008-05-19 07:05:19

Lexi3,

Welcome to the club. Sorry you have had to go through this at such a young age. I am one of those "seniors" you probably see when you go places that cater to pacemaker people. With that said, we all have the same fears and many of the same issues with these little devices.

I have had a great deal of anxiety with mine, as I thought I was much to young at 60! :) So, all of us can relate!

If you check the member list, you can scroll through and some folks post their age, so you may be able to send them a personal message and see what they have gone through. Also there are often younger folks in the chat room I have "e-talked" to in the evenings. It is a good place to visit with other pacemaker folks.

Remember, we all have been through many of the same procedures and can answer some questions. There is a little guy of about 10 who has a pacemaker who has posted a few times looking for other kids who could share his thoughts!

Good luck!

Swedeheart

The Youngest People in the Office

by Broken Hearted Jane - 2008-05-19 07:05:52

Hi Lexi,

I'm currently 23 years old and have had my pacemaker/defibrillator since I was 16. I'm also often the only person under the age of 50 or so every time I'm in the pacer lab at my hospital, and I'll agree that it can be pretty alienating. Another place it becomes awkward is the airport, when the secuity monitors express too much surprise at having to pat down someone who seems too young to have a pacemaker. Ah, well.

Two years ago I also had an ablation procedure (an alcohol ablation---is it the same thing?), which was unsuccessful. My doctor told me that I could opt to have it done again at any time, but that it wasn't advisable as I simply have not had enough incidents as to make it worth the trouble. (Supposedly...)

I have come to grips with many of the downsides of having a heart condition such as this (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causing arrhythmias), and I feel I can handle the idea of living with my condition, but not the anxiety. I still get anxiety, which is admittedly irrational at most times, and it bothers me to no end.

As a young person with heart issues, what have you found to be the most limiting aspect of your life? (Like not being able to be as active as you once were, or feeling alone, like you might be the only person with this problem, etc.) I'm interested in what other people my age feel about it, also, and we can probably help eachother. If you'd prefer to reach me by email, my address is Janes516@hotmail.com. Hope I can be of some aid!

Jane

Hi Lexi!

by jenh - 2008-05-23 03:05:47

Hi Lexi. I'm now 35, I've been seeing my cardiologist for almost 10 years, and I'm still his youngest patient! Like you, I've had multiple pacemakers (I'm on #4). I got my first one at age 11.

I think when I was younger, I felt more different and alienated from others than I do now. Maybe I've finally just gotten used to it. In fact, I'd say most people who know me have no idea that I have a pacemaker! It's a pretty small part of my life at this point.

However, although I don't think about it on a daily basis, I'm very grateful for all of the opportunities my pacemaker has provided. In my 20s I had many active jobs: ski instructor, kayak guide, camp counselor. None of that would have been possible without it!

Also, until I joined this group last year, I'd never talked to another person with a pacemaker (in 24 years!!!). It's such a great place to share stories with others who actually understand what you're going through.

Anyway, best wishes!

Jen

HI LEXI!

by ASTELL - 2008-06-16 07:06:36

I am 22 years old and have a medtronic Adapta pacer. I was 20 years old when I got my pacemaker. I was getting an ablation done for SVT and the doctor accidently hit my AV node. So now I have third degree heart block. It's hard being so young and having heart problems. I am in Colorado and would love to have a couple girlfriends I can talk to that have similar problems. So if anyone out there is in colorado let me know! Or if you have any questions, need advice, or anything let me know :)

Take care Lexi!

Amy

Hey Lexi

by MattUM2 - 2008-07-08 04:07:01

Hello,

I am 21 year old with a ICD. I had mine placed in november of 07. Ever since i got my first shock from my icd ive been depressed and do not like doing much anymore. The first couple months i didnt even remember me having the ICD becuase it didnt cause me any problems. I beleive the worse part about mine problem is that i had to leave my school i was at an have to attend community college this year.

Another thing is since all my friends are also turning 21 going to bars is the main thing we all do. At first i had no problems at this i would go out and drink with my friends and have fun, but one night at the bar i got shocked 8 times in under 10 mins. The reason i got shocked my own fault becuase i forgot to take my medicine, but ever since that happened i dont really like going out or doing anything and i see it depressing my friends to see me like this.

hey lexi and everyone

by cade - 2008-08-25 03:08:19

Lexi our storiers are almost the same. I am 23 on my third pacemaker. i got my first one when i was six. I always felt like the only young person with a pacer. I live in a small town in mississippi and never had anyone to talk about my problem with. I just found this site today and i wish i would have found it a long time ago.

me too!

by DaniyalRoshan - 2017-08-27 00:04:55

I'm 21 and just had my 5th battery put in... its cool to see other young people with similar experiences. I never had any issues or self consiousness, but about 6 months ago I started having random pain and inflamation around my pacemaker (while I was studyin abroad... not the best). So I got back and they did surgery, removed the inflamation liquid stuff that built up, and put a new battery under my muscle. Its been almost 2 months and I'm still having pain, but its different. Anyone had similar stuff/have encouragement?

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