Dealing with people who don't have PM's....

Hello all. I have a question. I am soon going back to work and the secretary there is a real pip! She is one of those who thinks she knows everything and then gets real mad when someone corrects her. She actually doesn't talk to people who do that to her for days! Her grandma has a PM and I just know that she is going to be a real ***ch to me and say a lot of nasty things and try to compare us. Short of throwing one of my imaginary hand granades at her, I am at a loss for dealing with her and people like her. My stress level is climbing by the day. Any suggestions???

Thanks!

12 Comments

Stess

by Pookie - 2008-10-07 06:10:03

On a more serious note, I'd simply say that you'd love to chat with her all about pacemakers, but that you're busy (with work) and perhaps you could chat about it later. Then just avoid her at all cost. Or...learn how to tune out and just let her babble.

You're in a pickle because sooner or later, she's gonna corner you. Another suggestion is to let her have her say and get it over with.

Good luck.

Pookie

ignore

by Tracey_E - 2008-10-07 06:10:16

Sounds like the key to keeping her away is to constantly correct her!

I'm trying to think why she'd even want to compare you to her grandmother. You are you. Ignore her if you can. If she corners you and says something nasty (tho why anyone would deliberately say something nasty is beyond me!) smile and say thank you and walk away.

Most people who meet me know me for months, even years, without knowing I have a pm. When they find out, I've never once had a negative reaction, it's always shock or awe. Having a pm is not a negative thing, there's no stigma attached.

Stress

by Pookie - 2008-10-07 06:10:22

Personally, if she started...I'd throw the grenade! ... then run.

Pookie

If it were me...

by TKS - 2008-10-07 06:10:23

I'd ignore her if possible, correct her if appropriate and she if ignorned me for a few days, I'd count my blessings. Sounds like she is real witch and someone you can afford to have ignore you. (and if all else fails..toss that grenade! LOL)

Good Luck!

Theresa

Or...

by dward - 2008-10-07 07:10:07

What I tell those who think they are experts because they have a brother who has a friend who had one - is this...
I smile and say you what the biggest thing I have found since getting my Pacemaker?? Is how LITTLE people really know about them!

That usually shuts them up pretty good.

OR

I suppose the difference between you and me -
is I actually HAVE a pacemaker.

OR

Just look at her and smile. Don't say a thing. Just smile away... She MAY start to think you're a little psycho, but that might be fun!

Good luck!

D. Ward

Like the past suggestions!!!

by uvagershwin - 2008-10-07 08:10:39

Hey! I usually get shock too. In this situation, I would say to use dward's third and fourth reactions and PM is the best way to disguise premeditated murder!! Especially among our crowd! :) Hope you get to lob one of those grenades!!! Make her feel like an idiot. It's mean, but I have to put up with that sort of crowd everyday and it works for me!

P.S. I love Cabg Patch's "you know everything except how to keep your mouth shut" was a riot!

lol Now my 2 Cents.... :-)

by pacergirl - 2008-10-07 10:10:22

Hi,
I have found that my best response to people who pretend to know everything about every "thing" is.... I simply state loudly and clearly... Oh my! since you seem to know everything about Pacemakers... I'll let "YOU" share that with the others!
Then turn on my fancy size 6 heels and walk away smiling! he he

I can be a really bad lady when pushed. It always teaches then to keep their mouths quiet when I am around. Big mouth people bother me!

And before I forget... when they ask the rude intrusive questions I simple ask loudly "Why would you want to know that??? Gets them every time and they quit asking the stupid questions!

Pacergirl

comments

by kayakgirl - 2008-10-08 07:10:04

Hi:
I've had my PM for a month and yes.. everyone who knows someone who has a PM will tell you that.. IN some cases it is just for solidarity.. (the i understand approach), in some cases it is just because the idea is so damn scary to some people they don't know what to say... I had one person say.."Sue why should I keep working out? If you of all people needed a pacemaker.. What is the point?". When I explain it is the wiring and not the old ticker.. they feel a little better.. I did have one office person say " You are trying to be sicker than I am just for attention:.. Oh yea.. I said.. I would be happy to give this up to you any time (shut her right up)..
That kind of behavior is frustrating and hard to extinquish.

Here is an idea.. (this was kind of fun to think of)

Download a bunch of long articles (the more medical and detailed the better). (you don't need to read them). When she says something whip out an article (the longest first), and say.. WOW.. I have been looking for someone to discuss this with.. Read it and lets talk about the new medical procedures. She will probably then ignore you, but is she says anything about the PM.after that... go right back to the article and say.. Oh by the way.. I found another article you will love. If she is dense.. it may take 6-8 articles, but if she is just doing it for attention (low self esteem), you will be off the hook by the 2nd to 3rd article.
Have a good week and know that if you need to vent.. the door or in this case the window is always open..
Sue

Oh well I've got to get mine in too

by ElectricFrank - 2008-10-08 12:10:30

Try this response: "I appreciate your interest, but you are talking about one of the older pacemakers. I was lucky and got one of the latest"'

best,

frank

My first day back to work

by rayan - 2008-10-08 12:10:55

I know exactly what lady means. IOne of my co-workers wanted to know if I have to remove the PM/ICD when I take a shower. Wish I would have asked this group a few questions before I went back to work. Anyway this gives me some ideas, how to answer some nosey ones. I love those answers that everyone made here. Thanks a bunch. Should have known all your informasion would be good ,( he he ) made me laugh & its exactly what I needed today.
Keep up the good work, & thanks again.
rayan

Know what you mean

by scotter - 2008-10-10 03:10:25

A close relative of mine is expecting my hubby to run and do atleast six miles by now just because she knows someone who has just a difib and is fit as a fiddle according to her. She has no idea what it is like. Also someone else keeps going on about his weight but he did have a broken ankle for 7 months prior to this all happening grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....

Thanks....

by ladyofmercy - 2008-10-15 11:10:03

Thank you all for your responses and support. Some gave me a much needed laugh. I look forward to returning to work tomorrow but I must admit that I am a little nervous as well. I truly hope and pray that all goes well. Thanks again! Have a great day!! :)

You know you're wired when...

You take technology to heart.

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In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.