Pacemaker recipients: Looking for support from others

Posted by balubeje @balubeje, May 25, 2016

I am coming on a year post op having a pacemaker placement for bradycardia. I would be interested in a support group with the same concerns. I think a support network would be so beneficial.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

@colleenyoung

What a great idea @balubeje. A group for people who have pacemakers. I'm tagging fellow Connect members who have mentioned that they have pacemakers. Please meet @ronbee @jimana @martishka @billmichalski @sotiredofit @ricke62 @catygirl @bevtar98.

@balubeje why don't you kick off the conversation. What is your primary concern? How has living with a pacemaker changed how you live today?

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One of the questions I had during my interview with my EP was depression. I personally didn't have that problem. My biggest issue is fatigue. I was adjusting to retirement life and the pace I had been use to for many years being changed and then the introduction to my PM I haven't figured out the fatigue still. Can't blame it on weight gain that isn't an issue. I am very active but some days I crash and burn in the afternoon.

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@colleenyoung

What a great idea @balubeje. A group for people who have pacemakers. I'm tagging fellow Connect members who have mentioned that they have pacemakers. Please meet @ronbee @jimana @martishka @billmichalski @sotiredofit @ricke62 @catygirl @bevtar98.

@balubeje why don't you kick off the conversation. What is your primary concern? How has living with a pacemaker changed how you live today?

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Yes I have a very strong healthy heart. Honestly I am assuming that the junctional node is the cause of the pacemaker. Years back-many years back I found out by the grace of God that I was not normal-sad day-I always thought I was-I was put on medication they give to asthmatics and I lost 5 pounds in one week-everything on the inside was speeding up like having my foot on the accelerator. In the end the cardiologist said stop the medication I'll be fine and I went with that. The only time I would have a NSR was if I would cough continuously or be on the run literally-well that's not possible so I lived with it. Junctional node means that my rhythm comes from the junction-in the center of the heart- and not at the top of the heart like NORMAL people. I guess it is one of those it is what it is and no matter how it goes I am in a WIN WIN situation. I'm thankful for the days I wake up and get going and when they day comes and I wake up and have a new address I'll be HOME.

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@colleenyoung

What a great idea @balubeje. A group for people who have pacemakers. I'm tagging fellow Connect members who have mentioned that they have pacemakers. Please meet @ronbee @jimana @martishka @billmichalski @sotiredofit @ricke62 @catygirl @bevtar98.

@balubeje why don't you kick off the conversation. What is your primary concern? How has living with a pacemaker changed how you live today?

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I never got depressed either. I did think i eas going to give myself a heart attack worrying about not doing anything. Laying around was the hardest thing. I agree with you. Changing gears to a slower life. I thought would surely kill me. Thank you Dear Lord for allowing me to realize. I was working my life away. Then giving me my life back. After following the Dr's orders for a year. I am a walking miricle. At the very best they said an EF of 40 would be good. Now that my EF is 55. My cardiologist said clearly you have someone above looking over you. He said i can onky do so much and your recovery is not by my work. I always had this feeling God had strengthend my heart. After a Prayer one day in not a pressing way he sometimes make something clear.i thought he did it. He answered my Prayer. I kept thinking its just you telling yourself. Then the results were the proof. I will always believe this eas not just chance.

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@colleenyoung

What a great idea @balubeje. A group for people who have pacemakers. I'm tagging fellow Connect members who have mentioned that they have pacemakers. Please meet @ronbee @jimana @martishka @billmichalski @sotiredofit @ricke62 @catygirl @bevtar98.

@balubeje why don't you kick off the conversation. What is your primary concern? How has living with a pacemaker changed how you live today?

Jump to this post

I think maybe the days of fatigue may be age. I get them too. I think i know exactly what you mean. Complete body fatigue with no rhyme or reason. Un predictable. Is that how yours is?

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@colleenyoung

What a great idea @balubeje. A group for people who have pacemakers. I'm tagging fellow Connect members who have mentioned that they have pacemakers. Please meet @ronbee @jimana @martishka @billmichalski @sotiredofit @ricke62 @catygirl @bevtar98.

@balubeje why don't you kick off the conversation. What is your primary concern? How has living with a pacemaker changed how you live today?

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Amen. I not going to waist any time God gives me on Earth. Im not afraid to find out his Kingdom is my home. I Pray i that when im judged that is my destination.

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@colleenyoung

What a great idea @balubeje. A group for people who have pacemakers. I'm tagging fellow Connect members who have mentioned that they have pacemakers. Please meet @ronbee @jimana @martishka @billmichalski @sotiredofit @ricke62 @catygirl @bevtar98.

@balubeje why don't you kick off the conversation. What is your primary concern? How has living with a pacemaker changed how you live today?

Jump to this post

Yes. Most of the time a nap is refreshing and it doesn't usually interfere with my nightly rest.

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@colleenyoung

What a great idea @balubeje. A group for people who have pacemakers. I'm tagging fellow Connect members who have mentioned that they have pacemakers. Please meet @ronbee @jimana @martishka @billmichalski @sotiredofit @ricke62 @catygirl @bevtar98.

@balubeje why don't you kick off the conversation. What is your primary concern? How has living with a pacemaker changed how you live today?

Jump to this post

Yep I can definitely feel the Trinity taking this journey with me. I wasn't worried about a heart attack at the time. More so on the back burner now as I am not sure if I would think the pacemaker is just helping out or something more serious is going on. I don't have a d-fib and I'm not sure that will be in my future. I make sure not to park in front of the TV it rarely comes on before 4pm and I am usually up and out of the house 3 out of 5 days during M-F and stay busy getting caught up on what I missed Sat and Sun. PTL for God's intervention. He did that for me with my back during VBS in July-I just told him if he wanted me to make it through the whole week He was just going to have to do something about my back and HE DID and I haven't had anymore issues. Now to get HIM on board with my left shoulder. Don't need to tell you to be a blessing sounds like you have that covered.

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You ar crazy not to see your cards four time a year and have your pacemaker checked twice annual. I think that you need a new cardo.

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i'm not sure who this is directed to but I get my pacemaker checked quarterly and see my EP once a year. I was fortunate to have one of the top EP's in the country and I am totally comfortable with our set up.

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@balubeje

i'm not sure who this is directed to but I get my pacemaker checked quarterly and see my EP once a year. I was fortunate to have one of the top EP's in the country and I am totally comfortable with our set up.

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I enjoy sharing and learning on this site. Im with you @balubeje. Who thinks it ok to tell ud we are crazy. My results are fantastic. We all have different circumstances. Im just letting thid one go. Prayer is my peace and comfort with our Father. I take my life very serious.

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