To get the conversation going in the new group dedicated to Pacemakers and ICDs, I am inviting @cottagecountry, @jc76, @cominer1, @danab, @jer22, @phil75, @ch665296f, @texas14, @hankcat, @exboater, @deniseheart, @eunice18, @marionforsey, @mfenn, @brightwood, @tct and @jillianas527 to get the conversation going on living with a pacemaker or ICD or the experiences of facing the surgery and recovery afterwards. Many of you have met already on Connect in pacemaker discussions.
Some of you are well into your journey while others are either still facing an upcoming pacemaker or ICD surgery, or are in the early stages of your recovery. How is everyone doing and what questions might you have for others?
Yes, thank you, Justin. Late in the pandemic I had no idea that I needed a Pacemaker, or even had heart issues, other than PVCs. I had some brief, occasional lightheadedness ( I attributed it to Covid anxiety) and some shortness of breath walking uphill in my neighborhood. But I was concerned enough about the PVCs that my primary care person (fortunately) took it seriously and ordered me a 30-day monitor. Luckily I was wearing it on New Year’s 2022-23 when it reported me for a 4.5 second “complete electrical blockage”, experienced as a near-faint. On January 3 a cardiologist called me and informed me I needed a pacemaker immediately. I checked into the hospital through the ER, was finally admitted, and waited in my hospital bed for two days, until they had a half- hour slot open up for me. I’m so grateful. The device identified paroxysmal AFib last year, and apparently I had elevated stroke risk, so I’m now on Eliquis. I had a routine Device Check this week and all’s well. I have 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 hrs. left on my battery, and I’m almost 79. I believe my pacemaker saved my life.