Hello, I’m new here and 3 days from my procedure for my pacemaker.

Hello . !!! I felt EVERY one of those feelings . I had atrial fib for 5 years .. sob . Tired . The last resort was them doing an ablation on my av node and I was going to be totally dependent on a pacemaker . I was a nurse and scared that they were going to shut my heart down completely . I had my pacemaker and the next day they did my heart ablation. . This was done may 11 and I am feeling so much better . But it’s not perfect yet . Still some sob . Tired . But it’s better and I’m alive . . . I know it’s scary with the heart but it will so worth it . Please don’t let your feelings about the unknown scare you . Those Mayo Boys know what they are doing . Dr Liu was good support and help with my issues. Good luck . Please let us know what you decide . We KNOW what you are feeling . Keeping you in my thoughts Tara

Thanks Tara, I’m thankful for your response. This morning I had a follow up and set me at a new pace or bpm it was scary feeling and I instantly had the bad thought of my Afib is still present. But I realize the heart needs to set a new path from the ablation. And the pacer is there for a better quality of life. I think the thing that’s messing with me is the recovery, the left arm restrictions. I have faith in the doctors and they have done so much to help me look forward too. It’s hard when the site is still new and and the movement is limited. I fear pulling the incisions but I have to remember that it was just checked and everything is looking good. Continue your journey with success and please don’t hesitate to let me know of any mindsets or helpful tips, they’re all helpful.

Yes I’m on my 4 th week and that first month is tough . The limited motion and all . But it gets better. Happy to hear . Sounds like you are doing great . WOHOO !!!! tara

All I can say is that my father had a pacemaker implanted in 1978, at age 58, and he lived to be 93. Think about the technology advances in say, cell phones, or other electronics since 1978! I would have great confidence in today's pacemakers if I need one. I wish you the best and try to relax, the worry is as harmful as the condition itself sometimes. TA

That’s incredible! Thank you for the encouraging words and I’m working on the worrying and using breathing techniques to help. Thanks I appreciate the reply.

Hi Jason and your among friends as I also had the same thoughts when I got my pacemaker now over 15 years ago. I had it for 10 years and served me well. But to relive your concerns, at the time I was about your age and after the light duty period was over I went back to a job I loved, working on towers and mountain top communication sites. No problem doing the job and had the confidence that the pacemaker was watching out for me 24/7. Ultimately my heart got worse and I needed to get a transplant, but the pacemaker gave me the time I needed to get closer to retirement age and was a great help in giving me the care I needed when my Heart would have issues. As others have said now that the technology has advanced, I can imagine that what they can do now are even more advanced than the 2 I had during my 10 year period.
So if I can help with any questions please ask away.

Thank you so much for the reply. I really appreciate your sharing. I have faith in the device, or keep reassured by the dr and comments like yours. It’s helpful to read the support from this community. It’s scary at times since I’m just a few days passed the procedure. I was trying to clean up today after a walk. And seen the site for the first time. My wife assured me it’s the same as it was yesterday and the day before. It’s the mental thoughts of, and may sound a bit much, but of bleeding from the site or using my arm wrong too soon. Incredible you had a transplant, you most of the mental fortitude of Fort Knox. Thank you again I appreciate your response and any information you can pass on. Thank you.

Also how could I have someone mentor me?

We are just volunteers who were selected to share our journeys with our health problems. I started with Mayo connect as someone looking for support from others and now want to help others thru their journey's. I was selected by the moderators of the site to monitor the areas I have experience with and to share what I went thru in hopes it will help others. so, we are all here helping each other, the mentor title only means that I have shown a desire to be a mentor to anyone with my particular experiences and be available to answer questions about the areas I have experience with. I hope that answers you question? So in effect I'm a mentor to anyone with Heart related issues. My particular areas include Ventricular tachycardia, Pacemakers, Heart Transplant and I had my transplant at Mayo Clinic Phoenix, Arizona so I also help others who are coming to this facility with familiarity of the area. Nearby Hotels and things like that.

Thank you. And hopefully, we can chat again as I have just started the healing process. Words of encouragement are always appreciated. And your words are comforting.