6 years with a pacemaker
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- Опубликовано: 19 янв 2024
- When I was 36 I was told I needed to have a pacemaker implanted, it’s been over 6 years since I had my surgery. In this video I’ll talk about what has changed since I first got it implanted, and how I look at things differently now.
Watch some of my other videos:
Pacemaker Problems - Pacemaker induced tachycardia: • Pacemaker Problems
What to expect during pacemaker surgery: • What to expect during ...
Recovering from pacemaker surgery: • Recovering from Pacema...
Going to Disneyland with a pacemaker: • Can you go to Disneyla...
Electromagnetic fields at Disneyland (Disney Security): • Electromagnetic Fields...
Full pacemaker video play list: • Talking about my pacem...
Good to see you again.
I'm now into my late 5th year and they say that I have over a year left before the battery needs replacing. My pacemaker "phones home" via a special cell phone with no buttons on it that sits on my night stand. It collects daily data from my pacemaker and relays it to my heart doc's office. Three weeks ago it reported a problem and they called me to have me come to their office. They decided that the wire leading to the upper chamber of my heart was "no longer functioning correctly and must have come loose." They changed the program in my pacemaker so it would run on just 2 leads, but when I left the office I knew that something wasn't right, so turned around at the elevator and went back. They made some more changes, then sent me on my way. It was Friday and almost 5 PM, so they were likely eager to go home.
Over the weekend and into the next week I was getting more and more tired, resulting in an ambulance trip on Friday morning because I almost didn't have enough energy to make it to the breakfast table. I had the beginning pains of a heart attack in the ambulance, but it went away before we reached the hospital. I spent that day and two more days in the hospital gradually improving, while they ran tests on me. A field service rep from the pacemaker company came in and ran tests on me too, and could find nothing wrong, so he put me back on the 3 lead program again and I'm feeling better. Now I'm feeling about how I was before they called me to come in. This was 3 weeks ago, and I seem to be doing about the same as before all of this happened. I'm now waiting for an appointment with the Doc that put my pacemaker in to decide what happened to me, and where we go from here. The pacemaker rep also said that my battery should last me at least a year and a half more and probably longer.
I've been staying close to home since then. In fact, I'm spending most of my days upstairs in my photo/video studio. It's one of my financially "out-of-control" hobbies. The other, also a bit "out-of-control" is my woodworking shop. I design and build Exhibits for the State Science Museums as a volunteer, whenever they need me. For these, I do everything except for the graphic arts, since most of the museums have a full department of people to do that.
Take care. We both need to best of luck to keep going.
Charley
Hi Charley, good to hear from you again. It sounds like you’re having a rough time the last few weeks. I hope you can get some answers from your doctor when you see him. Sounds like a worrying situation, I too have the phone home device, and often wondered if anyone ever got called to go into the doctor because of data it sent in. I hope you can continue with your hobbies, best wishes!
Hi, my name is Don.I am 66 and thought i was in great shape.i was going to the gym 3-4 times a week right up to the day I went to my cardiologist.I was there just for a check up,and 2 hours later I was in the ER.My doctor told me my heart rate was dangerously low,and I would need a pacemaker.I was in denial,I told him I just left the gym and I felt fine.With that he sent me to the hospital,where I discovered my heart was down to 45 beats.The following day i had a pacemaker installed,which I still not cannot believe.well,2 days later I even felt better than I could imagine.The only symptom I had was a little shortness of breath, it didn't sink in until I was in ICU. I thanked my wife for forcing me to go to the the doctors in the first place.With all that said I feel much comfort watching your video and knowing there is life after a pacemaker.I cannot wait until I go back to the gym,and yes less worry about money and enjoy life to fullest.I wish you the best in your health,and the fun times ahead with your family,and again thanks for the video. PS: I am only in day 5 and feel great !!
Hi, thanks for telling your story. It is natural to be in denial at first, I was too. It’s new and strange for a while, but eventually you’ll get back into your routine, and after a few years it becomes part of you. I don’t even think about it much anymore. I hope you have a quick recovery and get back to the gym after everything heals, just ease back into it. Best of luck to you!
Thank you for updating your progress. It was very informative and helpful to me. I'll be getting my pacemaker day after tomorrow. I'm Praying mine will go well .May God bless you with continued good health.
I hope your surgery goes smoothly, and you have a quick recovery. Thanks for sharing and best wishes!
Thanks for your advice. I'm a morning walker, but in my second year 2023, I have shortness of breathe. I was only for check up. I was admitted in hospital for a pacemaker because I suffered from bradycardia. I was last month for my 6months check up. Cardiologist said my leads shifted. Terrified. After they fixed it,I felt good. Thanks for your videos. I learned alot. Stay save.
Thanks for sharing, it sounds like you’ve been through a lot. I’m glad you’re feeling better now. Best wishes 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing, I am a bit more than 3 months from getting my pacemaker. I learn so much from you.
Hi, thanks for letting me know. When I was told I needed a pacemaker I was freaked out and looking to hear how other people were doing living with one, that’s what motivated me to make videos. I hope your surgery goes smoothly and you have a quick recovery. Best wishes!
Thanks for the update! I already had my pacemaker replaced a couple years ago because they gave me one with a second lead and a defibrillator. It wasn't bad at all. They made me stay overnight as a precaution. Like you, my next pacemaker replacement will probably use the current leads. I am at 80% after two years. Good luck with your health!
Hi, thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to know the replacement wasn’t bad. I hope you are doing well and Best wishes for the future!
Live a happy & healthy life, good wishes
Thanks, best wishes to you!
Thank you for sharing, I recently found out I may need one and I’ve felt so many emotions but bottom line is I’m scared…scared of what this means for me. So thank you for making me feel a little bit better about it 🥹
It is normal to feel scared, I sure was. It will take time to get used to the idea of needing one, and then again get used to having it. Ultimately it is there to help you, better to have it rather than not have it. I hope you feel better. Best wishes!