Advive please. X

[Friendineed]

Hi im a 39yr old woman and in feb this year went in to cardic arrest and now have a pacemaker/defibrillator fitted. I dont know really understand much and have nobody to talk to.

[Zena166]

Hi. Sorry to hear what has happened to you. How about talking to the BHF helpline. They have nurses who will be able to answer all your questions. Also if you check out the BHF website you can look for support groups in your area (not sure where you live) which you may find helpful. I hope things settle for you. There will be others coming along who know about pacemakers so you will get a lot of support from here. Do take care. Sending positive thoughts. Best wishes Zena

[IanMK]

Hi

Have you been offered cardiac rehab? That’s often people’s first opportunity to mix with people in a similar situation as yourself. Now you have the protection of an ICD you have ‘insurance’, so that’s a good position to be in. You’ll be in good company here. Post any specific concerns or queries in the forum; there are always people happy help.

[Kayeibbo in reply to IanMK]

Thankyou.

[funkyuk]

Hi... Was it just out of the blue, no warning signs or problems before? I have a pacemaker, I got mine when I was 37 though I'd been collapsing and having problems for 5 years beforehand. What kind of things to do you want to know? Take care, Tracey...

[Heartlady1]

Hi friend in need... sorry to hear what has been happening to you and must be very scary for you. I have a CRT with defibrillator.. which is both protection and insurance for us hearties. Trust me there is a good and happy life for you following all this trauma.

Are you due to see the consultant again ? If so write all questions down that you want to ask. As someone else mentioned ask to be put forward for rehab this will help you get back out there and feel confident about what exercise you can do and helps to keep your heart healthy.

The BIG online helpline has been amazingly fantastic for me. I too didn't have a clue what this all meant and the nurses were absolutely brilliant and they give you the time to ask your questions and are happy to explain all to you.

You ate not alone..

On this forum you are with others that know the emotions we go through and you will find this s great suppotive forum... i have.

And just to say I was diagnosed with heart failure at 32 and here I am with my trusted device at 56 having more fun than ever. Please ask any questions that you want to know. Fellow hearty x

[Hidden]

Hi friendin need

I joined a fantastic group called Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK. Everyone there is a survivor or related to someone who is. It's really helped me and there is always someone to support you and make you feel a little bit better.

Best wishes x

[Franksluckypants]

Hi,

I had my cardiac arrest last May and defibrillator (ICD) fitted thereafter. I needed mine repositioned as it was looking like the white cliffs of Dover sticking out of my chest, with that op 3-4 months after.

For me it took a while to get used to it, including lack of sleep, but now I generally don't think about it (much). The new medication and side effects takes a bit of getting used too, and perhaps more so is getting the mental side sorted so you can move from victim to survivor to normal mode. Not sure if I'm completely into the new normal mode as yet, but I don't beat myself up about it. Not sure if you can recall any of the event, which I can't and that has maybe hindered me getting past/ over something I was oblivious too in the first place. Then there is the obvious questions of why me? ...why not and why were we one of the 10-12% who survive and still fairly compus mentus rather needing spoon fed.

Anyway you are on a journey, you don't have to be alone and any concerns you may have I would certainly suggest sharing them here as guaranteed there will be another feeling the same, or having been through it.

Good luck.

[Kayeibbo in reply to Franksluckypants]

Funny you say say your icd stuck out as so does mine sticks out like a sore thumb abd sometimes feels like its digging in my armpit!. But doctors says its all fine. I also dont remember anything but bits where i was like hallucinating seeing things and been horrible to nurses ( that what family and friends told me i was Like.

[CharlesL]

Sorry to hear about your operation, No medical advice but hope that you will be able to forget about it and get on with normal life.

C

[Malaga88]

Hi 6 Months have passed hope You Have Improved and Happier !

I Had an HA Then a Cardiac Arrest in Oct 2016.

Felt really down for the 1st year tbh.

But in June 2017 had a ICD Fitted,Feel Loads Better Now !

Hope You are now !

Good Luck ! xx