Defibrillator and Pacemaker @ 33

One year can really change someone's life...

On June 21, I was admitted into the hospital so doctors could monitor my extreme amounts of arrhythmia. As a ticking time bomb, it's better to be safe than sorry. I filled out my will and give my advance directives to tell my doctor and family what kind of medical care I'd like to have if I can't tell them myself...resuscitate at all costs and keep me alive!

On June 24 I had a double lead defibrillator and pacemaker implanted. Overall, I consider this a blessing...because how many people get to find out they’re heart is in poor condition and do something about it?

Post surgery I was sore, tired, and scared. Just as I was well enough to sit up and eat, I had my first set of scans to make sure the device was positioned correctly. After being unhooked from all of my heart monitoring machines, the nurses took me down stairs. I began not feeling well and thought I was going to get sick, but remained calm because this must be what happens after surgery...right? As I was standing up to take my first scan chest scan, I began to sweat like I just got done working out and I was ready to vomit. Remember, this was the only few minutes that my heart wasn't connected to a heart monitor, so no one knew what was happening. I couldn't stand and couldn't breathe...I felt like vomiting and was sweating profusely. As the x-ray tech sprinted upstairs to get my "normal nurse", all I could think of was PLEASE Megan do not throw up-your leads will rip out and you'll have to do this whole process again. Do NOT pass out.

When my "normal nurse" got into the x-ray lab, she was so scared because apparently my body was in so much pain but since my body was on so many drugs, I didn't know that my body was going into Vasovagal shock.

Vasovagal occurs when a person faint because your body reacts to certain triggers, such as extreme emotional distress . ... When this happens, there is a sudden drop in blood pressure and it reduces blood flow to your brain, causing a person to briefly lose consciousness.

My heart rate dropped to 35/30 and I needed to get my legs above my head fast! Since I was hours out of surgery the nurses have to be so careful with me so that a lead does not get ripped out of my heart. Luckily, as soon as the nurses put me on the cold metal x-ray table, and lifted my legs, blood began to flow to my brain and I was stable. The nurses couldn't believe I did not fall over and faint.

Badass Megan moment!

Once home, recovery was tough. Having a four year old who likes to wrestle doesn't make recovery easy. No lifting my arm above my head for a month, no driving, and absolutely no jerking movements because those can rip out my leads. Easy enough, right?

How many people get to have a defibrillator and pacemaker implanted that provides insurance that I’ll be okay if shit hits the fan? I have a long journey ahead-and I don’t know where this road will take me-but friends and family have really been lifting my spirits and I’m grateful!! I am so thankful for my momma 💕 who’s heart probably also deserves a hug... thankful for all of my friends and family who have been so supportive and I thank everyone for their kindness...because it’s all of your love that keeps my heart feeling full and continually loving love-Which is my most favorite part of life!!!