Ask your Doctor for the swimsuit model pacemaker!

OK, I am a far cry from a swimsuit model.  I am in my 50’s and a size 10.  When I first learned that I needed a pacemaker I went into Microsoft office clip art and found these horrible pictures.   I do not think the first one is a pacemaker, but it and many other photos did scare me.

I talked to my doctor and asked him for a pacemaker that was smaller because women’s hearts are supposedly smaller.  I read an article about a pacemaker that was the size of a watch battery and asked him could I get that one? He told me no, because you need a dual chamber pacemaker.  

I told him I do not want to sound vain but is there anything you can do to make this less noticeable?  I live in the south.  We wear sleeveless just to survive in the summer.  I am active and Zumba, practice yoga and walk on the beach.  I do not want to look like I have a stab wound.    

He said "well if you were a swimsuit model I might do it a little different and put it sub pectoral.  (Under the muscle)."  I told him well think of me as a swimsuit model then.  I am sure he thought this old woman is nuts, but I do not care.  I will have this pacemaker for at least 10 years before it is replaced and I did not want it sitting on top of my collarbone. 

Tell your doctor what you want and what your fears are about this operation.  Of course, our main goal is to keep our heart going strong.  Our other goal as women is to feel good about ourselves.