posted by: Joan Vine | on: Sunday, 29 January 2012, 16:31

During the latter half of last year 2011, it became necessary for my husband Alan to undergo day surgery to insert a pacemaker. During the last couple of years, he had found it increasingly difficult to walk very far before becoming short of breath. Having always been very active, he was very frustrated and upset to think that after having always led a very healthy life style his health was gradually declining leading to what?

However, as fate would have it Alan fell when visiting our son and daughter-in-law Verl, who quickly called an ambulance. After the usual routine checks, the doctors decided to fit him with a pacemaker and he has gone from strength to strength thank goodness. Never having anything to do with pacemakers or the fitting of them I can tell you that I found the occurrence and knowledge gained absolutely fascinating. Did you know that pacemakers were discovered accidentally? Did you know that the doctor who discovered that the heart could be stimulated by electrical impulses wanted to remain anonymous as he was afraid that he would be frowned upon for attempting to prolong life artificially? – Well there you are! Try to read up about pacemakers, it is a fascinating subject that not only improves, but saves the lives of thousands of people every year.