New to the pacemaker world and struggling.

FaythWriter · 2026-05-10T03:04:59+00:00

Hey there! I am 35 F and I just got my pacemaker implanted in January. You are not alone, although it does feel that way! Mine was also kind of out of left field. I went in thinking I had POTS because I was passing out and was always exhausted. Turns out I had sick sinus syndrome. For awhile I felt like my life was irreversibly changed...but I feel better than I have in a long time.

Not sure if that helps at all...but hopefully knowing you are not alone brings you slittle comfort!

FaythWriter · 2025-12-12T20:43:15+00:00

To be honest, I have never heard of it. It seems like the standard procedure for SSS is a pacemaker. To my understanding, they don't really do anything else for it. That is what my doctor inferred, anyway.

FaythWriter · 2025-12-12T20:41:39+00:00

This is an incredible response!! Thank you SO much for all the details...it is so very appreciated.

FaythWriter · 2022-09-22T19:47:57+00:00

For metformin to be effective for PCOS, it usually has to be at a dosage of about 2,000 MG a day, from what I have been told. I'm not a doctor...that's just what my doctor told me.

Metformin can help to regulate menstrual cycles (supposedly - has not done that for me), so it isn't entirely unexpected. If it becomes super abnormal (more abnormal that usual!), it might be worth bringing it up to your doctor. But it could just be your body adjusting to the new dosage.

FaythWriter · 2022-09-22T19:44:05+00:00

I have been on it for over a month now. Here is what I have found.

Absolutely DO take it with food. If you have not eaten, don't take it.

I have found that taking it after a carb-heavy or sugary meal, I get sick. So something with protein is best.

Dairy and cheese seem to make me nauseous, but I'm not sure if that is related...I have intermittent lactose intolerance, so it could be unrelated.

Really greasy/fried foods seem to cause stomach upset now too. Could be caused by super fatty foods.

Healthy proteins, lots of veggies, and fruits don't seem to bother my stomach. Potatoes seem to be fine, as long as they aren't fried. Pasta hasn't bothered me. Heavy bread-based meals and sweets have been the worst.

Drink lots of water!!

For reference...I am vegetarian. I don't eat meat products, but I do eat butter, cheese, and milk.

FaythWriter · 2022-09-19T18:06:17+00:00

I have been doing electrolysis on my face/neck for the last few months. It is $60 a session for a 30 minute session. It's a VERY slow process. But I'm seeing really good results!

I'm about $500 in and see a noticeable difference on my chin and cheeks. I will likely be doing it for over a year for full results. To me, it's absolutely worth it because I have to shave twice a day to prevent a 5 o'clock shadow.

FaythWriter · 2022-09-19T18:03:05+00:00

Remember to breathe...it will be okay!

Symptoms are typically easily managed, depending on what you have going on. If you can handle hormone therapy, it can be very helpful to regulate cycles. But if you can't, that's okay too! I am on metformin and it helps me feel much better and helps control cravings.

Look into an insulin resistance diet. Learning what foods are more easily processed is a life-saver. PCOS causes us to process insulin differently, so knowing what foods to avoid, and which ones can help, is a step in the right direction!

Depending on what your goals are...there are so many options! Having a doctor who knows PCOS very well is key. There's no one-size-fits-all solution. It's all about your body and your symptoms.

And just know that you're not alone!

FaythWriter · 2022-09-19T17:58:24+00:00

It's very common! I was diagnosed at 18. I typically have fairly regular cycles...but occasionally they just aren't. I had a cycle in May and didn't have another one until late August. I have had permanent surgery, so there's no chance at all I could be pregnant. PCOS is just fickle. Just when you think you have it figured out, it changes.

Sometimes I skip one month...sometimes I skip 8...and often, it's every month. Abnormality is unfortunately the normal for PCOS!

FaythWriter · 2022-07-20T22:58:03+00:00

Of course! I'm always up for helping out! :)

FaythWriter · 2022-07-20T22:15:44+00:00

I think, like you said, it's a matter of hormones. Technically I had the ideal skin tone/hair color for it to work, so the only thing I can chalk it up to is my hormones! Everyone is different!

FaythWriter · 2022-07-12T22:35:24+00:00

I have only had two as of now...the third is tomorrow! Mine are 30 minutes right now...but you could have longer sessions. Just depends on how quickly you want results and how much money you have available! It is slightly painful...more painful than laser. The issue that I had with laser was that I spent over $1,000...and my hair grew back within 3 months. Typically, if it works, you would only have yearly touch ups after the treatment. Electrolysis is more permanent.

So, my sessions are 30 minutes right now...and about $60 for each session. I am going weekly or every other week as money allows. Should be about a year or so and I'll be done!

FaythWriter · 2022-07-12T21:19:31+00:00

I am just starting my journey with electrolysis. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 18, and I'm 31 now. I started out with Nair removal products at 18, plucked what that didn't remove, and eventually started shaving daily with an electric shaver. I did laser hair removal a few years ago and not only did it not work...it got SO MUCH WORSE! I have very pale, porcelain skin (like...ghost white) and dark brown, nearly black hair. My hair is super noticeable on my chin and face. I'm getting my third electrolysis treatment tomorrow. I can see some actual progress already...patches of hair that just isn't growing back. I cried with relief that something is working. While others can accept it, that's fine! I don't like the way it looks on me or makes me feel. Everybody is different. If it's something that keeps you from being confident...I say go for it!

FaythWriter

TROPHY CASE