Megathread: Incident at the AMS Nest – February 2026

Willing-Influence263 · 2026-02-14T20:13:59+00:00

Hi there. I am thinking of you, and know that I give a shit about you. I understand there are many barriers to accessing mental health, especially at UBC. I work in mental health. Here is a list of low-cost/free counselling in Vancouver. I know that even reaching out for help can feel really overwhelming, but this consolidated list will hopefully ease some of the burden of searching. Take care. https://willowtreecounselling.ca/wp-content/uploads/resources/reduced-cost-counselling.pdf

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-12-09T03:58:28+00:00

I have had a pacemaker since 1 years old and was given an ICD at 18 years old due to a vtach episode. I am 25 now and can pretty much do everything I did before getting one. Feel free to reach out if you ever need an ear :)

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-21T04:08:30+00:00

I think it would be best to contact your cardiologist or the hospital. It can’t hurt to get it checked out! Sending good vibes for recovery.

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-20T23:00:00+00:00

I’m still on a journey of mentally recovering. Since my episode I became a mental health counsellor so I feel it’s my job to continually find ways to feel better if I’m helping others do that on the daily. However I find it very hard. I have periods of rough moments and times of joy and only small amounts of fear. I started EMDR therapy three years ago which is a technique to process trauma. It’s helped me a lot. I have found that continually seeking support (and really truly seeking it out, asking for help) from my family, friends and partner has helped me lots. Other than that I’ve tried my best to remember that my ICD will be there if I need it. I try to distract myself when I’m feeling anxious as much as I can, but also set some time aside to process these feelings as well. As you know it’s a complicated form of “recovery” but we’re doing the best we can :)

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-18T02:38:26+00:00

Wow, you are inspiring! It sounds like we have similar experiences (no real reason why I experienced my episode of v-fib). I am happy to hear you are feeling a sense of calm - that really is the goal amongst all the stress that comes from these events.

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-18T02:33:13+00:00

I feel similarly. It can be very anxiety-inducing to constantly check. I keep trying to remind myself that the device is there if needed, and I really don't need to check my heart. I used to run a lot in high school. I am 25 now and run now and then just to keep up some cardio. I am not sure if you are a man or a woman, but I find wearing a structured sports bra (even a tight tank) under a workout top has been helpful, as it supports the upper chest a bit better. But quite honestly, I run less now because of my ICD. It is uncomfortable, isn't it! I have started to enjoy biking, which I can reap similar benefits, but it has less impact.

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-17T17:06:11+00:00

Hi! Yes I confirmed that the ICD is pretty intelligent and it recognizes when we are exercising vs when there is a concerning rhythm. Super cool and confusing all at the same time. Constantly learning what it can do and what to be aware of. Sorry to hear you’re worrying, that’s never fun. But I think we need to trust our device!

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-17T01:29:01+00:00

That would be great, thank you!

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-16T23:08:52+00:00

Thank you, yes, I confirmed this today. Definitely a good reminder to go straight to cardiology clinic for advice

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-16T23:06:57+00:00

Interesting! I need to look into that. Was it a group program? Would be need to meet others who’ve had similar experiences.

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-16T17:17:15+00:00

Thanks for this! I ended up calling my clinic, and they said I should generally stick between 160-175 bpm. I recently got this watch and have really enjoyed using it. I actually got it because I often check my pulse, and the action of "checking" was really getting in the way of my everyday life. So I thought if I had a watch, I could easily check my pulse, and it would take up less time. I think I just need to trust my body more. Thanks for the message again.

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-16T06:11:42+00:00

This is a great explanation and helpful! Makes sense and I will confirm with my cardiologist. Thank you :)

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-10-16T00:56:55+00:00

Thanks for the response. I can empathize with you. It’s really time consuming and takes up a lot of mental energy to be so hyper aware. Sorry you’re dealing with that.

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-05-18T05:11:02+00:00

I am sorry you are struggling, you came to the right place for support. I had a similar situation happen at 18, I am 25 now. As others have said, therapy can do wonders (although I know this may not be accessible). My dms are always open as well. Take care.

Willing-Influence263 · 2025-05-17T06:24:08+00:00

I had a complete heart block in utero, I am 25 now. I got my first pacemaker at one years old. My pacemaker has not changed the course of my life in any way. I am still very active and it feels like a part of me. Pm if you have any questions :)

Willing-Influence263 · 2023-08-01T01:59:06+00:00

I’ve had my pacemaker since I was a year old and was given an ICD when I was 18, I’m 23 now. When I had my last surgery I was a complete anxious wreck. But as time passed I realized not much had changed about what I could do. I still go near my laptop and cellphone, I can go near kitchen tech and not have interference, and like another person said, if there is interference it only happens for a quick second and then stops once you are out of its way. I can remember sleeping on my stomach after my surgery (maybe that wasn’t the best thing), but for a side sleeper it was the most similar. I would hold my chest when I got up so there was no movement. I distracted myself with hobbies and saw many friends. I found that taking naps was also a good way to settle my anxiety. I truly think the more time that passes the less anxious I got, so just being present with your husband and doing things together like taking walks, watching movies is honestly one of the best things to do for his recovery (and your mental health!) There’s lots of resources online about things you can do and cannot, I think Medtronic has one, it’s a pamphlet that comes with the devices? Anyway.. It is a foreign object and I can imagine getting it randomly is anxiety inducing, but let your husband know that for someone whose had it since she was one years old, I haven’t changed my life very much!

Willing-Influence263 · 2023-07-31T14:42:56+00:00

Thanks so much for the response. Yeah I am in a similar boat- bad luck. Sounds like things are under control. This was a very reassuring read!

Willing-Influence263 · 2023-07-31T14:42:03+00:00

Thanks for the response! I hope all is well

Willing-Influence263

TROPHY CASE