I talked to a Dr last night that does the implants. I told him that everyone said I would feel better after getting my defibrillator on Monday. He said, "Really, dont count on that....who told you that...???"

He informed me that if I needed ONLY the pacemaker part, than yes, but the ones of us that need the defibrillator for Vt normally dont see any day to day difference.

I thought, maybe, my weakness, fatigue, jumpy heart, nervous, and light headed feelings would get better???

Jut a vent... still praying that I WILL feel better and just not be scared of the SHOCK factor!

Andrea

 

 

It is very sad that your doctor said that to you.

One never knows how you are going to feel, so don't give up hope that you may be one of those who actually do feel better after you receive your device.

Stay positive!

Pookie

 

are you getting a crt-d..? i have one with a lot of the same symtoms you have,after my implant wich was only a few months ago all those things disapeared,so dont let him discourage you!

 

but its better to have one who is honest. I had my ICD implant about a year and a half ago and it took a good 8 months before I started feeling better. I still dont feel 100% but better than before my surgery. Just keep in mind everyone is different and dont take everything they tell you ...to heart so to speak..lol. Just take it one day at a time and give yourself plenty time to heal. Best of luck to you! Keep your head up!!

 

I haven't been shocked yet!! Yahhh!

 

did you receive the 2 private messages I sent your way?

Just curious.

Pookie

 

He needs to go back to med school and take the bedside manner course again. That's almost like saying you wont see a difference after plastic surgery! LOL If the quality of life doesn't change for the better, by making your heart stronger and work more efficiently, then why get the damn thing anyway?And why were they invented? We may never be able to run marathons, but I'm sure you will eventually feel better than you did pre-op. Don't let him get you down dear, I'm learning that a positive attitude is a big factor in how we heal. Next time, tell him you'd rather see his associate. There cant be 2 dorks in the group!! Hang in there.

 

It's certainly possible that the doc you talked to has technical skills (which is most important in your case!), but he shouldn't be allowed near patients. Be sure to ask your cardiologist to explain to you 1) whether you'll be paced, either by a CRT part of the device or an atrial pacer (which could improve your heartrate) and 2) whether he or she expects your ICD to improve some other factor (like your ejection fraction, for example). Information information information is what you need, and you have a right to it. In fact, ask questions Monday before the implant, and tell everyone (nurses, etc) why you're asking, i.e. what the doc said! And hang in there and good luck.

 

is yours a just a defibulator or is it a pacemaker/defibulator?

dave

 

Thank you all and I AM going to believe that I WILL feel better!

dave....mine will be both.

Trying to stay positive for the family. Part of me is scared to death of the "test" shock. As long as I'm making jokes about starting the car if the battery goes dead, and asking if I should get Duracell or Energizer...my boys are smiling, and that makes me smile!

Hopefully I'll be back and post my info Tues. night. For now...we are off to Houston!

andrea