I am having an ICD implanted this month due to a symptomatic cardio myopathy and an ef of 25 to 35%. Many of the post in reference the shock factor are very disturbing. Does any one have any thing positive to say about the ICD. I am a very active 56 year old that is hoping to carry on with her active lifestyle.
Thank You for any assistance.

 

 

I too have less than 30% LVEF, + ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, 100% right artery, 45% blocked left artery, very high risk for SCD and on & on....I'll be 47 the 18th, I got zapped twice last Sept. 10th, after only having the AICD for about 18 months (but it was my fault, I was reroofing my house by myself...lol...(yes I have screws loose)......The Pain is over as fast as it hits....you won't forget it, or want it to happen again, but it only last a millisecond.......I got 2 shocks, one to stop the heart (the dual chamber pacemaker failed to correct the rythmn) then I got another shock a few seconds later to restart me up again......Been flatlined atleast 4 times and still going......Still have 5 more lives I hope.......

But really, I heard it was like a mule kick, or an NFL linebacker hits you from behind, mine felt like I got hit by lightening with the white flash and all, both shocks....

But nothing to worry about, if I lived through it you should too..
Good Luck and don't reroof your house by yourself.......

 

I've had my CRT-D (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Defibrillator) for 2 years and have been shocked on 4 different occasions, all appropriate. When it was discovered that I had heart problems my ef was 10 to 15%, I now work full time and am able to do almost everything I did before. I have to thank my ICD for not only pacing my heart but for getting it back in line when necessary. It is very likely I would not be here to respond to your post without this add-on accessory. I am not happy that I need to have this device but I am so thankful that I do have it. It not only gives me a life but it gives me a quality life.

Best Wishes, Bruce

 

I am grateful every single moment that I have my little onboard ambulance crew.

I got my ICD this past November, after never having any idea I had a heart problem (Brugada Syndrome). The diagnosis came totally out of the blue. I'm 42. The docs let me decide if I wanted the ICD, or wanted to take my chances that I wouldn't go into sudden cardiac arrest. So, since I'm not the betting kind of person, I took the ICD.

The surgery was no big deal. I got the ICD on a Tuesday, and was back to work that same Friday. I feel great, and 95% of the time I forget it is even there. Life goes on...

Thinking about getting shocked isn't pleasant, but the alternative (death) is much less pleasant!! This little box may one day save my life. And I'm thankful. And my husband is thankful, too, because we get to skip to the front of the security line at the airport ...

Stay positive and learn to love your little guardian angel. All will be okay!

Melissa

 

Thank You all for commenting on my question. I guess the good does out way the bad. Appreciate your share your experiences.

 

I've been shocked several times. It really doesn't bother me. I describe the feeling as that sensation when someone comes up behind you and scares you really good, you jump, but then it's over. There is no rush afterwards.

I'm actually more afraid of the medications they can put you on than the actual shocks. Given a choice between getting shocked every month or taking more meds, I'd take getting shocked every month.

The biggest issues I've had are residual pain/discomfort and just appearance of the device. I'm phobic about seeing the device or letting anyone but my doctors look at it. I also do avoid things I used to do simply because of the few times I've been bumped on my ICD, it hurts a lot.....

I have also noticed that things you never wanted to do before, you can simply miss because you are now told you can never do them. I took Judo as a kid, really didn't like it, but when some friends started taking it, now that I couldn't join in, I missed it.

I guess it's human nature to want to do things you can't......

 

I had an ICD put in two years ago. So far it hasn't had to rescue me. I had cardiac arrest in a gym and luckily there was an AED and trained staff there (my heroes!) After that experience I'm so grateful for the device. I exercise five days a week , three of them at my old gym (it was a bit daunting to return to "the scene of the crime" at first but I really enjoy it more than ever with a program designed not to ask for trouble) My cardiologist encouraged me to go ahead and I've never looked back, in fact its made me more determined than ever to keep well and fully enjoy this lucky reprieve. The ICD is a wonderful security blanket for me an I have nothing but positive feelings about it.I'm also grateful for this site which a great help just after the ICD was put in and I was still adjusting to my new situation.Enjoy your life!

 

hi. i have basically the same problems as you. had my icd since 2007 and no problems as of yet. only thing is everytime im driving when i see a pretty girl the windows keep going up and down. figure that out!