I am looking for a support group to help my son and I get a handle on this new defib implant.
My son Josh is 16. One year ago, Josh came home and said his heart was racing. I took him to the E.R. where he was cardioverted with a HR of 265. That day began a stressful year of several E.R visit's, 3 surgeries, and finally on August 3rd, 2010 a defib was implanted.
Everything was going well, until today! Josh was walking to a friends house and was shocked 3 times! It took him down. He texted me and said...."defib just shocked me and it hurt like a mother f....er.......I picked him up and as soon as the "shock" of what happened was over and I talked to his cardiologist, we both broke down and cryed.
Josh is my youngest son, I am a single mom, and he is a total mama's boy! I would trade places with him in a second......

 

 

I can't help you with any information on a support group. I know there are many young people with defib/pm that he can communicate on the different forums, but that's all I'm aware of..others may be able to help with more info. My only Grandchild is 16 and I can only imagine if this were him instead of me. I know you are insincere in wishing to be able to trade places. I hope you are able to get some answers. If no one here is able to help you, try asking his cardiologist's nursing staff or contact a local branch of the American Heart Association. Someone's bound to be able to give you more information. Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking and praying for you and your son.
Cammy

 

BEING WELL PAST MY TEENAGE YEARS I CAN'T RELATE TO YOUR SON'S CONCERNS, BUT TAKE A LOOK AT THIS SITE. http://www.mdjunction.com/pacemaker . POSSIBLY IT CAN OFFER SOME HELP.

OR JUST GO TO GOOGLE AND PUT IN "support groups for teenage with pacemaker/icd"

 

Sorry your son has joined those of us in the exclusive Zapper Club, it can be difficult to deal with for anyone when that Jesus Jolt comes out of the blue. I'm a little older than him chronologically, however many here will attest that I'm very childish. I've been through what he's experiencing and fully appreciate the number of expletives that spew forth when these incidents hit.

Anytime he needs to talk or some advice please have him private message me here and I'll respond as soon as I can. If you are unfamiliar with Private Messaging it's in the upper right hand of this page under "Member Menu" click on new messages.

Good luck and welcome to you both

Best CABG Patch

 

I should have mentioned that you can also click on the red name in a reply "comment posted by Cabg Patch on... and that will take you to a screen where you can post a private message

 

I meant to say sincere, not insincere in my post. I know you sincerely wish you could trade places. My fingers were going faster than my brain. Hope you both find the answers and support you need.
Cammy

 

Thank you all for your support! Cammy, I knew you meant to say "sincere":)
I keep looking for a "teen" forum, but, no luck so far.
I will keep trying!

I know one thing, I am grateful for this device, as I am sure you all are too:)

 

I am 50 and have a PM. I also have 4 daughters. If he wants someone outside the family to talk to we are here. I don't know where you live but I am in Northern California.

 

hi sorry your son was shocked 3 times i got my icd sept 2 2009 than on sept 5 it shocked me 14 times in 15 min an yes the pain the icd gives is like being hit in the chest an you never forget the pain which you had to feel but with god it will fine