Pacer/Defib

On Dec. 23, 2010 I was at the grcery store. I felt alittle lightheaded & stopped moving. My defib fired once. Scared me big time!!! I'm, needless to say, alittle nervous now..Has anyone else been shocked & how long did it take to start relaxing again?

4 Comments

I've been shocked

by brucerob - 2010-01-17 02:01:32

I've had two occasions of multiple shocks in June 2008 right after my device was implanted. Then no shocks until Friday the 13th last November, when I received one "therapy" (aka: shock). I am once again feeling quite relaxed with it again. There is no standard time it takes to get used to having the ICD.

I have a love/hate feeling about my device, I certainly don't like the shocks but feel a certain amount of comfort knowing it's there watching over me. Without it I would not have any sort of life, if I had a life at all.

Your anxiety and nervousness is normal, just take you time and try to relax.

Best Wishes, Bruce

Defib

by allison - 2010-01-17 02:01:42

Thank you Bruce.
My intellect tells me that... But...I know I will feel better about all of this-shocking business-just have to. I'm getting back into cardiac rehab which helped soooo much the first time.

That's what Defibs do

by mrag - 2010-01-17 10:01:53

I was shocked 8 times over a few years before having an ablation done this summer and so far no more zaps. Meanwhile while also in a grocery store, my last zap storm came in January 2009 and was quickly followed by two more zaps. In ICU for 4 days on that one. I still get anxious about getting shocked. Psychologically, my EP said it can take a year before I feel "comfortable" (relaxed) again. That's me. I've read about people driving a camper and similar, getting a shock and then driving on and not thinking again about it.

You should have an "interrogation" done and find what caused the firing and ask your EP what is the likelihood of it happening again. Oh, my last hospital roomate (in for water retention) had an ICD and he said his had only gone off once. Eight years ago!

Defibs

by allison - 2010-01-17 11:01:09

Thank you mrag...Will check into it. On my last visit to the doc, she mentioned the possibility of transplant---another "shock".

You know you're wired when...

Your friends want to store MP3 files on your device.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker has ultimately saved mine and my unborn child’s life for which I am thankful.