Would like to share ICD concerns

Hi all...this is my 1st I hope of many more postings. I had my ICD implanted after a cardiac/respiratory arrest in 2006. Prior to that I had a pacemaker for Atrial Fibrillation. "They" think it was the medication Amiodorone that may have caused the arrest? I live in a small town 45 min away from the closest hospital and my Cardiologist office. I have an issue currently that is causing me and inturn my husband major stress. I have my ICD tested in the office every 3 months. I see the Dr. every 6 months. In Jan. a tech told me I had 3-5 months left on this ICD. I asked him if there would be indicators to me that it was failing being I am 100% ICD dependant. It fails and so do I. He told me that the "alert" system on this ICD does not work! OK...my next in office ck, I was shown the machine that contains the info from the ICD and the tech pointed to a green line that showed the battery was getting extremely low...I don't think I need to tell you how I was beginning OMG! A week later, at my routine visit to the Dr., I expressed my concerns and he laughed and said "oh, we just wouldn't let it fail on you", once it gets low, you'll still have 3 months...what the heck? Ok, so now, I'm becoming rather difficult to be around..I think it's a lot of pressure to be under...I don't know what or who to believe...I would sure like to hear from someone that has gone through the end of the ICD routine..I think that this should be clearly explained to the patient...I promise next time, I won't write another novel... :-) Thanks for taking the time to read this...Nevada Silver

4 Comments

dead batteries

by Tracey_E - 2010-05-28 02:05:25

Dead doesn't really mean dead :o) I've been through it 4 times now.

When they get close to the end of life, they go into ERI, or elective replacement mode. The device is fully functional in this mode and it lasts for approximately three months.

At the end of ERI, it goes into EOL mode, or end of life. This mode also lasts approximately three months. In this mode, functionality will be limited in order to conserve battery power but you will still be safe. At the end of EOL, the battery will truly be out of juice.

So, 3-5 months really means in 3-5 months you will go into ERI mode which gives you a 3 month window to get it changed with a 3 month safety cushion (EOL). I've always had mine replaced before I get into ERI, but some insurance will require it before they'll pay for the replacement.

and that's not a novel! Welcome to the board. We're glad to have you.

ICD Replace

by Laben - 2010-05-28 02:05:50

Hi, Read your post and wanted to comment. I am presently waiting for my doctor to schedule me for my fifth ICD in 17 years. I, like you, are in the last month or two of battery life. They showed me the read-out of mine and it was much as you described. When the battery reached a certain level it showed a three month window with the last two being time for replacement. Hope this helps and I wish you well.

Hi Nevada

by Hot Heart - 2010-05-28 04:05:03

Welcome to the site. Sorry I dont know anything about your problem, but I hope you get it sorted soon. There will be lots of people on here who should be able to help.

HH

ICD battery very low...

by Nevada Silver - 2010-06-09 09:06:43

Saw my Cardiologist today, 1 week after going to the ER. They ck'd the ICD and the tech stopped the computer almost immediately and said there was no point to continue because it's at the end! OMG..I didn't know if they were going to have me go straight to the hospital or what...The Cardiologist comes back in the room and wants to know why I'm teary...WHAT??? This is scary stuff to me...I'm thinking I'm going to die now...and he laughs and say's "we wouldn't let that happen to you"!
They will schedule me in 1-2 weeks...I have been feeling so lousy the past 2 weeks...shortness of breath, heart beating really hard...dizzy sometimes...He asked if I was stressed??? Yeah...I think I am...lot's going on with family...some very serious things...I told him that no one had ever explained to me since 2006 when I had the ICD implanted after a cardiac/resp arrest...that you still have time once it reaches a certain point..they just alway's told me...that I was 100% dependent...so I'm thinking...the battery fails and then, so do I...gosh, I just want to get this over with...I asked him for an rx for Xanax...so hopefully that will help...Thanks Laben, Tracey and Hot Heart for your notes...it helps so much!

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I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.