Question about sensations during ICD self-check

Hi everyone,

I'm a new club-member and was recently implanted with a Boston Scientific Resonate HF ICD. Whenever the device runs a self-check, I feel a fluttering in my upper chest that extends up through my esophagus to the base of my throat. It's a very unpleasant feeling and has startled me a couple of times while I was driving. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm going to ask that the self-check feature be disabled when I go to my 3 month follow-up, but in the meantime, I'm wondering if this is a typical sensation.

Thanks so much! 

4 Comments

Self-check

by H van Dyk - 2024-01-18 13:28:24

Hello there,

This is normal procedure concerning pacemakers and ICDs. I've had this setting disabled after some 3 months. It's a bit unpleasant feeling every 24 hours. It reminded me somewhat of a touch of atrial fibrillation (which I suffered long ago).
No need to worry. Just ask your medical team to switch it off.

Greetings from Amsterdam

Yes..

by USMC-Pacer - 2024-01-18 13:52:08

Every morning at 4 different times: 1:05am, 1:35am, 2:05am and 2:35am. It always happens at ONE of those times. I have no idea why it picks that specific time, but yes it is annoying. I think it is supposed to happen in your sleep, but I am typically still up at those times. I'll also ask them to shut it off at my next in clinic visit. My device is a Medtronic

Self check

by Laurette - 2024-01-18 18:04:56

I am getting use to it often gives me a slight sensation in my throat it's over very quickly. I did not know it could be turned off but isn't it to our benefit to have it on? Is this being submitted to our PM clinic? I have a Boston Scientific and a bedside monitor.

Thank you

by 23Skidoo - 2024-01-18 22:40:15

Thanks for your responses. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who feels this way. I was told that I could have my self check turned off after three months since I don't really need the pacemaker feature. I have the device for heart failure and V-tach. It sounds like it's necessary for other patients though. I won't worry any more about the sensations. 

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

Member Quotes

It is just over 10 years since a dual lead device was implanted for complete heart block. It has worked perfectly and I have traveled well near two million miles internationally since then.