Psychological Management of the ICD Patient

Just read this report and thought I would post the conclusion.

Shock, age, gender, underlying pathology, industry recalls, and increased indications all have a profound effect on the psychological well-being of ICD patients. The majority of ICD patients experience a desirable quality of life and a high acceptance rate. However, 30-50 percent of patients report some degree of negative effect such as fear, anxiety, and depression at some point during their implanted life. Additionally, lifestyle changes that affect driving, sexual activity, social interactions, physical appearance and physical activity further complicate the life of the recipient. Younger implanted patients, those aged less than 50, those with undiagnosed psychological issues, women, and those who experience a high rate of shocks have been identified as being at special risk for development of psychological distress and poor physical outcomes.

For the complete article, visit http://www.eplabdigest.com/articles/Psychological-Management-ICD-Patient-What-Have-We-Learned

5 Comments

Interesting Read

by Gonnie - 2010-02-22 10:02:08

I am a female who received a bivent PM/ICD one & a half years ago, at the age of 54. I experienced anxiety for probably the first six months & I expected a shock at any moment. When none came, I guess I relaxed and I don't even think of my device that often anymore. I had one episode where my heart rate reached 300 bpm, I was near passing out and just as quickly as it came on, it ended. My EP said the device was charging up to deliver therapy when my heart rhythm corrected itself & the therapy was aborted. That's as close as I've come to shock at this point. I think at my age I'm more accepting of the changes that may occur as a result of having a device and as far as I know I have no undiagnosed psychological issues but I can certainly see how younger women could have a more difficult time reaching a comfort level with an implant. I only wish I had had a doctor who better explained what to expect prior to implant. If it wasn't for this site, I wouldn't feel as informed as I do. Thanks for the article & for all you do to keep us talking & learning!

Depression and Anxiety

by sergbull43 - 2010-02-22 10:02:31

Well I had my PM implanted firstly on February 5th then again February 11th due to one of the leads being out of place. I am 53 years old. I did notice some shortness of breath and weakness and returned to the hospital emergency. They indicated everything was working well this time just that I had GERD and Esophagitis. That was very scary for me and that due to this and shortness of breathe I may be suffering from anxiety and depression which is NOT unusual. Therefore along with a antibiotic and Protonix I am also taking Xanax. I think that the emotional side of all of this in 3-4 weeks has put an emotional stress on me, not to forget that I have a sister dying of breast cancer. So I believe this all plays a part on our health. Gonnie I can totally relate to you and wish you luck. Psychological issues I believe are ALL part of the implant. Good luck! - Judy

5 shocks not funny....FEAR

by bunnykin - 2010-02-23 06:02:01

Thank you for the website to look up; After my shocks my whole world and life was upside down. Other than fear of next round of shocks that we'll never know when or will it happen again, there's always the fear of damage or injury done to our heart muscles. True enough the echo did show some wall motion problems as it is, so it's a real problem other than psychological. By and large being shocked multiple times would bring severe pain and fear to any person i think. My CT scan was done today and I'm patiently praying and hoping that there'll be a light at the end of the tunnel. Update again when results are out tomorrow when I see my EP;
Thanks to you Blake for giving us this site to air our views and get support from people all over the world. I've been generally unwell since last month and suffering constant palpitation and worrying that the VTs may appear again...and the shocks...Glad I've God to confide in also. Amen. bunnykin.

OMG!

by pacergirl - 2010-02-23 07:02:10

ha ha hah a Patch, thank you for making me smile! And! I would like to add you have created a mental image that I probably could have lived without ha ha hah ha, but oh how good it is too laugh out loud.

love ya!

Pacergirl

Thank you

by pacergirl - 2010-02-23 09:02:31

Having been the friend of someone who has gone through this I agree that it isn't easy. The highs and lows, the fear that they live with everyday, the depression. I understand so much more about what the ICD patients. What they are enduring now, that I have known and lost someone who was an ICD patient. The emotional stress for them is different than the stress I have with a PM. It just is. I still miss my friend, but I understand why they had to go.

Blessings to all our friends here who have the ICD.
Pacergirl

You know you're wired when...

You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.

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