Newbie

Hi everyone. I just joined after reading many postings for a few months. I received my ICD in June and I'm still trying to adjust. Truth is, I can't stop thinking about it. I'm so tired all of the time and seem to be in a fog. The doc says it'll take a year or so to get used to it; I try not to dwell on it, but it's been such a life changing experience!! No one seems to understand how scary all of this has been. I was found to have a heart working only 50% (EF 27%) only after flunking an EKG during a preop check; no blockages found during cath, so assumption is a viral infection of the heart. I'm on beta blocker and ACE inhibitor and EF reduced to 25% in 3 mos, thus the ICD. I don't have any real questions, just wanted to be part of a group who understood this condition.....
Thanks for listening (reading) and look forward to a long, friendly relationship with all of you!!

pacerpearl

4 Comments

Welcome!

by candi51 - 2008-11-07 01:11:00

Hi pacerpearl!

I too just received an ICD in June of this year.

I understand the roller coaster you are feeling.

I went in for checks related to high b/p and was diagnosed with a cardiomyopathy after they ruled out blockages with the cath, had reduced EF (20%), and all the fun things that the Dr's put us through in the hospitals.

Keep in mind that your Beta Blockers and ACE inhibs actually have regenerative qualities and you may actually see a increase in EF from taking meds.
In 8 months my EF has come up from 25% to 59% this month! You will probably have an Echocardiogram every 6-8 months so they can monitor your EF.

I will always have the ICD as a precaution against Vfib but now my EF is in the normal range!

Also- the "fog" and tiredness can be side effects of the Beta Blockers. Talk with your Dr to make sure you are on an appropriate dose and just give it time. It really does get better!! It took me about 6 months to get used to the Beta Blockers. Some folks I know that are on high doses of BB's are able to split it into 2 times a day rather than all at once. Don't be afraid to explore options with your Dr.

And for sure keep a medical journal of all your tests and appts, b/p's, etc. It can be an invaluable resource.
Hang in there! You've been through alot and we're glad to have you here!!

Cheers-
Candi
candi51@gmail.com

hang in there

by lb151 - 2008-11-07 02:11:09

You will get use to your new friend in no time,,around 3 months for me. Your body will need more time to adjust to any new meds you have. I was down to around 25-30%EF,so I know the fear you speak of. One day at time,,take it slow and steady. If you get depressed,feel it,work with it. You will get to the other side.
Please dont be afraid of your ICD. As I have said before,,if it fires,you will be very ill and it happens so fast,you dont have time to complain about it. I was unconscious the first time my fired so I have no recollection of it. The second time I had just had mitral valve replacement and my heart rate went to 200 and stayed there to long. I remember it and was thrilled that it fired. Dont hesitate to ask if you need any info or just want to chat.
take care

Welcome Pearl!

by Gonnie - 2008-11-07 02:11:37

My story is so similar to yours, we could almost be twins! I got my PM/ICD in July after failing a stress test in June. Heart cath showed no blockages & I have probably experienced an infection or virus that attacked my heart. I had the heart cath on June 30th & had to wait til July 22nd & was scared to death the whole time. I had a low EF (25-30) & didn't even know what that was! I am just now beginning to relax after having the pacer interrogation done. The tech taught me so much more than my doc has & that understanding goes a long way in calming my fears. I am 100% paced in both ventricles and take an ace inhibitor & calcium channel blocker. Looking back, the entire month of July is just a blur. Welcome to the club & don't ever be afraid to ask questions in here because there are some very knowledgeable people here ready to help! Have a good weekend!

Gonnie

Welcome!!!

by uvagershwin - 2008-11-07 08:11:28

Hey there! I'm Sydney and I wanted to welcome you to the club! I think you will enjoy being apart of it. I was just a baby when I got my first, but I do want you to know that we will be here to help you through in any way we can. Good luck and look forward to chatting with you, Sydney

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