Most Recent Messages in ICDs

Facial burns from shock therapy

  • by LoriF
  • 2018-12-17 05:56:30
  • ICDs
  • 1452 views
  • 4 comments

Hello. Has anyone experienced “burns” and bleeding after receiving shock therapy? My device shocked me but it also sent a shock thru my face and lips that left me bleeding and red streaks on my upper lip and cheeks. 😱. I have received one other shock in the past 17 years and it was nothing like this one. I have the same leads for 10 years but just received a new device 3 months ago .

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Tickling feeling in my heart

Hello everyone,

I am new to this site, also to the new journey of being a patient of an ICD. Currently going on 6 weeks of my ICD being implanted.

This has been quite a life changing experience at my age.

Since my implant I have noticed and also talked my cardiologist and EA nurse about feeling some tickles in my heart. They seem to happen when I laugh or move certain ways. Has anyone else experienced this before?

Thank you,

Melissa

 

&...

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Diaphragm Twitch - After Adjustment

Is it normal after installation and adjustment of your ICD to still get the occasional diaphragm twitch? Or, are there people out there with one installed and never get a twitch of any kind?

In the week I've had mine, I always get one when seated (especially at funny angles) and lying down but never standing.

Any advice much appreciated. 

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Home monitor

I have a Medtronic with a home monitor and last night the screen just lit up by itself it has been jus a blank screen before any idea of why it lit up? I have had the ICD for 3 months and the home monitor for 2 months. ICD fitted for VT.

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ICD Fitted 8 Hours Ago - Stomach Spasms

Hi everyone,

Just joined the site after having a quick Google for symptoms. I have just had an ICD fitted literally 8 hours ago and was put in a room to rest. Ever since I have come out of the op, the left side of my stomach / area below my left rib has not stopped twitching. It is now doing hard spasms and will not stop. I can't even sleep because the spasms are that hard. I have drunk plenty of fluid and just took some paracetamol but none of that has changed anything.

They...

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Device Experience

When I got my ICD in 2013 my BP became extremely low. My normal, even when healthy, is pretty low.  I insisted they change my settings (I got ignored until my cardiologist read EP the riot act!) & I had significant improvement. Eventually I was at 45EF up from 20. Now 5 years later I have a new device. I was disappointed to need the new battery so soon but I pace at 100%. 2 years after my great succes, I declined to 35, now a year later I am 20EF.  I am VERY DISAPPOINT...

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Low BP after ICD

CB  please let me know how your appt. goes.

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Lower blood pressure after ICD implant

Has anyone experienced a lowering of blood pressure after having an ICD implanted.  I have a bi-venticular pacemaker/defib for cardiomyopathy probably inherited.  I have had to decrease my COzaar (ARB) by half since the implant, but have remained on the same amout of Coreg (beta blocker).  My resting heart rate is always around low 60s since the implant.  I have feelings of blood pressure dropping occasionally, cut not daily.  Has an implant lowered anyone else's...

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Dentist For ICD

Hi everyone. Just got my second icd (battery change) about 2 months ago. The first one was great, hardly ever felt it. This one is just under the skin, very visible battery and leads etc. I am trying to keep my morale high, and tolerate the pain as well, hopefully it will get better in time(that is what doctors are saying atm)

in any case, I need to go to the dentist for a filling or possibly root canal asap. Most of the previous posts I have found are related to pacemakers. Are th...

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CRT-D removed ?

Can a person have a pacemaker removed?  I’ve had it for 2 years after I refused for a year. Doctors convinced me into getting it. I’m trying to go back to work and I think it will prevent me from getting my job back. My EF is 10 for 2 years now. I go to the gym everyday, cardio with some weight training. I actually feel really great!  

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ICD/Pacemaker

I just joined!  I got my ICD last summer 2017 and this summer got an ICD/pacemaker becuase I have heart failure, afib and an irregular heart beat. I just had 4-5 taps/thumps to my ICD/pacemaker.  It didn't hurt, but I did notice it.  What was it?  Anyone have the same think?

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Boat mechanic

Hi I just got my icd on 10/11/18. I am a boat and small engines mechanic. I’m wondering if I’m going to have to find a new profession. I love what I do so I’m a little worried. Just wondering if other members have the same job - thanks in advance Aaron 

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Flying with an ICD?

Am flying to Atlanta this Friday. First time flying with my ICD. 
A little nervous about airport security - any advice? 

Thanks! 

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ICD/CRT-D: Inappropriate shocks

  • by BarbD
  • 2018-10-02 17:35:20
  • ICDs
  • 1972 views
  • 13 comments

Does anyone know the real statistics on how many people get inappropriate shocks from their ICD/CRT-D?   I’ve been reading a LOT of stories on here where people are getting multiple inappropriate shocks and the idea of that is just terrifying to me.  Is there anything I can do or should ask about in order to minimize this risk?  I’ve read something about SmartShock Technology – does anyone have any experience with this? Do all CRT-D devices have this tech...

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I am new here and would like to share experience and inspire (and be inspired) other people with ICD

Hi Everyone

I am 49yold and I am passionate about running. I started only 5 years ago, but it became part of my daily life. I was able to run Berlin Marathon in 2h58 and NY Marathon in 3h'03 min in November last year. Unfortunately I had a severe Vemtricular Tacquicardia in January this year (my heart went up to 280bpm..after an interval triaining run), followed by an ablation in April which ended up with a Tampane (hemorragy) and consequent 8 tacquicar...

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Teaching Hospitals and CRT-D Implant

  • by BarbD
  • 2018-10-02 10:05:10
  • ICDs
  • 1527 views
  • 5 comments

I am currently going to a teaching hospital in Boston where my EP practices.  We are discussing implanting a CRT-D, and when I asked him if he’d be doing the surgery/procedure he just said “me and my assistant/fellow”. I asked whether he’d be at least doing the lead placement and he repeated me and my assistant would be doing it.  He saw that I was a bit uncomfortable with this and just said he’d be there the whole time overseeing everything.

He s...

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Pain

I have had constant pain since implantation that feels like I have a Nail lodgged in the muscle but that's not where it stops if only it were. At random points in time the site feels as if the nail was now funneling electricity from a Tenns unit into the area or it feels as if someone has struck said phantom nail hard enough to remind me the area is painful.

The first level of this pain has been so constant now that I can ignore it basicly blocking it out till it reminds me of...

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ICD battery life....

There have been alot of questions regarding how much battery life gets drained when an ICD fires.  Well, my experience with my Medtronic ICD:  In Feb 2018 battery life was 11.1 years.  On Sept 4th, 7 months later, it fired 5 times and now the battery life is 10.5 years.   So, the answer is it doesn't use much when it fires, but heck it sure feels like it does!   Hope this helps ease the mind of those who were wondering. 

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Pacemaker- A BOON TURNING INTO CURSE ?

I am a prospective candidate for Pacemaker as per my cardiologist, though I do not have any symptoms and leading peaceful retired life at 74 age.  Looking at a few posts, the following doubts cropped up. 

Q1:- Are there any cases where PM might cause hindrance to a peaceful death process for the patient on the deathbed?

Q2:- If it turns out to be an obstacle to a natural death for the patient, does USA law allows the deactivation of the device?  

Thanks

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New to the Club

I am scheduled to have my ICD implanted on 15 October. All of this is very new to me and overwhelming. The closer I get to my surgery date, I'm getting more anxious. I have a great medical team who determined this is the best treatment for me given my medical history.  What are some of the common and uncommon things I can expect during my 6 week recovery?

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I live an extremely normal life now and my device does NOT hinder me in any way.