LVAD

Just wanted to know if anyone else has an LVAD implant along with their PM/ICD?  Friday morning I just rolled over in bed and was getting shocked every 2 seconds for a total of 8 events.
Wife called EMS and also the transplant nurse, I was taken to a local ER and was shocked again to restore a correct rhythm, 30 minutes later I was life flighted out .

2 Comments

Abbreviations and acronyms

by kathykat11 - 2011-08-17 11:08:47

Not all of us have the same type heart disease and not all abbreviations are common outside the medical field and our community. I am sure it would help if the first time an acronym was used the words were spelled out. I know it would help me.
Kathykat11

left ventricular assist device

by Katelyn - 2013-11-06 02:11:33

Im assuming you meant a left ventricular assist device. I do not have one of those, but i do have a CRT-D (cardiac resynchronisation therapy device with defibrillation). Previously I had an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator).

I imagine that the ICD is what was shocking you, not the LVAD.

Once my defibrillator lead fractured and I received 7 inappropriate shocks in a row until I could turn my device off with a magnet and then get to a ER. I now carry a magnet with me for protection in case my device malfunctions. Try asking your doctor to teach you about how magnets can be used in emergency situations to suspend shocking therapy if a device is malfunctioning. My doctor gave me one for free that Medtronic provides his clinic with.

You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

Member Quotes

99% of the time, I totally forget I even have this device.