A good idea?

My husband is getting a pacemaker ICD Thurs. Wondering if that will really help? They say his by-pass collapsed & part of his heart muscle died. His EJ factor is 20%. I,m afraid that the procedure might do more harm than good.

6 Comments

Install ICD

by Ladybug42 - 2012-12-18 01:12:24

Hi, Thanks for the comment. They didn't mention what kind would be installed. I was so overwhelmed--forgot to ask. Seems like they should have told us. Just worried if they can restart his heart. I should have more faith! Upodate in a few days. Wishing you a Merry Christmas! Darla in Florida

restart?

by Tracey_E - 2012-12-18 02:12:51

Restart when? The heart keeps beating the whole time they are implanting it, if that's what you mean! If you mean if it should ever fire, the icd has a pacemaker with it so after a discharge it will pace if needed.

I'm in FL, too, West Palm area.

install ICD

by Ladybug42 - 2012-12-18 10:12:08

Hi, It had been awhile since my husband had gotten his 1st.pacemaker. I guess I was afraid that since his pacemaker is pacing at 100%, that if they installed a new one--it might make his heart stop & they couldn't start it again. Sorry to be so uninformed about this procedure. We haven't had anyone sit down & explain it all to us. There has been alot of miscommunication about his condition since May of this year. Hopefully, we can get on the right track with this new pacemaker. I'm in Central Fl. near Legoland. He is having his procedure in Orlando at Fl.Hosp. Thanks again for the reassurance,it helps!

pacing

by Tracey_E - 2012-12-18 10:12:25

Oh! Ok, now I understand. :o) His heart won't stop! They get the new one all programmed and ready so it's just a matter of seconds between the time they disconnect the old and connect the new. They also use either an external pacemaker or a temporary pacemaker as backup. Either way, he'll be paced the whole time.

No need to apologize!!! Some drs are good at explanations, some don't bother. Either way, it's hard to keep up with everything they are telling us. If you have more questions, ask away.

Thanks

by Ladybug42 - 2012-12-18 11:12:59

I have received more information on this website, than any other place. I understand better the procedure and feel more comfortable with him going through it. Thanks so much!!!!!!! I've been alittle overwhelmed worrying about him and trying to take care of a disabled daughter. It helps to be able to talk and receive encouragement from other people. Sometimes, people around you don't understand what you're going through. So appreciate all the comments & I'll update soon. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays----Just enjoy!

yes

by Tracey_E - 2012-12-18 12:12:07

I'm sorry you didn't get better news from the cath! It sounds like this isn't going to help him feel much better but what it will do is increase the chances of surviving a heart attack. Surgery risk is low so, really, it's up to the two of you what you are comfortable with. Compared to the surgeries he's already had, this is nothing.

If it was my dad/husband and he has a decent quality of life, I would push for it. If there's no quality of life, then I probably wouldn't bother subjecting him to another procedure, but if I remember from your last post it sounds like he's feeling if not great, at least ok. To be really blunt, is there a will to live or is he ready to say he's done fighting and ready to go? If the answer is he wants to live, then get it. Good luck to you both.

Did they mention CRT, which is a biventricular pm/icd that can help with EF. If he's a candidate for it, that would be his best chance of getting his energy back.

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