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Is it possible?
I had a massive heart attack (100% blockage of LAD) on June 16/2013. Four days after, I had an event of VT. Rather than medication alone, a defib was recommended and I was implanted with same on July 3/13.
My question.....is it possible the defib will never shock me? Does anyone know what the average is for receiving shocks. I almost wish that one would happen so I would know what it feels like.
Another question - is it normal to feel ALL the edges of the defib? I have a sore spot with one of the corners. Will this ever go away?
Thanks to anyone who can help.
7 Comments
it is possible
by alicia6650 - 2013-08-12 03:08:51
when I first got my ICD, my doctor told me that about 94% of people with ICD's never get shocked. Part of that is because the therapy is generally set up to do a few things first before resorting to shocking. But my advice will be not to think about it. No matter how much you worry about what it will feel like if you get shocked, that will change nothing about whether or not it will happen. And, if it does happen, and lets say its terrible, well, it will have saved your life. And since we all know how bad stress is for heart symptoms, don't waste it on that!!!
I feel my entire device! In all fairness they have been back in my pocket a total of 5 times in 2 years, so I have sore spots too. I did however have a little over a year without them going back in and while certain types of pressure bothered it, it really wasnt that bad. So, I would assume that the tenderness will pass.
Never felt it
by Mongee - 2013-08-12 05:08:28
I got my first ICD in 2005, had 1 shock within a month, and never had another. I never knew I was shocked, until device was read. I was told some people feel it and sometimes not. I have heard from other people that it was bad, but like Aclicia6650 said, it saves your life, so I would think some pain is worth it. To me, it is the best thing that could of happened to me, getting my ICD...I'm still here 8 years later and doing whatever I want to. Life is good.
Shock
by Duke Heart Patient - 2013-08-13 06:08:34
I don't have that device , just a pacemaker but I was shocked at the hospital awake and alert if let me tell you any pain that you've ever felt that hurt well multiply that times 1000 cause being shocked HURTS !
Don't wish for that ........
Marie 12
by Bevof NC - 2013-08-13 09:08:25
I've had an Icd for 81/2 years. I've never been shocked by it. It has paced me out of V tach episodes several times. I hope you are as lucky as I, HOWEVER I know If I need it- I have it..that's more than those who don't know they might need it 1 day and don't have it. I have been clinically "dead as a doorknob" twice, Didn't know then I would need one.so was shocked by hand with defibrillators . Before all this happened I was the healthiest person I knew. I am very healthy now and am able to do anything I want. Thank you ,Lord. and WELCOME to a great club of wonderful, knowlegable people Bev
Scaredddd
by Miadolphins1981 - 2013-08-20 07:08:57
Got shocked today twice. First time ever. Let me tell u something, .im a grown ass man and I have never been so scared in my life like today. I really really pray to God this never happens to me again. Tell you what, it saved my life today. Heart rate was about 207 at a rest rate. So yeah.
90%
by PacerRep - 2013-09-08 01:09:47
Roughly 90% of the people that have an ICD never receive a shock. The device has 2 abilities to stop a ventricular tachycardia. The first line of defense is called ATP (Anti Tachy Pacing). The device will pace your heart roughly 20% faster than your arrhythmia. This overdrives the site of activation and snuffs it out.
The second is the shock, this only happens if the ATP fails or if your heart is in ventricular fibrillation, in this case ATP is always ineffective so it doesn't even bother trying. If your in this arrhythmia, chances are your not going to be awake when it shocks.
The best analogy I've ever heard for an ICD is that of an airbag in your car. It's there, you don't notice it, it just sits there and does nothing and you hope it never goes off in your face. But if your in a crash, your happy as hell it was there.
If you truly want to know what a shock feels like...and I caution you here. Every device has an electrophysiology study screen. Under the supervision of a doctor, they can deliver a shock to you at your next ICD check so you know what it feels like. It's going to hurt like hell. Most people compare it to getting kicked by a horse. I've done this a handful of times for the truly curious patient. When we test these in the lab while the patient is knocked out, they bounce on the table, backs arch etc.... It's no joke.
The ICD's are big, bulky and obnoxious, today's technology just doesn't allow them to be smaller, you will feel the edges probably forever...sorry
best of luck
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Member Quotes
A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.
Sore spot
by Acin - 2013-08-12 03:08:26
Hi Marie, I recieved my ICD on July 16, 2013. Mine is still sore as well; around the top part but not nearly as sore as it was before. As for the shock - I can tell you that it hurts like HELL! They shocked me twice after they implated my device. It woke me up! I hope I never receive a shock!