Shorted out Lead

Back in 2013 I helped my family load hay. Somehow I must have done allot as my lead broke and shorted out which made me feel like a car miss firing. I went to Emergency they could not find. Said I had anxiety however this was over them not figuring out what was wrong with me. Next day my cardiologist had me come in and while being interrogated they shook my unit, made me raise lover arms and while on monitor the lead shorted just as i thought.They replaced my lead left the exiting one there and replaced my ICD pacemaker defibrillator unit. Feeling great now walk allot 8000-10000 steps a day still slow in morning getting going and that is trying my patience. Very happy with ST Jude unit and team keeping my tuned up. Has anyone scuba dived with unit if so what are limitations? Pilots license with unit? since changes in FAA? Sure could use some info.

Thanks,

Mark

2 Comments

SCUBA ICD

by mrdredge - 2014-12-17 01:12:03

Thanks for the feedback I am reluctant to dive. Tried Surfing but only with close friends with me for fear of being defibrillated and the consequences.

SCUBA and ICD

by Selwyn - 2014-12-17 01:12:59

I gave up Scuba diving when I got my pacemaker. The reasons:
1. PM is only pressure tested to 20m- regularly used to dive deeper than this. Unfair on others in group to hold them back.
2. Consequences of arrhythmia underwater. Could be fatal to have an arrhythmia at depth, what with decompression times on the way, you could find yourself in a very difficult situation. I certainly would not think it safe to be defibrillated at depth with a risk of being unconscious.

1/3d of diving deaths are due to cardiac arrhythmias. Often there is little warning.

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My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.