Fast heartbeat

Has anyone experienced a shock from the ICD? What happens when you are brought back into the right rhythm? The reason I ask is because I have mechanical heart valves (sounds like a ticking clock in a quiet room), and I can hear my HB rapidly which freaks me out so I sit down and wait for the ICD to do its job, which it does (thankfully). The only downfall is that I let out a "cry of pain" sound, even though it doesn't hurt. I think it's because I am caught off guard from the shock that it makes me yell. How does one adapt?

1 Comments

Scared

by donr - 2014-11-03 10:11:52

There's nothing you can do about it. What is happening to you is called a "Startle Reflex." Very common in people who face the potential for being startled AFTER some sort of traumatic event. As Sparrow said, it is hardwired into the brain.

I brought one home from Viet Nam more than a lifetime ago - courtesy of PTSD. Any loud noise will do it to me - door slamming, glass falling to floor & shattering, Someone clapping in a theater in the row just behind me.

If I get startled, I "Jump" & let out a short yell, which, in turn scares the Crap outa my wife, who, in turn, looks at me like she wants to do me grievous bodily harm, which she does not. She knows all about it, but she has a startle reaction, also - just not as dramatic.

Donr

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

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