New ICD

Hi,
Im a 59 yo physically fit female, until 9 weeks ago, SOB, taken to the ER diagnosed with CHF with an EF of 19%. Scary stuff to someone who walked/hiked/biked everyday. Cardiologist found LBBB, no artery disease, no kidney disease, no diabetes, nothing. Started on meds for 6 weeks no improvement in my EF. Had an ICD implanted one week ago. Im sore but back to work full time, taking care of all my daily responsibilities and walking up to 7 miles a day. But I do find myself, up and excited one day and down in the dumps the next. No rhyme or reason. I have a great hubby that supports me like crazy. Just hoping this gloom and doom feeling I have occasionally goes away and I can get my groove back. Mind over matter and I need to remember the good things..... I'm so very lucky! Thanks for sharing your adventures. Fingers crossed by EF goes up, doc says 6 months to a year. Cheers!

3 Comments

New ICD

by Drake3287 - 2016-05-18 07:05:21

I'm almost in the same exact boat! 57 year old male that jogged daily until I had a single episode of VTac. 7 weeks since my implant and I'm basically back to normal.

On my 6 week follow-up appointment my doctor gave me the clearance to return to a normal life, including jogging. Up until now I've only only been doing my daily walks. I started out running the other day but only for a short distance so far.

Your walking 7 miles a day would get to boring of me! Great if you can do it though.

I got over the depression stage pretty quick and I'm already planning a trip to Europe later this summer. Luckily the doctors and nurses seem to act as if it's no big deal and that I should just lead a normal life. They said 70% of people never have the ICD go off and if things stay the same for me, the battery should last at least 10 years.

Lot's of good advise on this forum but just remember, no one here has the same exact problem. Don't let anyones stories scare you. After reading a few horror stories here I asked my doctor about them and he reassured me the best he could that there was no reason I should be overly worried.

Typical

by Cabg Patch - 2016-05-18 08:05:35

The doom and gloom feelings are pretty typical of new heart patients. Talk to your doctor and if it gets too bad see a psychologist and/or get some medication to help.

What really caught my attention is the fact both you (Dynarider) and Drake3287 noted no prior symptoms and a healthy life style. You suddenly developed some symptoms and boom they throw a Defib in. I can't help but wonder if you two won't be joining that exclusive group who are miraculously healed soon.

I think far too many doctors are jumping to the last resort treatment instead of following proper protocol which is in place for a reason.

Me Too!

by Athos - 2016-05-22 02:05:22

Hey I am a 51 yo male with very similar circumstances. I had a pain in my left arm when exercising when I did quite frequently. Diagnosed with LBBB, and I had two stents put in the LAD. Yikes

My EF was 25, and had come up to 35 with drugs, the cardiologist said it was borderline so I have been fitted with a CRT-D.

The hardest thing for me is the "take it easy" thing which I dont do very well. I was feeling a bit down but then just remembered how friggen lucky I am, and that keeps my chin up!

Keep thinking positive, and best of luck!


You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

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