"Minor" shocks from ICD

My father, who is also on kidney dialysis, received a pacemaker and ICD for CHF at the end of September 2016, and I am so very glad to find this message board. I live out of state, but I am currently at his house during his recovery from surgery.

Today and this evening, for the first time, he has felt what he describes as "shocks," which we assume are from the ICD. Most were mild -- more like twinges -- but enough to make him exclaim. We called his cardiologist, and they told us to call the device manufacturer (St. Jude) to find out how to send a manual transmission. After being on hold for 20 minutes, I hung up and called the cardiologist back, and another nurse told me how to do the transmission, but by then my father was angry and frustrated and refused. I called the nurse back, and she said it would be checked anyway automatically, so he could just wait. That was in the morning.

This evening, he has had stronger "shocks," but not enough to pass out. The nurse didn't say to go to the emergency room, and he does not want me to call an ambulance or take him there. He lives way out in the country, and this seems scary because neither of us knows whether this is "normal." He has a check-up in four days, and he wants to just wait for that. Obviously, you can't give me medical advice over the internet, but are these more "minor" shocks usual? 

The only thing different about today is that there are some electrical workers near our house. The earlier "shocks" happened soon after they arrived and didn't happen again after they left, but the workers are long gone this evening, and he has had others. He has no other symptoms.

That was such a long message. Thank you very much for reading and any advice you can give me.

4 Comments

what sparrow said

by Tracey_E - 2016-10-14 10:38:39

He needs to get to the ER. If the ICD went off, he would know it. It does big shocks, not little ones. Little ones are not normal. We can get some tingly feelings as the nerves knit back together. 

Did he get his remote box yet? I have SJM also but didnt get the box until a few weeks later. If you have it, the nurse is correct, it will automatically send a report every night. If you press and hold the big button it will light up like a Christmas tree, that means it's sending a full transmission. Do that before dragging him to the ER. Then when he gets there, they can call SJM and it will save some time because the interrogation will already be completed. 

Electrical workers near the house won't have any effect. If something is going to affect us, it has to be within 6" of the device. 

Good luck!!!! Sounds like you have your hands full. I hope your dad feels better soon. 

Shocks

by Drake3287 - 2016-10-14 20:25:04

It may also be the ICD "pacing" a heart rhythm such as VTac. Some people feel them and some don't.

Do some...,

by donr - 2016-10-17 19:57:43


...Googling - ask for St Jude ICD ATP.

All three major ICD mfgrs now use a technique for stopping VTach called ATP - Anti Tachycardia Pacing - or some such term.

Instead of giving the host the "Jesus Jolt" at the first sign of the problem, they start small w/ low energy pulses in "Salvos" - in short a burst of low energy pulses that may or may not stop the VTach.  if that doesn't work, it increases the energy & rate of pulses in the salvo & tries again.  The ICD does that till it says to its little electronic self - "Hey, this guy isn't improving, it's time for the BIG CAHUNA!"  All you electronic parts strap down your selves in your seats.  Ready?  On the count of three...one - two - three! KA ZANG!!!"  The jolt is released & the recipient thereof finds themselves lying on the floor muttering to themselves.  I have a friend who describes it as like being kicked in the chest by a mule. 

There is a finite probability that what dad has been sensing is successful DeFib efforts by the ICD at lower energies.

There is also a finite probability that he has been feeling his device just pacing & he needs to have tweeks made to the pacing voltage so he doesn't feel it.

The only way to find out is to take him & get the device interrogated if you don't have the home interrogator.  This is NOT something to take lightly.  Pack up Dad & haul him to someone who can interrogate his device.

Donr

Que Pasa

by Cabg Patch - 2016-10-17 20:03:52

My gut feeling is this is just some of the weird pains we get after an implant since he just recently got his. I doubt seriously that he's having a full Jesus jolt as there would be no doubt in his mind in that regard. It also could be ATP, anti-tachycardia pacing but shouldn't feel the way he described. It's been 3 days and would really be nice if you could let everyone here know what they found out for everyones edification.

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I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.