What to expect

Hello All,
I am a 43 year old female and was dx w/ Cardiomyopathy
3 years ago. My latest EF was 33-36% and had been feeling great until about 2 weeks ago (SOB and tired). Cardiologist said it was time for the ICD and I am scheduled to have surgery on 2/15.

I am very nervous about what things I can and can not be around and if I get too close to something what is going to happen. I have heard that when it "goes off" it can feel like someone kicked you in the chest. Any insights would be very helpful.

Thank you

7 Comments

what to expect.

by thomast - 2008-01-28 09:01:15

I to have a bi-vin unit with ICD, due to low EF. When I first got it almost 3 years ago I got zapped acouple of times, If you have ever touched the spark plug on a lawn mower when it was running, it felt about like that. They changed the programing twice and I have not been zapped since.

What To Expect

by SMITTY - 2008-01-28 12:01:56

Hello Robil,

If this is your first visit with us, let me say welcome.

Are you getting a defibrillator or a pacemaker? If it is a defib unit, I have to ask why because I have not heard of them doing anything for a low EF. But, be that as it may, while I don't have a defib unit I understand you are very much aware of it when it does have to correct an attack of V-Fib.

On the other hand if you are getting a pacemaker which may a dual lead or three lead unit (called a biventricular unit) you should never know when it is helping maintain a steady heart rhythm. As for what you will need to avoid, it depends on your life style. But hair dryers, microwaves, cell phones or any what I call everyday conveniences are not going to hurt your pacemaker. But wait until you get your device and let us know what it is. I'm sure with all the people we have on this site that are willing to help you will have no trouble finding out if there is anything you must avoid. I will add one more thing here, if you do get to close to something that will interfere with the operation of a pacemaker you may or may not even notice the interference and the pacemaker will return to normal operation within a few minutes after leaving whatever is causing the problem.

For right now, I have to say stop worrying about problems you can have with your pacemaker and just think about how much better it will make you feel. I've had mine for eight years and once we got the thing adjusted properly for me and my heart I don't even know I have a pacemaker unless I happen to touch the area and feel the little lump it makes.

I wish you the best and please let us know how things go.

Smitty

what to expect

by Robill3 - 2008-01-28 12:01:59

Thanks for the encouragement - As I am very new to all this the only thing I know is that it is going to be a "Bi V ICD" and I know it will have 3 wires.

I assume that they want this in because of the low EF. The doc says with people with my low EF have a higher risk of cardiac death without the ICD.

Thanks again for the response, and I will keep reading !

Robill

ignatows

by ignatows - 2008-02-01 01:02:36

Don't worry about it if the doctor said you need a ICD remember what it can do both pace and shock your hart back from some type of bad rythem. I have a "Bi V ICD" and it has made a world of difference. good luck and keep on ticking.

What to Expect

by ajones - 2008-02-03 12:02:14

Robill.

I am 44 and have about the same EF that you have. They implanted a 3 lead biventricular unit on 1/18/08. All went well and I am feeling better. You will get a manual with your unit that will tell you what you can and cannot be around or use. You will be happy to note that there are only a few things that you should avoid.

I am sure all will go well and if I can answer any of your questions, please let me know.

Andy



stephen stroup

by sstroup@pcdoctors1.com - 2008-02-19 07:02:56

had mt icd instslled oct 3 2007 two weeks later i had a wire come loose and got shosced 14 times before tha ambulance got to my home then i was taken to the clocest hospital no shocks there but when transferred to the hospital that installed it i was shocked another 4 or 5 times before they shut it off i even shocked people that were touching me any way had emergency surgery the next am when i woke up i freaked out and asked the surgen to turn it off he did and i know i need it however i dont think i could take another 19 shocks its still off and i must make a decision soon but when i think about the shocks i freak out am on xanex and wellbutrin to help me settle down... i still freak out thinking about being turned on and dont want to die my main dr says if i dont have it turned on and got into trouble i would have maybe 3 minutes and id be gone ..

bad round

by fuzzbuster - 2008-03-10 01:03:10

thats a lot of juice to have to suck up and i can only try to imagine.... but try not to let one bad experience drive you away from this. The odds are in your favor of that not happening again. Good luck with your decision

You know you're wired when...

You can hear your heartbeat in your cell phone.

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I am just grateful to God that I lived long enough to have my ICD put in. So many people are not as lucky as us; even though we sometimes don't feel lucky.