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Medtronic ICD
Hello:
I have a Medtronic ICD- installed on October 1, 2007--it was a four hour ordeal. I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, V-TACH and AFIB on July 10, 2007- ICD was implanted on October 1, 2007. I was 46 years old- I am now 48.
So..it's been about a year and 1/2. They think I've had this bad heart for most of my life, but no one caught the symptoms.
Anyway, I am still not sure what to make of this whole situation.
I never know if I am o.k.---or just prolonging my life.
I know that I have a tremendous amount of anxiety and worry about all of these problems.
Take Care
Michelle
6 Comments
I feel for ya
by Angelie - 2009-01-31 08:01:11
You've come to the right place. I myself have some of the same problems as you do.
I'm wondering what your heart's EF(ejection fraction) is? That number can speak volumes about your heart's pumping ability.
Depression and anxiety is quite common in heart disease. You are not alone in that area either. One thing to remember is that you are the only one who has control over your outlook and how you choose to deal with it. I worry a lot too about my health problems, but I learned while I was still in my 20's that worrying seems to only make my problems worse.
Log on here, and chat with us. That's what we're all here for..........support.
Hope you find peace in your heart soon,
Angelie
Anxiety sucks
by BillMFl - 2009-01-31 10:01:44
But it sure comes as part of our package. Meditation techniques helped me get past most of it. Especially deep breathing and slow exhale. And half a Zanax on rare occasions!
go for it
by jimkirschvink - 2009-01-31 11:01:24
Sometimes I think I was depressed as a by-product of an insufficient heart flow. I ignored my problems for years, until it hit the fan. Now with my PM, life is good.
Focus on what you can do to make a difference for someone else or the rest of the planet, and less on yourself. Do the best you can to get in shape, and eat well. Volunteer for a cause. Take a course called the Landmark Forum, if you want a fast change. And go for it.
Living with an ICD
by mrag - 2009-02-01 04:02:00
Anxiety kind of goes with the territory. You have it because you are "different" - you needed one installed. As you didn't indicate if your ICD has "fired," I assume it has not over the last 18 months. If so, then think of your "inplant" more like a root canal-you didn't want it, but needed it and now you're back. And do not overlook Xanax-it even comes in generic form (like cheap), helps you sleep and helps you relax. "Better living through chemistry" are words I live by ;-)
hi michelle
by walkerd - 2009-02-01 05:02:32
Im dave and sorta went thru the same thing, Im 51 and last July I was diagonosied with conjestive heart failure about a week I had went to a hospital north of me and then sent south to a major hospital thinking I may need a transplant talk about an eye pooping experience thought I had bronkitis that had went to pnemenia, I hate all these medical words that I know im not spelling right, but had bypass then a month later got my pm/defib installed, have been taken off work by my cardioligist and now am facing the great task of faceing the disability barage, what helps me get thru my bouts of depression are I keep telling my self i have received a second chance at life, given more time to enjoy the people i love and whom love me, I like you thought am i just prolonging my life, but hell whoops, if thats the case what is wrong with prolonging your life?????? Just make sure anything that is happening tell your doctor, adjustments to your device or meds adjustments sometimes can and will help. Sweetheart look in the mirror when you arise and thank god for another day that you are alive to enjoy your friends, family, the sunshine, snow, anything that u wake up to. Cherish life and embrass it and be thankful that u are still alive and aware what is going on. Trust me it could be alot worse.
dave
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welcome
by Tracey_E - 2009-01-31 08:01:06
Welcome, Michelle!
prolonging your life is a good thing, sure beats the alternative ;o)
Sometimes icd/pm improve your quality of life, sometimes they improve quantity, sometimes both. If vtach gets out of control, it'll save your life. We may not always get back to the level of health we want, but it's still helping by being a watchdog, keeping an eye on your heart to step in when it's needed. I find that a comforting feeling- that little computer is a lot more dependable than my wacky heart!
As Angelie said, anxiety is normal ... to a point. We all go through a period of adjustment and it takes as long (if not longer) to adjust mentally as it does physically. If it gets to where it affects the rest of your life- your ability to sleep and do your job- it's time to get some help. Talk it out with friends, chat with us here, but if the worry turns to depression don't be afraid of asking for help. It's a disease that doesn't go away on its own and there's nothing wrong with asking for help to get through it. Vent with us any time you want, we've all been there!