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Pacemaker & ICDs: Introduce Yourself & Meet Others
Pacemaker & ICDs | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (132)Comment receiving replies
Hi everyone
I have some questions regarding getting an ICD implant and have not decided whether to get it done or not. My doctor recommends it and I understand the “pros” of getting an ICD. But I would like to understand the “cons” from patients who have had an ICD. Some of my questions are:
1. Did you have any issues with the surgical procedure itself?
2. Has it ever shocked you incorrectly and how did it affect your heart or health in general?
3. How did it affect the quality of your life overall?
Replies to "Hi everyone I have some questions regarding getting an ICD implant and have not decided whether..."
Hi. I had a lot of trouble with the installation of my ICD. When the procedure was finished and I was stitched up and bandaged they did an X-ray to check it. To every one’s surprise, the wires were not attached to the unit. The wait was 4 hours long before a room was available for the repair. Add insult to injury, they charged my insurance company for both procedures. I have had the unit installed for 6 years now and no shocks. The first 3 years I didn’t want to do anything in fear that I would set it off. Attending a full session of cardiac rehab eased my worries.
I am 76 and the recovery has taken a lot longer than I expected I get fatigued a lot easier than before my surgery and implantation. The doctors told me that’s to be expected due to my age. Everything seems to be working. OK I just don’t like being tired all the time I had the pacemaker put in because my heart rate was so low. It was causing my blood pressure to be higher. My blood pressure is under control now, but I don’t like this tired feeling.
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@nilesh123
Question 1. None, it is considered minor surgery and not done it hospital but surgical office. I had both ICD/Pacemaker. The first one (I am on my 3rd) is the most worrisome as you have no idea how will feel ect.
2. Yes, at least in my opinion. I did not have the exercise mode turned on my pacemaker for 15 years. Then one pace tech said turning it on to see if helps you exercise. Was not but a couple fo days had shock. Then another. I went into pace clinc and had them turn it off. The shocks stopped. One tech said it was turned on high which meant would start pacing higher with low effort. I said turn off. I think my heart did not understand the high pacing and tried to shock me out of it.
3. At first was scared to death. Then when I did get shocked and it brought me out of VTAC it was a life saver. Then my cardioloist said to me think of your ICD/Pacemaker like having you own EMS there for you 24/7. That really helped and also that almost all arrymias are corrected by ICD. Now that is VTAC not damage to heart from a heart attack which is a totally different topic than arrymias.
I now think of my ICD as something I can count on if I have electrial issues or VTAC.