Pacemaker & ICDs: Introduce Yourself & Meet Others

Good morning. My name is Scott. I was first diagnosed with AFib in 2016. It was relatively well controlled until last November (2025). I had a PVI ablation in February of this year that didn't take. While attempting a second PVI ablation earlier this month I went into Vtach that they were not able to replicate to be able to ablate that funky rhythm as well. They aborted the procedure and put me on a Zoll Life Vest until I have ICD/Pacemaker installed on August 6th. I also have an AV Node ablation scheduled for September 9th.
Doc explained the xs and os of how everything will work and the meaning behind each procedure. I am looking for real world experiences with this whole process.
Has anyone had a similar story? Shocked or warned of shocks from Life Vest and how did that frequency translate to the device implant? Did the AV node ablation affect your arrythmias the way it's supposed to?
I appreciate you taking the time to read this and look forward to hearing your experience(s).

R/
Scott

@tankah .
I, too, have seen different time lengths recommended. Mine was on the shorter side, but I would follow whatever the doctor said, because everyone is different, even if we share the commonality of having an ICD. I'm physically active, too, and it was difficult to wait and to be patient with the healing process.

@scoleo70058 Hello Scott (your last name will be removed for privacy reasons) and welcome to Connect! I am not understanding "xs and os of how everything" you are asking about. I have an ICD installed after I was experiencing and electrical problem resulting in dizziness, giddiness and arrythmias after a septal myectomy, never had a shock. The Life Vest (I just looked it up) looks like a wearable ICD device. I'm impressed! Otherwise, you may have to be hooked up to a machine in the hospital until August 6th! Here is a link to read about AV node ablation https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/av-node-ablation/multimedia/img-20096449 Please do read the comments written by other bionic people in this discussion thread. Where will you be going for your procedure? How was your AFib controlled until now?

@walkinggirl thank you for your time. Xs and Os just meant the details of what will be done. It was slang.
My afib was controlled medicinally for the longest time. First was amiodarone, that started affecting my thyroid. Then it was metoprolol. Came off of that altogether for a year or so then started Sotalol. Had to come off Sotalol due to QT interval. Needless to say it’s been a journey.
I’ll be having procedures in Tuscaloosa Alabama, where I’m currently living.

@scoleo70058 You know much about your unique situation, and I am wishing for you an easy installation, a quick recovery and a happy relationship with the shiny new ICD you will be receiving in a couple of weeks. There will be that healing and adjustment period marked by following instructions given to you. You will have your own personal EMT with you 24/7! AFib, a dangerous condition, is discussed in Mayo Clinic articles, the links are here in case you wish to read them (we promote the idea that people benefit from learning all they can about their medical issues). Perhaps they will generate new questions to ask your care team. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350624 and https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350630. How did your doctors decide to install an ICD now instead of when you were first diagnosed?

@acapsych Thank you! I've reached out to my PT and am working on some gentle movements and motions. They are similar to the ones I did after my AC joint surgery- which was also my left shoulder - ugh.

Hello I'm new to this group. I'm scheduled for a Pacemaker in Aug. But I had two different Electrophysiology drs with two different options. One wants to do a Paroxysmal Arterial Ablation the other one wants to do a Pacemaker. I have Afib. I'm going to do the Pacemaker because my heart rate my pulse dropping into the 30's. Anyone have experience with this?

I'm new to this group. I'm scheduled to have a Pacemaker on Aug 13. My Electrophysiology Dr has not explained anything to me. I don't know what kind of Pacemaker he's implanting. I'm in the dark about the whole process.

@amalfi1279
In my opinion not good. Have you tried calling and asking for your EP to call and answer your questions?

Why were you told you needed a Pacemaker? You really need a thorough briefing on diagnosis, treatment, and the surgery. Your EP should have an assistant that can also answer most of your questions.

Have you considered getting a second opinion and getting the answers to your questions even before you decide to get surgery? If possible can you go for a second opinion at an established and experienced medical institution like Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, etc. You could even have your surgery there and have them work with your local doctors and EP.

Good luck. You as a patient should not be thorough briefed about your surgery.

@amalfi1279 You have enough time to get other opinions.

I was in a similar situation, but for other reasons. In my case, the operation was an emergency resulting from the fact that my AdventHealth cardiologist dismissed the results of prior tests (THREE OF THEM) indicating a heart block as "test errors". Yeah...and then 4 months later I'm in the emergency room with a Level 3 Heart Block.

I was on the operating table about to be anaesthetized when the AdventHealth EP surgeon came in and asked which of two pacemaker options I would like, one traditional type implanted in the chest or a newer catheter-directed implant directly into the heart that required no incision. DUH... The nursing staff had prepped me for the former, but the latter seemed like it might be better.

So, the nursing staff scrambled to prep me for option #2 while I faded into oblivion, without any chance to consider all the implications of "my choice".

You have time. Don't let things "just happen" to you without being fully informed. Don't just assume your doctor is all-knowing and perfect. It's your body and your life. If the doctor makes a mistake, his malpractice insurance will cover it. You, however, face other consequences.

PS: I'm not UNhappy with my choice, but I am unhappy that I wasn't able to make an informed decision.