Welcome to the Heart Rhythms group on Connect, Nasir. You'll notice that I moved your message to the introduction discussion where you'll meet other members and read more about them. Click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification to see the full discussion thread.

Here are a few discussions specific to A-fib that might interest you.
- AFib questions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/good-morning-im-almost-66-years-old-with-infrequent-afib-and-on/
- Watchman Implant for A-Fib https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/watchman-implant-for-a-fib/

You said you were recently diagnosed. How are you doing? Have any questions for fellow members?

Thanks everyone i am just scared of the electric shock

@chica It's understandable to be nervous and reasons vary for individuals as to why they might be encouraged to get one. I had a heart attack in 2012 followed by a couple different strokes. My cardiologist team recommended an ICD for me mostly as a precautionary step. While I was in ICU following the placement of one stent and a couple balloon procedures to increase blood flow, the nurses rushed into my room with a surprised look on their faces when I began talking with them. They asked how I was feeling and if I felt anything strange. I said I hadn't noticed anything peculiar (since I already had weird sensations being hooked up with some type of internal pump in my artery to attempt to help the heart recover. The nurses said their monitors showed that I was in v-tach (Ventricular tachycardia) and somehow my heart managed to get out of v-tach on its own. This might have been the second time I had v-tach, but not sure. Anyhow, with having that happen and low ejection fraction, the team recommended it as a precautionary approach. Luckily, I have not had any heart rhythm problems since having it implanted to need it to shock me. I was scared, and still a little bit, about what that first shock might feel like if it ever happens; however, I outweigh that fear with the risk of needing to have my heart shocked and what could happen if I didn't have it. I have the Merlin wireless unit that automatically downloads all the information the ICD monitors and the cardiology department reads to determine if events are happening and if I need to be seen. I am seen in person every 6 months where they test the unit by placing a device over my ICD (works through my clothing even) and control the ICD and run a couple tests, such as pacing my heart, as the ICD can be used as a pacemaker in times of need. There is no shock or any pain at all when they do this test, just feel my heart beat faster for a few seconds. Hopefully I'll never have to have it shock my heart, but it provides security of mind knowing it's there if my heart needs it. I've had it in over 5 years and my last check showed it still had another 4-5 years before needing to have the battery replaced. The incision was sore for a couple days, but it's manageable. The other thing I worried about was will it interfere with sleeping (I have a low heart rate) and while working out in the gym. So far I haven't noticed my heart being affected while sleeping or exercising by the device trying to pace my heart differently than what it is doing on its own. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I feel it's worth having in place just in case. I wish you the best!

Hello @gr82balive

You have provided a balanced perspective for @chica as she considers this type of treatment. I appreciate the time you took to post about your own experience! That is the great thing about Connect - as we share our experiences, we learn from each other, and that helps to reduce or anxieties and worries.

Teresa