@kellycross Hi and yes an ICD is a pacemaker with a defibrillator to not only pace and monitor the heart but can deliver a shock similar to the exterior type done with a defibrillator. I had one for years and can save your life during a bad arrhythmia or heart attack.

@shawnb2020 I can relate to your situation. Not fun trying to figure out the correct doctor to help. I've had my fair share also. Keep at it tho it sounds like you're fluid retention is the biggest factor. Mine was also but did get better with some of the early ablations I received. Postponed the need for further treatment. But also as a positive I thank God every day for the Heart transplant I ended up getting. I mention that to say there are more options going forward and don't give up.
Have a blessed Day
Dana

Yes as @danab mentioned, the ICD is basically a pacemaker with a built in jump starter. As explained to me if my heart were to stop it could be the difference until the ambulance shows up, or if so programmed (since my heart rate does jump to over 200 at times) it can shock it back into "normal rhythm" if the pacemaker can't adjust it. But yeah, it does get scary at times. But I think what worries me the most is the family. We have a total of 6 kids ranging from 18 all the way down to one that turned 2 on monday. So life is stressful enough not just for me but for my better half. Who now has to worry about me. Can't even count the number of times i have woken up to her in my face trying to see if i'm still breathing. Cause at some point some doctor told her that since when i'm asleep my heart rate tends to drop to the mid 20's to mid 30's and my already shallow breathing that it could just stop. So then i wake up freaked out cause she is right in my face and then it starts racing and then she feels bad. So when the palpitations start up i have to try and decide if i want to say anything. I don't want to add to her stress and worry more. But then it gets to that point of "this is it" and what to say if anything. I mean with the first H.A. it was at 6 in the morning while i was getting ready for work. She called the ambulance, and i refused to let them come in the house and wake up all the kids and get everyone riled up so i got out of of bed and went and stood in the front yard waiting for them just to avoid any extra worry. I mean i know its their job to do so but if i can limit it i will. It's just never knowing if it's a time i should be limiting it. Hard to explain and i apologize for rambling