Post ICD Shock Depression

Does anyone else here who has a pacemaker/ICD have a problem of going into a bit of a depression after being shocked by their device?? I go into a bit of a funk for a week or 2 after I have been shocked by my Defib. I really dont know the exact reason why but it definitely is linked to the incident. I want very much to be active and play sports and I am able to for stretches at a time but then I will get an irregular heartbeat and my device shocks me. After that I go into somewhat of a depression. It is always in the back of my mind that the possibility of being shocked is always there.

The latest bit of funk had nothing to do with my device. I felt discomfort in my chest and went to the ER. They said my heart rate was to low and kept me overnight for a possible catheterization. They did a stress test instead and felt there was no need for the cath. They found no blockages which is good but every sense everyone says I have been different. Does this happen to anyone? How do I break out of it?

5 Comments

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by pete - 2009-07-22 02:07:20

I feel sure your reaction is perfectly normal. Its not much fun being shocked when you least expect it. A "cure for your depression" as you put it wil take a lot of soul searching. I would not myself take tablets if I felt depressed. Somehow somewhere within the depths of your mind there is the strength and attitude that will get you over this. Only you can find it. You might find that meditation will help. We all have bridges to cross and we cant be happy all of the time. All the best Peter

Post ICD depression

by mrag - 2009-07-22 09:07:47

Not sure of the exact definition for a "bit of a funk," but I suspect anyone and everyone that has had an ICD shock suffers anxiety and or depression and or funk. If yours is lasting a week or two, I'd say you are very well adjusted and coping extremely well. I think you have to live with the ICD and the psychological challenges that go with it.

Do you know...

by turboz24 - 2009-07-22 10:07:45

Do you happen to know your current settings on your device? What is your specific condition?

I was paced out of an arrythmia 2 times and shocked 2 times, but it's not the shocks that bothered be, it was the thought of more medications that really bug me.

Depending on what you are taking, the side affect of a lot of arrythmia medications is depression, I know sotalol and most beta blockers tend to make me pretty depressed.

i was shocked too

by curly - 2009-08-25 07:08:18

hi rhino64 i was shocked in april of 2008. it took until this past april for me to go to gym and walk and swim. i was afraid to get my heart rate up.the icd tech said to me you should get your heart rate up. i think about the shock often but not so much anymore.you have to live. a pacemaker once told me that there are hospitals all over the world that can take care of you.so don't stay home get out and enjoy life. i suffer from anxiety but i have not had to take one in a long time.if you are really depressed i would find a good therapest. take care and i pray you get better Curly

Learning to Cope

by rhino64 - 2009-08-26 07:08:59

I have recently gotten a heart rate monitor that I wear while working out. The fact that I might get shocked is still in the back of my mind but I have felt more comfortable exercising. I still cannot let myself go and play without worrying about the chance of being shocked. Its not thats I worry about my heart failing and causing me to die. Its just so embarrassing when the shock happens and to see the look of horror and fear on my friends faces when I drop to the ground from the shock is pretty much more than I can take. All this of course is then followed by people thinking that I cant do anything for myself. That is the worst part of all!!!!

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