shocked

Well, now I know what it feels like to be shocked. I've had my pacemaker for four years, but this week was the first time I experienced that particular aspect. Was shocked once on Sat, then 2 quick shocks on Monday. Off to the ER for a little help, where I was told it was doing exactly what it should, and no, they did not think they would turn it off. Rapid heart rate. Had no idea it treated that.
ME

2 Comments

Uh...What did you think it treated?

by donr - 2014-01-14 06:01:29

Sounds like you have an ICD (Implanted Cardiac Defibrillator), NOT a Pacemaker (PM).

There are major differences.

1) The PM ONLY paces the heart at low voltages & makes it stay in a correct rhythm by filling in for beats that will either be late or non existent for some reason. It has NO shock capability.

2) The ICD, OTOH, has rhe capability of giving the heart a WHOPPING shock that can literally knock you to the floor when it kicks in.. The shock is delivered to the ventricles & its purpose is to shock the Fibrillating heart back into a normal sinus rhythm. Fibrillation is an extremely fast, uncontrolled racing of the ventricles. IT can be fatal.

I checked your Bio page & it also says you have a PM, not an ICD. NO model # either.

Do you have any specific questions we can help you with?

Don

shocked

by me2 - 2014-01-14 10:01:16

Don,
Thanks for your comments No specific questions. I was really startled by the experience, to say the least.

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for being a couch potato.

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