Question about ICD and Sexual Partners

My doc wants me to get an ICD. I would like to know how others have told their sexual partners about the device. I doubt I would get shocked during sex as the upper limit will be set at 170 bpm and the meds I take keep my heart rate way below that point. My concern is that partners will flee thinking that my ticker will stop (just what I am trying to avoid with the ICD).

Any experiences to share?

8 Comments

Disclosure

by ebfox - 2012-09-09 04:09:24

Thanks Don, that is interesting to know. So Sam, back to my original statement, avoid sexual contact in hot tubs, showers, etc. Obviously the water would increase the transmission of electricity.

Now to the question of whether your partner is at risk during other amorous activities: she is at risk if she slow dances with you or gives you a hug. The risk is pretty darn low (she could get struck by lightning or win the lottery, too). I do think this is something you talk about- if she runs off because you have an ICD, then it's her loss, not yours.

My wife says you should just use a body condom and then everything will be OK ;-)

EB

Avoid Hot Tubs

by ebfox - 2012-09-09 10:09:04

There is a story going round about a couple in a hot tub (no sex involved) but the guy's ICD fired and it shocked the partner to the point of cardiac arrest (this story may be an urban legend).

If your doctor has cleared you for sexual activity, that should be sufficient for prospective partners. Tell them that you are like the EverReady Bunny (keeps going, and going, and going...)

Hot Tub story NOT...

by donr - 2012-09-09 11:09:08

..Urban Legend.

Happened in FL. First death confirmed by autopsy.

Second death also confirmed by autopsy. It is apparently a very low probability explanation of the second death, but well within the realm of plausibility and forms a rational explanation of the woman's death. You may read my comment supporting such a hypothysis in the thread posted in next para.

Search w/ the subj "ICD killed man after wife's heart stopped"

Blake posted the original newspaper article from about 15 Feb of this year.

Is is possible to get a shock from another person whose ICD is firing? YES. Reported in at least TWO medical journals. Also., the head nurse at my Cardio's office has experienced it when restraining a man whose ICD was firing & he was freaking out.

Don

Thanks and clarification

by lsam101 - 2012-09-10 10:09:11

Thanks for the suggestions. I am not so much worried about her getting shocked as how and when to tell a potential partner that I have an ICD. I have found it casts a chill over things when the topic of my heart comes up.

Non disclosures etc

by mrag - 2012-09-11 06:09:38

I think you might be getting carried away with this honesty bit. Its not like you have an STD. As for your 'partner' getting shocked while joined, I doubt it. As for dying in a hot tub, my guess is the coroner or whoever was at a very long happy hour before any autopsy. But heck look who Florida elected as governor and who gave us a president to remember so anything is possible there.

If you want to really worry about something worthwhile, think orally. And think what might happen when the jaws of life are involved and a sudden, unexpected jolt of electricity surges through a pulsing appendage. Now that could be dangerous.

This worries me also

by Ouchthatssore76 - 2012-09-15 01:09:44

I'm only days into my new life but worry about this too as sex is important to me and my husband also.we have only been married 14 weeks so as you can imagine its a big thing.when do we resume our sex life and if we do am I going to have an attack ........if I do have an attack will it harm him?all questions that may seem silly but need to be answered.as for telling ladies that you have this,it's not important if she's into you then your heart has nothing to do with it.be strong and confident and us ladies will be falling at your feet ;)))

This worries me also

by Ouchthatssore76 - 2012-09-15 01:09:45

I'm only days into my new life but worry about this too as sex is important to me and my husband also.we have only been married 14 weeks so as you can imagine its a big thing.when do we resume our sex life and if we do am I going to have an attack ........if I do have an attack will it harm him?all questions that may seem silly but need to be answered.as for telling ladies that you have this,it's not important if she's into you then your heart has nothing to do with it.be strong and confident and us ladies will be falling at your feet ;)))

been there, done that

by 06kj - 2012-10-17 12:10:44

Shortly after getting my ICD put in I was shocked while having sex. I was also in the shower. She got shocked too but luckily was just freaked out. I've been paced while having sex multiple times and that's when I know to calm down a bit so I don't get shocked again. My girlfriend has not disowned me because I have an ICD lol

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