PM or PM/Defrib

I have to get a pacemaker in a few weeks. My cardiologist is sort of recommending that it also be a defibrillator. He thinks there's a 20% chance I'll need it (I have a rare form of muscular dystrophy that has cardiac complications, hence the pacemaker, but there's not a correlation between the dystrophy and need for a defibrillator).

I'm nervous about inadvertent shocks from the defrib or other complications. I'm curious about people's experiences.

Thanks

2 Comments

ICD

by Grateful Heart - 2013-04-08 03:04:19

I have had an ICD for 4 years now. So far, no shocks, thank God. But the way I look at, if or when the time comes and I do need to be defibrillated, it is comforting to know it is there. Unnecessary shocks are always a concern but I just don't think about it much. It's another safety feature in place.

Take care,

Grateful Heart

Thanks

by greenwoodrookie - 2013-04-08 03:04:46

I'll get the ICD, but I am nervous about needless shocks. My father had an ICD and there was probably a problem with a lead - he got shocked unloading the dishwasher several times (there was something about the specific motion that seemed to trigger the shock).

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I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.