hello

Hey everyone,

I am a new member and just want to say "hi." I have a St.Jude ICD, which was implanted in 2010. I continue to do well and my ef has increased from between 10/15 percent to 72 percent, which is amazing. I don't suffer from heart disease; rather, mine is a problem with synchronization, which has been helped, of course, by the ICD. I walk, hike, dance, exercise, etc. and feel great. I hope that this site will give me insight into how others are coping with their device/life in general.

jen

4 Comments

Welcome

by Bostonstrong - 2013-07-15 07:07:28

Hello and I am glad to hear your EF has improved so much. So glad this device is helping you. Keep walking, hiking, dancing, and feeling great. Life is a gift, seems from reading these posts that those of us with devices are keenly aware of how precious life is and are grateful for our second chance at it.

hi fluteplayer...

by lubro - 2013-07-15 08:07:02

just wanted to say hi and welcome ... sounds like you have adjusted well in dealing with your condition. I have only had my PM since Jan of this year, (a-fib) and this site has helped me tremendously; not only with factual information, but just knowing that we all share something in common, we are not alone, and we care. There are many like minded, educated, well informed positive energy people here, which, Imho, makes this site far and above most others you may come across.
Sounds like you may be a fellow musician...I've dabbled with the flute...usually bring it out around Christmas and play holiday songs. I'm an acoustic guitarist/singer/song writer...not professionally...but I have fun with it.
So, welcome to the club...Love your positive attitude. As far as coping, so far I have done really well.... I personally try to stay as positive as I can about life in general. We each only have so many heart beats in us, and I plan to take advantage of each and every one...

Welcome

by Grateful Heart - 2013-07-15 11:07:48

Seems I'm following Lou today.

Just wanted to welcome you also. 72%...that is wonderful !! Highest I have ever heard ! I have an ICD too.

There is a lot of info here....and humor.

Welcome,

Grateful Heart

thanks

by fluteplayer63 - 2013-07-15 11:07:50

Hi Grateful and Lubro -

Yes, I am extremely fortunate to have an electrophysiologist at Emory University Hospital who is a world leader in invention/surgery, etc. My problem is a lack of synchrony between the lower and upper chambers; no heart disease whatsoever. When Dr. Langberg implanted the ICD, he told me he had found the perfect point into which he inserted the lead to my ventricle. My EF did jump immediately from 10/15 percent to 40/45 (2 weeks later). Then I had an echo recently in which it had jumped to the 72 percent, that truly is amazing. I do everything I want to do - well, not everything but most everything. I try to keep fit, eat fairly well, etc. I do watch my fluid intake and weight - in all, I am just grateful for science and technology and doctors who know what they're doing. We live in an age that these kinds of life-saving devices are common. Were I to have had my problem even 60 years ago, I'd be dead now. I always try to remember this when I get upset about something relating to my ICD.

I hope you two are doing well and living life to the fullest, too. Gotta run - heading to pick up a grandson whom we're taking to the Space Center in Florida!!

fluteplayer

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.