New to the club.

I'm getting an ICD with bi-ventricular pacing Oct 21st. I have myotonic muscular dystrophy that has affected the heart muscle. I suffer from CHF. Hoping this will make me feel a little better and some of my energy back. Am a little nervous but trying to stay positive.😕

6 Comments

ICD

by raven - 2014-10-15 08:10:01

What is an ICD?

New to the club

by Cheryl B - 2014-10-15 09:10:16

Dear New:
This site is a great place for "newbies." I came here four years ago after getting my device. I, too, have CHF, and a couple other medical terms that are what they are.
Anyway, I do feel better. I also have my energy back. I am so glad the doctors put one of these things in. Without it, I would not be typing this letter. keep reading the posts, and ask all the questions you want. The people here will get you over the rough spots, and then you'll help somebody when it's your turn. It's been so nice to be able to talk to another person who has a device than a doctor who only prescribes them, or a family member who just doesn't understand. Keep coming back.
Cheryl B.

ICD

by Cheryl B - 2014-10-15 09:10:34

It's a pacemaker with a defibrillator. The technical name is implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Cheryl B.

Thanks

by abqeric - 2014-10-15 10:10:30

Thank you Cheryl B. It is nice to have someone to talk to. Did you have much pain at the incision site. I don't like to take anything more than Tylenol unless the pain is too much. I was told they would sedate me with Versed and Fentanyl and I would go home the same day. That's fine with me. I have someone that takes good care of me. Very blessed for that.

Thank you again.

Eric

Pain Level

by Lurch - 2014-10-16 08:10:34

Apparently the pain level is a little different for each individual.

I had my ICD implanted five months ago. For me, fortunately, the pain level was very low. I was given a prescription for 30 pain pills. I took two the first day home (second day after implant) and never took another one.

The only time I can say that mine really hurt was when I would do something stupid (like trying to hang an 8 foot long vertical blind set while reaching overhead, losing control of it and having it go behind me, stretching my left arm backward, or carrying a box and running into a door jam pushing the box back into my incision site; by the way, I don't recommend either!)

Hopefully, you will not have problems with pain.

Feeling better

by abqeric - 2014-10-16 09:10:22

Thank you everyone for the info and support. I'm getting ready. I'm feeling better about it. A little excited that I might get some energy back. My partner has really noticed my decline. In part because I'm not able to help take care of even day to day responsibilities. Even getting out of the house to grocery shop or a movie seem an ordeal. Don't mean to sound "Drama".

Thanks for listening.
This is going to be a good thing!

Eric

You know you're wired when...

You’re officially battery-operated.

Member Quotes

I can honestly say that I am feeling absolutely amazing!