ICD Implant
- by Neringa
- 2016-09-08 13:00:04
- General Posting
- 1274 views
- 6 comments
I am 57 and was diagnosed with viral cardiomyapathy at the end of this past May. My EF at that point was at 25% and very slowly has increased to 33% as of yesterday. My cardiologist discharged me from my life vest (which drove me crazy!) and now has left the ICD implant choice up to me. His words were" if you were to get into your car right now and drive home would you get into a car accident? Most likely not. Is there a chance you could? Yes, there is." So that is the same chance of me going into cardiac arrest. I had a heart cath in May and have no heart disease. I go to cardio rehab twice a week for about 90 minutes each session. I would certainly appreciate anyone's experiences, thoughts or suggestions. Thank you!
6 Comments
Surprise ICD
by Gotrhythm - 2016-09-08 14:07:31
Even if you saw it coming, it's always a shock to realise you need a permanently installed machine to keep your heart going. I have a pacemaker not an ICD but I imagine the feelings are much the same.
It's a sort of bad news good news situation. The bad news is you have a life-limiting heart condition. The good news, there's something to be done about it, something that will keep the condition from limiting you at all.
I find there is a lot of peace in the knowledge that my pacemaker is always awake, always tracking every heartbeat, and it's not going to allow my heart to stop.
You've come to the right place to learn more and to get support. You'll find lots of information in the archives, and when you have specific questions, there's usually someone who can help.
Good luck. I know gettung an ICD seems huge, but you'll do fine.
To ICD or not...that is the question.
by Cabg Patch - 2016-09-08 19:01:58
Obviously you've got to make the decision based on what you feel is best for you. Did you ask the Cardiologist what he recommends?
A majority of indivuals with ICD's never receive therapy from the device. It just sits there monitoring them. However, as I can attest if you need therapy you'd be greatful you have it. only a small percentage of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest survive without aid of a device. The fact you have no underlying heart disease coupled with the improvement of ejection fraction indicates there's a good chance your heart will continue to improve. At 33% you are right on the cusp of where an ICD is recommended and would be approved by insurance. 35 IS NORMALLY THE CUT-OFF. Sorry for the caps. anyway if you have any questions by all means ask, and you can private message me if you choose. Good luck whatever you decide, but remember that decision is yours.
ICD
by Drake3287 - 2016-09-09 17:02:15
My situation was VERY close to yours, even age. I just happened to have a one time run of VTAC that had to be cardioverted (shocked) in the ER. After having a cath procedure that was clear the doctor gave me simulair advise.
I choose the ICD 6 months ago and it was an easy process with a quick recovery. Within a couple of weeks I was 100% again with the exception of jogging everyday. I now simply do a short run along with a few mile's walk.
I've already done quite a bit of traveling in 6 months I've had it and so far no problems. I also leave for Italy in 2 weeks. They say I have a 70% of it never going off.
Think of it as insurance. Feel free to private message me about my experiences.
Choices
by Grateful Heart - 2016-09-09 22:06:09
I'm always taken aback when I see that someone has a choice of brands of devices. When I got mine, I didn't know you could choose the make and model of your device.....kinda like a car. I thought the EP chooses since he knows best. I didn't know much about pacemakers or ICD's except older persons needed them (or so I thought). I was 50 when I was told I needed one and received it 2 days after turning 51. You could've knocked me off my feet. Frankly, you could knock me off my feet even easier now (but I digress).
So I put my trust in my EP (which by the way, I had never met...so the true meaning of "blind trust" I suppose). I didn't know anyone with a device and I did not know about this site. He chose a Boston Scientific CRT-D which has served me very, very well. That was 8 years ago and my defibrillator has never fired. (Sometimes I think mine is defective because it has not fired) lol. According to my interrogations, I have more than 2 years left....yay!
My EF went from 24% to 55%.
Finally, I want to say that Cardiac Rehab was the best thing I could have done for myself so bravo for you for going through that program. Helping ourselves is so important through this journey.
I wish you well and as Patch said, ask your Cardio what he recommends. Afterall, they know best.
Let us know how it all goes.
Grateful Heart
You know you're wired when...
You have an excuse for being a couch potato.
Member Quotes
As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
accident with the body or with the mind ?
by oldearthworm - 2016-09-08 13:40:06
I care not for this reasoning , IMO, the cardiologist is incorrect . We have a ''ton of control'' with automobile accidents ..I'd say at least 99% .. With the heart not nearly that much But nothing , absolutely nothing is 100% - other than death and taxes ..