Phantom shocks

Aloha from Hawaii,

 

I have had a device since 2002 with no shocks ever. Today, after a meeting, I stood up and felt a bit dizzy. Something I have had happen before, no big deal.

However after I walked a few feet I felt a series of 6-9 shocks, starting at my feet and ending at my head. They were just a few seconds apart. They were not of the intensity of a shock that I was told to expect( like being kicked by a horse), more like the shock from an electrical outlet. After the last one I decided to go to the er. They told me that my device didn't fire. Question is could the device have given me a lower voltage shock that didn't show up in the device? Thank you


2 Comments

Jesus Jolts

by ROBO Pop - 2018-02-13 11:18:56

So let me ask you, did the people/person who told you therapy felt like a kick from a horse ever get kicked in the chest by a horse? Did he/she ever get a Jesus Jolt from a defibrillator? Like so many other legends about pacemakers and defibrillators that's a bunch of crap. As a frequent flyer I can attest that it is an instantaneous thump which startles you and is over. That's why I dubbed them Jesus Jolts, I have time to shout Jesus and it's over. Not a big deal.

As for your episode, I have no doubt something happened but, it wasn't your device. The dead give away (forgive the image) was that it started in your feet. Unless they implanted your lead contacts in a bizarre place like your feet that's just not going to happen. And, no your device won't shock and not leave a record. Too many things go on that would have given clear record of a therapy.

Shocks

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-02-13 21:23:26

I was at the arrhythmia clinic yesterday.  I have an ICD that has a feature called Anti Tachycardia Pacing (ATP) that does give lower voltage shocks that I may or may not feel.  Never had one.  But I did ask, if I receive an ATP shock, will it be recorded by the device?  Answer: yes and my home remote monitoring device will send the information to my doctor.  My ICD keeps records for a long time.

You were smart to go to the ER.  Recommend seeing your cardiologist or EP to gain their specialist knowledge of your unique situation.

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