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Shocked 24 times Almost DIED....HELP
My first ICD was a single lead St. Jude device. This was put in 2007 due to having an episode of VT. I was also told that I had Cardio Myopathy. Installing the device was like an insurance policy. That device shocked me 7 times by reading SVT as VT 2 years later. The unit was replaced due to a low battery, got an infection, and an IV for 6 months.
The unit and the lead were removed in Nov. of 2013 and a dual unit installed on the right side I was told with 2 leads it would not misread as the last unit did. This dual lead recalled unit JUST misread the SVT as VT and shocked me 24 times 4 days ago.
Needless to say on the first unit I asked for a knife to cut the wires at 5 shocks. I don't know how I survived 24. It was my first chopper ride but not a good one. Mercy Hospital in Redding questioned why the unit was ever installed I was told I have a healthy strong heart.
I thought 7 shocks messed up my mind....Now 24 shocks while alone for an hour, peeing myself, clawing and crawling down a dirt hill. The initial shock blew me right off the back of my ATV. My friend rode for help which returned an hour later. I only remember around 15 of the 24 shocks I fell unconscious for the remaining shocks Every time I think of the situation I cry at 49 years of age I went into shock being taken to the chopper. Any advise to ease my soal would be appreciated. I litterally am afraid to sleep. So much for skiing, snow boarding, or riding ATV's.
6 Comments
Better answer
by Gotrhythm - 2018-04-01 16:14:03
What a nightmare. Donr's advice is excellant. Lots of people get PTSD, not just soldiers and police officers. The sooner you get help, the sooner it can be resolved.
I'd like to add something else. This ia just my opinion, but a pacemaker that cannot tell the difference between a life-threatening arrythmia and a non-life threatening one is unacceptable.
You need to be evalusted at a major heart clinic--like Mayo, or others of similar reputation--even if you have to travel. Sad to say, but it's possible the people who put in the device didn't know what they were doing when it came to programming it.That programming needs to be changed--and you need to know for sure that it has been changed.
Also, it seems to me that whoever put in the pacemaker, doesn't have a good read on your condition. Trusting people who have demonstrated that they are untrustworthy is insanity. Obviously your rhythm problem, and/or your reaction to being paced isn't typical. Go somewhere that they see lots of unusual conditions. If you do indeed have VT then you need a better answer than the one you currently have.
Well said...
by donr - 2018-04-01 21:41:12
...Rhythm. I was thinking only of the immediate problem. W/o your half of the answer, they are back to Square One & headed the wrong direction for the third time.
Donr
Doing Better
by zapszone - 2018-04-02 01:41:07
I want to thank the people who took the time to reply. I am doing better daily just as long as I don't put myself at the time of the incident. I have contacted 2 Cardiologist who will be reviewing my download. I have also contacted 2 Attorneys I can live with a life threatening therapy situation, but not a misread I am mad at this device because it almost took me from my wife, my son & daughter, and our new 2 day old and 3 year old Foster kids
So Sorry To Read This
by Janey L - 2018-04-02 12:23:20
Hi. I just wanted to say I am so sorry to read what happened to you. It must have been so frightening. I am nearly 4 weeks into having a CRT-D and the one thing that scares me is getting a shock from it. So to get 24 like you did must have been terrifying.
I wish you well in recovering from such a terrible ordeal. I am thinking of you.
Best wishes
Janey
I ask how to turn it off....
by BOBTHOM - 2018-06-21 01:24:58
Funny thing is the first question I ask about my device is how do I turn it off if it fires to frequently or inappropriately. I was told that I don't, only medical staff with proper equipment can turn it off. Did some more research, something about magnetic fields disable the sensors, but I don't want to give people any ideas. Mine has fired on me twice and it's a nasty experience, I can only imagine 24. Best of luck to you!
You know you're wired when...
You participate in the Pacer Olympics.
Member Quotes
I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.
Stop!!!!! Do not Pass "Go"....
by donr - 2018-04-01 14:15:47
...Get youself IMMEDIATELY to some shrink who either understands the special needs of cardiac invasive surgery patients or who understands & treats Vets who suffer severe PTSD. That's what you most likely have right now & will haVE FOR A LONG TIME TO COME. You need their specialized help & the sooner, ther better. Like the day it happened. Unless there is something neweer & better, you need to see one who is traine in a technique called EMDR. Google it. Means Eye Movement Desensitization and Retraining, I recall. I am not current on reading about it but IF you know exactly what caused your PTSD, like you do, it can help quite soon.
Donr