ICD Fired this morning 4:10 AM

It's doing its job.

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-02 18:19:05

Who knows when it'll fire again but you now know what to expect (no, it doesn't sound like fun).  You sleep by convincing yourself that your ICD is there watching over you so that you can sleep.

Yep

by The real Patch - 2018-06-02 19:35:54

You are absolutely right. Your device saved your life, it's all down hill from here. 

Have them switch it off then you won't have to deal with the challengez of being a survivor

Disappointing

by Grateful Heart - 2018-06-03 09:19:42

So a new guy comes to this site looking for support and maybe some comfort and answers.  I'm not surprised from the ER doctors response...very matter of fact....they do not have a defibrillator...so no clue and sometimes....no care.  That is not to say all doctors are like that but sadly some are.  I've had some great doctors and I've had some terrible doctors.

Randy has some legitimate questions and concerns.  Most of us would have similar questions when and if we are defibbed for the first time.  

Randy:  I have had my ICD for 9 1/2 years and it has never fired.....so far.  Of course your device did it's job...but that is not what you are asking.  I would want some answers too.  I hope you get them from your cardiologist. 

Grateful Heart

Wait to talk to your EP

by Bionic Dan - 2018-06-03 15:28:40

I got mine a little over a month before you. I was told the same thing "it may never go off". I got my first shock the day before mothers day. No big deal, glad I know what to expect now. Mine went off due to VT that the device couldnt pace me out of. Let your doc pull the data from the device and see what really went on and sleep well knowing you've got a built in EMT crew looking after you.

If you have nothing to say why comment?

by BOBTHOM - 2018-06-21 00:20:11

For those leaving stupid messages, PLEASE STOP!  If you don't have something intelligent to say just don't say anything at all.  Until you've had one of these things fire on you you have no clue.  I had mine put in in Jan 2017, In Jan 2018 in went off for the first time.  Yes, it's painful, and it's frightening!  My instructions were to just call my cardiologist and if it fires again call 911.  So called cardiologist on Monday (of course these things always happen on the weekend!), they downloaded, reviewed, and call me back to confirm that, yes indeed, the device had fired, and it was an appropriate shock.  I had the same feelings and questions with nowhere to turn and noone to ask.  It's scary.  But, since dr's weren't worried I convinced myself not to worry either.  I didn't sleep more and an hour or two the first 2 nights but it gets better, gets easier.  Mine actually fired again in Feb 2018 with pretty much the same responses but now they have me on Amiodarone, started at super high dose of 800mg/day now down to 100mg/day.  Been OK since.  Yes, it's there to save your life, but in my case, I still question the programming of my device and I have since day one.  I have been getting strange mini-shocks at the heart end of the lead.  Did find out that it was partially from "recalibration" that it did every night at 12:30am.  I had them turn that off which helped but I think it still did a random periodic thing which I think led to it firing.  Just my 2 cents.  It's a scary thing to live through, but, yes, you lived through it.   And with limited options, this is what we have to live with and it beats the alternative.

ICD

by Katielou - 2018-07-14 19:41:02

Hi, I've had my ICD since 2005 following two cardiac arrests in 10 days.  The ICD was implanted and after a couple of months I had two more arrests and was I pleased that it fired and brought me back.  Ok, it isn't the most pleaseant experience but goodness me am I glad I had this amazing piece of machinery in my chest.  My cardiologist increased my meds slightly Bisoprplol) and since then there have been no problems.  I certainly hope it stays this way.

I went through the worry of more episodes for about a year and was a wreck for a while,  but at least I am still alive.  I look at it as a protective measure that I am completely happy to carry around with me and I look at every day as a bonus.    It's early days for you and understandably you are worried.  I can only tell you that it does get easier.  The time will come when you will hardly think of it.   Just try to get to accept that this little piece of technology will become your best friend.  It has given you life so  try not to spend your time worrying about it. Things will settle down I promise you.   Bobthom's post says it all and I have experienced exactly the same so hope this gives you some comfort.

Good luck.  I wish you well 

Katielou