ICD Storm!

Just back from the hospital.  On Tuesday night my ICD fired.  I called 911, ambulance came and no sooner was I in the back when it fired again.  As they were putting in a port (catheder for giving meds) I told them it was going to fire again, they looked at me and then I yelled "Clear".  It fired again ripping the port out of my skin.  They finally got one in and while they were attaching the electrodes to my chest I told them it was happening again, yelled "Clear" and the darn thing fired again.  As they were strapping me in I told them it was happening again, this time they backed off, watched it fire and then finished strapping me in.  Not a fun evening!  It fired 5 times within 20 minutes!!!   Finally made it to the ER, kept under observation, they increased my Amiodarone and so it went.  Made it up to the cardiac floor late yesterday afternoon, stayed over, and finally released this afternnoon.  If you've never had this happen count your blessings, it is one of the most traumatic experiences I've ever lived through, knowing what was coming and nothing you or anyone else around you can do, over, and over, and over.   Sorry, just needed to share, it's that PTSD thing I think.   Hope everyone has been having better days!  

8 Comments

So Sorry

by Grateful Heart - 2018-09-06 16:07:57

I'm so sorry you had to go through that....I have a CRT-D and I can't imagine. 

Did the doctors ascertain what happened?  Medical or faulty?

Grateful Heart

Medically Appropriate...

by BOBTHOM - 2018-09-06 16:26:49

EP said they were medically appropriate and if I did not have an ICD I would be dead.   So, as bad an experience as it was, it sure beats the alternative!

Still having trouble sleeping, wake up just after I doze off wondering if it's happening again.  I'm sure I'll get over it but it was alot.

Oh man..

by Hoser - 2018-09-06 19:06:47

Hang in there! You were traumatized but better that that the alternative...

I also have an ICD so I appreciate you posting those details.

ICD storm

by Redredwine - 2018-09-07 06:18:42

Hang in there BOBTHOM you sound the kind of person thats strong and clear minded thanks for sharing and good luck for a long future.

Feeling the ICD firing.....

by BOBTHOM - 2018-09-08 10:22:24

Just wanted to add that not everyone feels their ICD getting ready to fire.  I'm one of those that does so I have a couple seconds warning as I feel it sense, then try to pace, then ultimately fire.  For me it feels like a series of 3 pins poking in a circular pattern, increasing in speed and intensity until it finally fires.  But again ,that's just me.

Also, thanks to Grateful Heart, Hoser, and Redredwine for your supportive comments.  Much appreciated!

Be aware of that "

by donr - 2018-09-09 09:58:44

You have been through a rather unpleasant experience - enough to trigger the PTSD issue.  It can jump up and bite you easily, and it is unpredictable when it might happen.  Usually its reasonably soon, a matter of days.  If you have questions about it, send me a Pvt MSG, I'll be glad to discuss t for you.

DonR

Thanks Donr

by BOBTHOM - 2018-09-19 12:25:26

Thanks Donr.  Last time, back around Jan 20, 2018 it fired, then next one was 3 weeks later on Valentines day.  So, yes, I'm kind of expecting it to happen again.  Only thing that will prevent it is that they upped my dose of Amiodarone.  They did change some settings but I don't remember what they were.  Unfortunately offfices here in Wilmington NC are still closed because of the hurricane/flood/cleanup so I'll have to wait until next week to request the records.

Just a follow up....

by BOBTHOM - 2018-09-26 16:28:38

Just got a hold of the device report.  It fired the fiirst time at 11:30pm and the 5th and final time of the event at 11:45pm.   Fortunately it didn't use very much battery life, at least that's some good news.  I see my cardiologist in about 2 weeks so should be a fun me asking what caused it how do we prevent it followed by doctor responding by throwing of the hands in the air and shrugging shoulders.  It is what it is until the function drops to the next level and then LVAD I'm guessing.  Sorry, just rambling and thinking, kind of a therapy.  Thanks for letting me bend the ear!

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