questions

Hold off on the PM and get them to re-check your EF

by crustyg - 2019-10-08 11:52:49

I can't say that I have experience of severe hypothyroidism as a cause of low %EF - I expect someone else in the forum has.

But if you feel that good, hold fire on anything implanted and ask for the echo to be redone after another month - assuming you still feel that good - and wait.  Also, get them to explain the thyroid function test results, and make sure that you are 100% back in the normal range.

Worth asking yourself, do you just *feel* good, or can you actually do the things that you remember doing - walk briskly up the stairs, vigorous dancing, cycling, long hike/walks with family/friends/dog?

Hope the improvement continues!

REPLY

by MIchfan#1 - 2019-10-08 13:20:46

I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH MY CARDIOLOGIST AND WENT THROUGHT THE QUESTIONS I HAD. HIS EXPLANATION WHY TO GET THE DEFIBULATOR( CORRECTION NOT A PACEMAKER) IS BECAUSE I WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT WEARING THE LIFE VEST I HAVE ON CURRENTLY. SO FOR NOW WE ARE JUST CONTINUING MEDICATION...

THANKS FOR YOU INFO...

That's a very different kettle.

by AgentX86 - 2019-10-08 14:26:13

If a defibrillator is needed,  I wouldn't delay. I also don't see a major improvement in EF with a correction to the thyroid function, either. Yeah, the thyroid controls everything but EF being that low  is more of a physical thing. OTOH, feeling well matters more than your EF numbers.

My recommendation, based on the little we know is to NOT delay an ICD/CRT-D. I would also strongly suggest finding a good electrophysiologist to add to your medical team. You're outside the realm of what a cardiologist is trained for. I have both. Both are highly competent and don't step on each other at all

ICD won't improve EF

by BOBTHOM - 2019-10-08 15:19:22

If they are talking about a single lead ICD it will NOT do anything to improve your EF.  Also, the ICD is irreversible, once it's in, it's in (for life).  Just keep that in mind when making your decision.

ICD changes everything

by crustyg - 2019-10-08 16:42:35

As AgentX86 says, if you need an ICD to replace your temporary external defib - Life Vest - that's very different.

Don't waste time, but glad that asking the questions has clarified your thinking on the matter!

Best of luck.

bobthom

by ROBO Pop - 2019-10-08 18:30:21

Now the problem is how far this false information will travel unchecked.

For newbies out there, rest assured that in some cases a single lead defib can help improve a heart condition. There are a lot if factors involved including complete treatment regimen.

More importantly they can be, and are removed all the time. Think about it I've had two removed, and replaced with new devices and even switch sides I play on. I also have a number of friends who've had theirs removed permanently.

It also should have been obvious that the original poster MICHFAN#1 was using the wrong terminology, ie pacemaker versus defibrillator. When the EF is below 30% a defibrillator is recommended, not a pacemaker as the patient is more susceptible to Sudden Cardiac Arrest which is usually fatal and messes up your hair.

But look, don't take my word for it, ask your Cardiologist or Electrophysiologist.

One final thought. If you are having to push the button on your life vest to prevent a shock with any regularity, you are playing with fire. Get the defibrillator. You are having dangerous high ventricular tachycardia events and those can go into the less forgiving ventricular fibrillation. Frankly I find my CRT-D far more comfortable than those life vests

RoboPop....

by BOBTHOM - 2019-10-14 01:47:19

Please explain how a device that sits there and does nothing until it detects an irregularity and then simply shocks you out of it can possibly improve EF?
Replacing or swapping out the device is routinely done, removing completely is really really rare.  1) no one will pay for it unless your doctor can show it's doing harm and 2) The risk is so high that even if it's doing nothing useful they opt to leave it in to avoid the risks of removal.