The Shock that Saved Me

First let me begin by saying that I have had a Biventricular ICD implanted in Oct 05. For re-syncronization therapy, and since my ejection fraction was reduced I'd be at a greater risk for sudden life threating arrhythmias. Well last week at work, I became dizzy, just about lost consciousness, received 1 shock from my ICD and felt fine other than the fact I was still having palpitations, so I went to the ER. There I became very anxious in fear of my device firing again and was given some meds to help calm me down, I was also given some meds to help stabilize my heart rhythm. Later that evening my device was interogated and I found out that 6 days earlier my device delivered therapy apparently while I was taking a nap. The doctors at the local hospital transfered me to the cardiac hospital that put in my device and my medication was changed from Sotolol to Amiodarone. They started it both orally and IV. A couple of times since I have been getting what seems like a panic attack, becoming extremely anxious everytime I feel a strong palpatation or become even the slightest bit dizzy. I am am taking a mild benzo to help with the anxiety, but am looking for other options, support, whatever will help.

I realize that the device I have inside me is my lifesaver, it did what it was supposed to do. My safety net saved my life. So then why am I so anxious about everything. Please help! Thanks

1 Comments

How nice it worked!

by Swedeheart - 2008-04-15 05:04:55

Dear NJEMT1968,

First of all how nice your device worked like it was supposed to!

Now about anxiety... I am nearly an "authority" on anxiety as I seem to get anxious over everything! It is weird... simple things that never bothered me suddenly do. My cardiologist told me that I have developed a super-sensitivity to adrenalin... so I get really anxious very easily. When I found out I was going to need a pacemaker I had an outright panic attack and wound up in ER. The problem is it is very hard to distinguish between heart problems and the feelings of a anxiety or panic attack. Many of the same symptoms. I have some meds to take if I feel suddenly anxious and if I don't feel better within an hour then I figure it is my heart... but if I were having a real problem with my heart it would be stupid to take a "wait and see" attitude. So, I have made some extra trips to ER and ultimately get sent home. There is no quick or easy answer. But with experience one can learn to filter the internal symptoms I expect.

One thing I have learned with the sudden appearance of heart issues is it makes me anxious because I am not ready to end it here and it sure brings all that home quickly. Someone on this site once said (much more eloquently that this..) , it isn't the death we fear, but the quality of life we fear that might be poor. I know I have a lot I want to accomplish yet!

I think anxiety and sometimes depression is part of the package with heart problems. That isn't the good news... but with help from our families, friends, medical personnel we can get through those times. You aren't alone. Lots of folks here have been through similar things... sometimes that helps.

Good luck. And remember your device may well have saved your life! This is a good thing.

Swedeheart

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