anxiety feeling will it go away?
i had icd fire twice a couple of weeks ago . i was put on amioderone and my metropal was increased. i wanted to know if my anxiety will subside and if it is a good idea to take half a zanox a day
5 Comments
ICD Shocks and anxiety
by NJEMT1968 - 2008-05-06 02:05:10
I had an ICD shock on 3/28 while I was taking a nap, thought nothing of it. On 4/3 I nearly passed out and was delivered another shock from my ICD. My anxiety level went through the roof. I even had a few panic attacks. By trade I am an EMT (emergency medical technician) and used to make fun of people with anxiety and panice attacks. I WILL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN. These attacks feel so real. I was put on amiodarone, but it prolonged my QT interval so that was stopped. I had a VT/PVC ablation, but the doctors couldn't find the pvc's that caused the vt, however they did find some pvc's to ablate. They were also able to cause a few new ones that are beginning to settle down since the ablation. I no longer take amiodarone. I take coreg, metoprolol, lisinopril, bumex, KCl (potassium) and a Klonopin to help with the anxiety. The klonopin works great and the pshyciatrist wants to possibly consider lexapro to help with the anxiety.
The deivice is there because your doctor felt you needed it. Apparently he was right. The shock hurts like hell, but that brief hurt and anxiety helped keep you from being a statistic. You will do fine, you will get better physically and mentally more and more each day. I know I am...I've been out of work since 4/3 and cannot wait to get back to work. Take care good luck, write back if you want to chat more...
I don't have anything to add,
by bambi - 2008-05-06 11:05:39
except my heart goes out to you! I feel like those with ICDs must feel like they're playing musical chairs all the time-- wondering when the music will be turned off! Please look for support here! There are lots of us who will at least listen and sympathize!
Bambi
thank you for comments anxiety
by curly - 2008-05-12 04:05:20
thank you all for your comments i do not feel all alone now maybe the anxiety will go away some day yours curly
ICD & anxiety
by Katielou - 2008-05-12 04:05:39
Hi Curly, Having read of your anxiety I wanted to let you know that I have had my ICD for 4 years now. Having
been perfectly healthy all of my life, being diagnosed with long qt was a huge shock. The ICD was duly implanted and my new life began. I knew things would be different, not able to drive for 6 months, not able to fly for 3. not to be able to go swimming on my own and not to climb ladders. Well the driving ban was the worse thing ever for me as I live alone and my life revolves around being mobile to do everything. So I new I would have to walk to get the bus or go shopping etc. this was when the anxiety really hit. I imagined that I might have a shock when crossing the road or on the bus etc and I was terrified. It was always a relief to get home again. Every little feeling in my chest made me think I was going to have a shock. About this time I first found this site and I had some fantastic help from people who understood because my family and friends could sympathise but not really understand what was going on in my head. I hated the ICD and I felt like a freak, as though I was being kept alive by a machine! I was then in a very dark place and even wished that I hadn't come around from the original arrests I'd had. I realised that I was letting this rule my life and had to do something As time went on I got more confident and thought I had it all under control and then 5 months in I had two shocks and knew that it would be another 6 months before I could drive again. I decided I was not going back to that original place I was in 6 months previously and started to plan a holiday. I went off to Cyprus when I could fly again and though it was a little stressful I wasn't going to let it spoil my vacation. The anxiety will always be there a bit but that's because we know what a shock is like. I was determined not to let it rule my life and it was the best thing for me. I now do everything I've ever done. I drive everywhere now and don't even think about it (but I do drive more slowly) I fly regularly because I know there are hospitals all over the world where I could get treatment. I like to think that my ICD makes me protected unlike many others and I'm not likely to drop dead with a heart attack. Try to think of your ICD as a friend - it's safeguarding your life. I can't believe how lucky I am; I still have my life and the joy of my family and friends and the ICD is a small price to pay I think. It does get easier I can promise you and I know it seems easy for me to say but it takes time for the confidence to come but it will I know.
I don't know whether this has helped you but I hope you gain a little compfort from reading my experience.
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anxiety
by verger - 2008-05-05 06:05:03
i went through the same thing as you, mine fired 3 times, the 3rd shock i fell to my knees. i' glad it fired cause it saved my life, but i still can't get over the anxiety, it's less now, happened 5 months ago. at first i was terrified to drive, thinking it might fire,
since the experience i've been taking klonopin for the anxiety but i don't want to have to rely on this to feel 'normal'
i've been to a psychiatrist and we tried various medications, but i couldn't stand the side effects. they made me more anxious. my next move is to see a psychologist. maybe he'll have a suggestion for my anxiety. good luck, i know EXACTLY how you feel.
david