Post Defibrillator Shock Support

i had my icd implanted may of 07...aside from the lil bump i feel in my chest i dont even realize its there...until THURSDAY June 26, 2008 at 10:42 pm...i got a major reminder and thank GOD too. Looking thru the net..i came across an article that described my feelings almost to a T. Since that shock was delivered ( a warning ..then 2 shocks one behind the other)...ive been in a basic panic high anxiety state. Spent the night in the hosipital to await for the doctor to do a reading on my icd...i was up alllll night..every time i tried to close my eyes..i jumped up in a state of panic...fearing this icd is gonna jolt me again. This article i read states how....the fear can set in...and that every sensation that you used to take as normal..u begin to label as another "shock" warning. Its been almost 3 days and ive gotten about 8 hours sleep since...looking for any support out there from professionals or others who are experiencing it too...THANX

10 Comments

joann

by jessie - 2008-06-28 09:06:51

i don't have an icd but i have lots of friends that do. i hear you. i hope your dr. will give you a sedative at first to sleep some. you are in a high high anxiety state. right now . please contact your dr. i don't know if you can even be given a sedative for a few days. i am not a dr. you need to talk with others with and icd like joy and plumberman. jessie

ty so much

by chfAT42 - 2008-06-28 10:06:20

ty so much for the support..just knowing my new friends such as yourself..makes all the difference in the world...i will contact my dr in the am

Zappers

by joy1 - 2008-06-29 03:06:01

Yes we are "Zappers". ~smiling~ we are an elite group in the world and only other "Zappers" understand. One of the hardest things for us to do is maintain a sense of humor about our circumstances. Here's the website http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ZapList/
It is in yahoo groups, so if you haven't a yahoo account you'll need to set one up. There is alot of useful information there for people who have experienced being shocked.

Joy

meds.

by maggie - 2008-06-29 09:06:01

my PM was inserted for Low pulse rate...forgot to write that Maggie

meds.

by maggie - 2008-06-29 09:06:01

my PM was inserted for Low pulse rate...forgot to write that Maggie

meds.

by maggie - 2008-06-29 09:06:31

Hi, I had a PM inserted in 2003 for high pulse rate, now the Dr. put me on Bystolic 2.5 (beta blocker). I'm confused I can't understand why they can't adjust PM for this. Has anyone had this problem. maggie

i was zapped too

by curly - 2008-06-29 09:06:59

i know how you feel. i was zapped in april and spent a week in the hospital. the docs. put me on amiodarone.since then no shocks but still have anxiety.somedays not too bad . i do take zanox though. you sometimes have to take antianxiety drugs they will help . i find if i keep busy my mind does not think of the fear. i will say a prayer for you and i hope everything works out. yours truly,curly

joy1

by LindaScarberry - 2008-06-29 12:06:31

I would love to know more about zappers; I'm going to search for it tonight but will you please post the website address? I am consistently scared of being "zapped".

linda

after shocks...

by joy1 - 2008-06-29 12:06:45

Ok, I started my reply with a joke but only because I have been in your shoes. I experienced an electrical storm ...10 shocks in 20 minutes. Your anxiety and probably depression are consistent with about everyone who has been shocked. There are the exceptions though.

I would highly recommend you contact your GP and explain to them what has happened tell them what you are feeling and experiencing. If they are worth their pay, they will offer to put you on some sort of anti anxiety med. Use it. It can make a real difference. I am two years from my incident and I still use anti anxiety medication to sleep. Sleep is extremely important for those of us with heart problems. I would also recommend you find yourself a local support group or therapist who you can talk to. It will make a difference to. People here are great but it makes a huge difference if you can look someone in the face and tell them how your feeling and then get some feedback.

Many of us develop PTSD from being shocked. I eventually was able to get my ICD turned off a year ago. It is probably one of the best ways to get beyond the trauma of being shocked but then there is the risk of not having it there when you need it.

I fell thru our deck and though I should have been most worried about the possibility of a broken leg because I was injured, I was more worried my ICD would fire and it had been turned off for four months by this time. I still will cry when I get a static shock from touching something. I don't know how long it will take for my reactions to change or if they ever will. I haven't asked anyone that question.

Also, look under web links on this page. There is a link for a site called zappers. It's totally dedicated to people who have ICDs and the special emotional problems we deal with. Feel free to contact me if you'ld like.Your not alone.

Joy

Support Groups

by shockbox340 - 2008-06-30 10:06:19

chf, you might want to ask your cardiologist if there are any local support groups for ICD patients. Many cities are having gatherings where fellow ICD patients can share their concerns and success stories, and they frequently have a doctor or company representative there who can answer detailed questions. Many patients tell me that hearing one patient after another tell about how their life was saved and they are enjoying the time they have now that they might not otherwise frequently helps them grasp that the discomfort is worth it in the long run!

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