High Anxiety

Hi everyone, I'm new here and also new to having a defibrillator as of Nov.11, 2008. My docs have been pretty good about answering questions but there is one thing no one can seem to address. Since the day after surgery I have been feeling an incredibly high degree of anxiety. My sense is that it is related to this new thing in my chest but is also due to the underlying reason I needed the ICD in the first place. I'm also fearful of getting a whopping shock that everyone describes as a "kick in the chest by a horse. Has anyone else felt this anxiety? If so, does it dissipate over time? I'm just not used to feeling this way. Thanks very much.

5 Comments

Hello

by lb151 - 2008-11-24 02:11:34

I have to echo what the first 2 comments say. There are days I want to rip this thing from my chest,,I cry,and feel sorry for myself. Those days are becoming fewer. You will be thanful if it has to fire and will most likely be very ill and wont notice it so much. Mine has saved me twice. Now I have a new heart valve so I hope it has served its purpose.
Come in here any time you need assurance and a shot of courage. These guys are great!
take care

Anxiety

by Katielou - 2008-11-24 02:11:35

Welcome to the club - hope you find it helpful.

You're not alone in your anxiety or feeling any different to the rest of us who have ICD/PM's. It is quite a thing to suddenly have this lump of metal in your chest and it does take a little getting used to. Take heart though because I promise you it does get better and you'll be surprised just how quickly. It can be a life changing event and one which none of us would choose.

As far as the shock is concerned it is hard waiting and wondering when it will come. Personally I was glad when I had mine because at least I knew what it was like and am now aware. I had them both within the first six months resulting in my medication being altered slightly and I have been fine ever since.

Just take it a day at a time and I'm sure you will be fine. Your confidence will return and before you know it you'll be coping admirably.

Please let us know how you are getting on.

Take care,
Lesley

Thank you very much

by PARNASUS - 2008-11-24 09:11:00

Thank you guys very much. I truly appreciate the time you took to reassure me as both a new member and a new member to our small club. I know things will get better and I know that this will be a very special Thanksgiving for me and my family. Ralph

Feel the same

by yankeesoxok - 2009-01-11 03:01:43

I, too have felt alot of anxiety regarding my ICD. I was fine from January 2006 until recently. I'm actually worse, I think since I got my shocks this past summer. (anxiety wise). But, my shocks happened because the threshhold was set at 190 and, while running to "escape" a thunderstorm, it went off 4 times in a row. It was scarey, to say the least, but I agree with Cabg Patch...it feels like an electrical shock. It is like you are being stopped in mid stream, or trying to run against a strong wind. You will feel weak, but the device will save you. You will have up and down days. I was feeling better until I had a long bought of freuent PVCs (in addition to my WPW and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) in December. Now, I'm back to taking it day by day. If you continue to feel this way, medicine can help. I feel I may take that route soon myself. Alot of what we deal with, in having ICDs, is our psychological struggle. I'm glad to see there are many others like me out there.

How are you doing now?

by Rockpainter - 2019-08-29 15:08:41

I am suffering from anxiety and depression from my ICD installment on July 3rd, 2019. How are you all doing now? I know some years have past. Just wanted to know how long it took to be released of this horrible feeling. 

Cheryl

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