My ICD saved my life!

• by AndyK930
• 2010-02-09 10:02:09
• ICDs
• 3194 views
• 4 comments

I occasionally log in and see many people question the necessity of having a pacemaker/ICD. I just wanted to tell everyone that feels that way of my latest experience that shows that if an PM/ICD has been recommended by your doctor for arrythmias, cardiomyopathies (my diagnosis since 1991) or any heart disease that affects the heart rhythm it is a very important thing in your life.

On Thursday the 28th of January I had an appointment with my cardiologist for a followup to a hospital visit 2 weeks prior. I have been having a problem catching my breath during normal activities like walking. It turned out to be more fluid retention than anything else and I seemed to be OK after that hospital stay. However, after the visit to the doctor I went home and had some dinner and was sitting in front of my computer when all of a sudden I felt a rapid heartbeat, my upper body felt like it was on fire, and I then experienced tunnel vision which made me feel like I was going to pass out. After several minutes of resting, I felt better, but didn't understand what had happened. I had an appointment 4 days later with my ICD doctor and during those appointments the representative from the ICD company always gets the readings for the device. I mentioned the date and time of this occurrence and the first thing the nurse told me was that the device had done its job...meaning it had fired at that time because I had experienced ventricular tachycardia. This is usually the cause of sudden cardiac death! usually I can handle bad news, but the reality of this event really affected me. Three days later I was working and I had walked a short distance and couldn't breathe very well and then all of a sudden I broke down and cried uncontrollably for quite a while. This and the breathing problem caused me to go the ER. The ER doctor said she has encountered many ICD patients that have reacted to this near death experience in the same way. She recommended that I seek some counseling to deal with it. Later that day the emotions had ceased and after talking to the doctor, my wife and my adult children about the feelings I had I seem to be in a much better place with it.

I know this is rather long winded,but I wanted to share my experience to show people how important these devices are and it is also theraputic for me as the more I talk about it the the better I do feel.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!