Is this normal?

My ICD was implanted three years ago. I felt very secure knowing it was there to help me. At first I was concerned about what I might feel if the defibrillator fired. But as time went by I became even more comfortable with the idea that I had this wonderful device to help me. About a month ago however, the defibirillator fired when I was asleep. After I got to the ER, on my doctor's instructions, the device continued to fire 23 times. I was given additional medical to help regulate my heart rhythm and released after three days. Follow up visits with my doctor and monitoring of the device have shown no further episodes of the device firing. My problem is that now I find myself having a difficult time getting over the event. Although I consider myself a fairly rational person, I find that at times I'm afraid to lie down for fear that it will go off again and I find myself fearful of every little twitch I experience. My doctors tell me this is not unusual and I accept that intellectually but sometimes I find myself worrying needlessly. Have any of you experienced these feelings and if so, how did you cope? Thank you for any advice.

3 Comments

It was normal for me.

by brucerob - 2009-01-21 08:01:11

I had two instances of multiple firings after leaving the hospital (though not 23 times). My medication was changed and I have not had an incident since the end of last June. Afterward, I was checking my pulse quite often and worried about every odd feeling. My cardiologist reminded me that my ICD was saving my life.
The only advice I can give you is take one day at a time and count your blessings. To prevent more shocks, I am very careful about taking my medications and try to take care of myself. My support group (family, friends and this forum) help a lot. I have no great words of wisdom that came to me from above, but you do learn to cope.

Best wishes, Bruce

REACTION

by pete - 2009-01-22 03:01:35

I think your reaction is perfectly understandable. Thats a awful lot of shocks to get over a short space of time. You will have to lay down sometime. You could try getting a recliner chair and gradually day by day recline it a bit further and see how you feel. Good luck . Peter

Know the feeling.........

by Katielou - 2009-01-22 12:01:32

Hi rhudgins,

I have no magic remedy to help you over this awful apprehension you are feelijg at the moment but I do understand totally. I have been shocked though not had the multiple experience as you have.

I can only say that for some good time after my shocks I was petrified to do anything. Going out to do my shopping was a nightmare, crossing roads, going out for a meal etc.etc. My mind was completely consumed with the question 'what would I do if this happened in public'. I became quite down about it all and then gave myself a good talking to. The fact is that without the ICD I'd be dead now so I was going to have to get used to it. If it happens I know that I have the courage to cope With each day that has passed since my last shock three years ago my confidence has returned and I just get on with my life as best I can. I've had one shock in my sleep and it is frightening and at first I felt just as you do now. Time has passed for me and it has been a great psychological healer.

You will gain confidence I promise you and this will come much quicker if you can find a positive attitude to help you through.

I hope you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that you will be able to overcome your fears.

The possibilty of what can happen is always in the back of my mind but that is where I make it stay - It's tucked away and it won't be allowed to rule my life.

Good luck and am always here if you need support at any time.

Take care,
Lesley

PS. I have a Medicare bracelet and I always carry my ICD/Medical record with me. Strangely, this helped me to feel a little more secure.

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I am just grateful to God that I lived long enough to have my ICD put in. So many people are not as lucky as us; even though we sometimes don't feel lucky.