inplanted cardiac difibulator?

Question

Hi im 23 and in 2005 was fitted with an icd cardiac difibulator after i suffered a cardiac arrest at a theme park i am still finding it very hard to be myself and have never really spoken to any1 with one fitted was wondering if any1 on here has had one fitted and how they feel about it i cant seem to find any local help and would like to learn more

Answer 1

I have an ICD implant and have had one since 2003, the manufacturer is Medtronics.
To be perfectly honest, the fact of having an ICD implanted crosses my mind every day, I'm not sure that I am totally comfortable having one even if it may save my life.
I once had it discharge on me 5 times in a row, all i can say is that it feels like you stuck your whole body in a light socket, not very comfortable.
I asked the Medtronic technician that was interrogating my unit on his computer if feelings of uneasiness are common with implant patients and he said definitely yes,
Medtronics has a link that you might find very helpful I will include the link below,
If you would like to communicate further just e-mail me I'm here to help and share any info. I have picked up in the past. Good Luck with your unit.


http://www.medtronic.com/patients/patients.html

Answer 2

I had an ICD for several years , it is not uncommon to feel uncomfortable about the ICD being in your chest and monitoring your every move.I would only be concerned if it is firing,if not try to ignore it and function as if it didn't exist. Check with the hospitals in your area ,many hospitals have support groups for ICD patients, if not you may want to consider a cardiac support group.
Good health and good luck.

Answer 3

Talk to the pacer rep when you have your ICD checked. They can tell you about any support groups, etc. If that doesn't work, go to the website for your device (Guidant/Boston Scientific, Medtronic, St. Jude, or Biotronik). They will be able to help you.

Answer 4

I haven't had the experience personally, but am a Reginal Faculty for the American Heart Association. Contact your local AHA and ask them if they have any volunteers you can speak with who have had a similar experience such as yours. You are not alone out there, and it should be some comfort knowing that this defibrillator, in your body, will be there if and when you need it. Good luck!

Answer 5

Lots of people have them and they are called pacemakers here in The UK. Call the hospital-they may have a heart group which meets for people who have your problem. I had a heart attack back in June '06 and whilst I was in there I spoke with several blokes who had had one fitted. Good luck.