Defribillator

Has anyone gotten a defribillator after congestive heart failure?  My cardiologist wants me to have one implanted.  
Barbara

[chowland51]

Barbara,
My father, at 80 years old, just got one 2 weeks ago and he feels much better. He is stronger and his heart rate is more steady. We are so grateful he got one!
Cheryl

[barbm135]

Cheryl,
Thank you for answering.  I'm glad your Dad is doing better. I'm on a month long event monitor right now and I never realized how often I have palpatations.  I'm 62 and work full time.  Can you tell me how long it took for your father to recover after getting the defribillator?  My doctor says that it is an overnight stay but he never said how long I'd have to be out of work.  Thanks for your help.  You're sure a really good daughter!
Barbara

[anandbharti]

Barbara,
I spent one night in the hospital, however I was refrained from driving for one month. I have read that the driving rules for people fitted with ICD vary from state to state. So basically, I needed to be off work for one month. My cardiologist at that time told me if you get it fitted on Wednesday, you could be at work on the following Monday. However, the electrophysiologist who did the procedure told me the wound will take at least two weeks to heal. I also had to put my left  arm in a sling during daytime for a couple of weeks.
Do ask your cardiologist and/ or the electrophysiologist to put you on optimized dose of heart medication. I was put on a lower dose of beta blocker  and as a consequence had my pulse going beyond the threshold which led to shocks a month after the the device was fitted.
Despite these caveats, i would recommend having the device fitted. The alternative of possibly suffering a cardiac arrest when there are only eight minutes to save your life
is not easy to contemplate.
Best wishes

[fulloflifemom]

My mother underwent the procedure of getting a defribillator after CHF.  The device just saved her life last week.  She went into cardiac arrest.  She would have died without it.

Keep in mind when the heart muscle has been damaged, other complications like A-Fib and Ventricular Tachacardia can occur.  It's there to save your life.  Think of it as your personal ICU or an internal angel.

She has so many complications and made it through just fine.   Good luck!!!!  I'm saying a prayer for you......

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,
Defibrillator is commonly implanted in patients suffering from CHF as they are prone to dangerous arrhythmias which can be life threatening. Hence, please be assured you are not being subjected to something unique/different. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.