ICD shocks

[max1959]

I was shocked 26 times by my ICD because of broker leads.  The physical pain is horrific, but the emotional pain lasts longer.  How do you regain trust in your device?


This discussion is related to defibrillator malfunction.

[Momto3]

OMYGOSH!  I am so sorry to read about the shocks.  I can't imagine how scary (and painful) that must be.  Have you had the leads replaced?  

My dad just had his ICD interrogated yesterday and the doctor said there is some risk of the leads breaking (I think he has one of the faulty leads).  The doctor said he could 1) do nothing since he does not feel my dad would be critically affected if the lead broke. He feels he would have time to get to the hospital.  2) He could have a new lead put in to replace the broken lead or 3) He could have the entire unit replaced.  He chose to do nothing, at least for now.  The doctor said it would probably shock him if the lead breaks...From what you say, it is more than ONE shock!

For the emotional pain, I think you just have to stay informed and keep up with your appointments.  Take it one day at a time.  Prior to the broken lead, had your ICD fired in the past?  My dad has a machine (at his house) that checks his ICD/pacemaker every night. I think the doctor's office gets a daily update.   Do you have something similar?

Wishing you a peaceful and pleasant weekend.
connie

[max1959]

Thanks for your response.  I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you.  Yes I do have a cardiac monitor next to my bed that sends information to my Dr.   My entire device was replaced along with the leads.  The monitoring device however cannot stop the shocks in the event the leads break.  I had my device checked by the Dr. less than a month before the shocks, and I was told it was fine.  I would recommend your Dad having the leads replaced as soon as possible.  Once they, break the register artifacts as tachycardia.  The schocks are constant and at full voltage.  Again, thanks for responding.  I'm doing much better.

[otown]

that is quite a lot of shocks.  How powerful are the shocks?  I know they can range from a 1 jewel shock up to around 40 jewels.  I used to wear one and once got 15 shocks at the most powerful settings.  I almost went crazy.  my anxiety levels were almost unbearable.  Unfortunately, arrhythmias vastly differ from patient to patient so its hard to gauge one person's experience against another's.  What causes your arrhymias? and your tachycardias?  apart from adjusting your diet, exercise and medication accordingly, its all about stress relief.  I used to have a regular prescription to zanax but I don't recommend it.  I hope things get better for you.  I know these shocks can be a terrible thing to experience.  my heart goes out to you.  

Oliver