REMOVAL OF ICD

[lenon]

I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ATRIAL FIB AND V-TACH ALONG WITH VENTRICULAR FIBRILATION. I ALSO HAVE CHF. WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF SURVIVAL IF I HAVE MY ICD REMOVED?

[jim5353]

I have been supplementing with Magnesium Tuarate for 19 months now.  I scan my device at home every Monday morning.  Since I started Mag,  I have had ZERO,  VT's or any kind of pcp's.  I was having up to a 137 VT's a month until I undertook the Mag therapy.  80% of the US Population is deficient!!  Mag regulate's electrical  issues in the heart!!   Doing so well I will have the AICD taken out!!

[irish_jessi]

I've had mine since Christmas Eve 2014. I got shocked for the first time twice in a row (in just a few seconds)  on January 17th, and it knocked the breath out of me a bit and I fell when the second one hit, but it wasn't too bad. It shocked me once in my sleep, but it wasn't too bad either. It took me a minute to realize it wasn't a dream.

I think it's worth it. If it's too strong, they can always turn it down. They are able to make adjustments to fit your body's needs.

I would rather have this there to save my life, than have a heart attack again, only to end up at the ER where they'll shock me with the paddles. No thanks! I've done that and it burns your skin.

BTW, I just turned 31 on January 29th and I have been having heart surgeries (7 in fact) since I was 13. I know it's scary, but nobody can decide for you whether or not you can handle this. It is a real trip. Gets inside your head and makes **** real. But I would NEVER take mine out. Mine is a pacemaker/defibrillator combo. I feel like I have a safety net.

I hope you find peace with yours. I am still adjusting to mine, but I would be terrified of dying without it.

[Princesschalk]

How do I get this out of me

[Princesschalk]

Help

[jwoma1956]

I have an ICD put in 2007 it has never gone off now the battery is dead. Dr. wanted to replace it I don't want it I want it removed. I never changed my life style other than the fact I cant go through a metal detector which is embarrassing when in travel or with people I work with I'm around large electrical motors all the time this thing like I said has never served a purpose the leads had to be monitored because of failure with other peoples devices I just want it removed cant get that through the Drs. head Anyone know what I can do  

[sherry1970]

Were you able to get it removed?

[xcgirl123]

Im 17 and about to get an S-ICD implanted. Do all of you really hate the implant that much? I was already scared to have this operation and now I'm downright terrified! I have Long QT Syndrome and I already had to give up my ability to run cross country, participate in competitive swimming, and play soccer. I don't want to feel all restricted my entire life. I'm nervous about getting shocked, my doctor said it feels like you have been kicked by a horse in the chest, but he said it was fleeting pain. I'm just really scared and do not know what I should do or how I should prepare for the surgery.

Can anyone offer and advice or help?

[Macrat]

This is October 2014 did you ever get it remove and are you ok

[Pacemakertechcanada]

I'm a pacemaker/ICD technician and I'm not sure if it was explained to you but...being around things like a lawn mower, chain saw, or a running car motor can trick your device into thinking your heart is going fast and therefore deliver therapy aka a "shock". Because of the electrical vibrations emitted from the mower...the device picks it up and thinks it's your hearts electrical impulses. Stay away from large running motors and this will not happen. ICD's have come along way since 2008 when this thread started, but you need to be aware of things that can cause unessesary shocks. Ask the company who made your device for more information. It's rare at my clinic to see inappropriate shocks, but these are the reasons they happen. If they are not programmed correctly there may be a problem. Leads can break down and also cause this. Having a care link monitor at home can send info to your clinic to avoid problems before they happen.

[dsanborn]

im 52 years old and my lifestyle cant get any healthier. when i was 38 and working out on our new bowflex i collasped, was in a coma for 4 days and the doc and my family decided to let them implant the defibrillator, well i have had a total of 3 and didnt have any issues until abt 3 weeks ago i was mowing my lawn and it shocked me 4 times and it hurt very bad and i was taken to the hospital and stayed overnite for observation. apparently my rate to set off the icd was set to 172 which for me is too low, i dont know if someone set it to that or it just went there by itself i too think of it constantly and keep thinking about getting it removed and maybe i can control my heart rate with medication i have a doc appt may 7th i hope we can figure it out......i use to be fearless because of the difibrillator but now i am fearful..............

[Teachers_Pet]

I have had  ICDs since 2002, the 1st a single lead was recalled by Medtronic after it had administered 3 needed shocks, it wasn't faulty on later examination. The 2nd single lead was removed after another 3 shocks in late 2009 in mid 2010 for a 3 lead upgrade due to the onset of congestive heart failure. The 3 lead unit I have now has only "charged" one time that has shown on downloading by a Pacer Nurse. It hasn't ever "shocked" me.  I feel much better than before 2009 due to constant pacing  which now gives a regular heart rhythm.  
Background. I had 3 heart attacks in one week in 1998 at 48, basically lost the lower third of my heart.  At one point while in the CICU my wife was told she might want to contact our kids since I might just have 72 hours. I'm very happy to be here and don't grudge the device the occasional ZAP.  To me  the shock is no worse than the one you get changing out an electrical outlet, after having turned off the wrong circuit breaker. Except it's in your chest instead of at your fingers. Afterwards I have cold sweats and feel light headed for about 10 minutes. The sweats and light headiness happen also if it charges and doesn't give therapy (shock), so at least I have a warning it's about to happen, if awake . Then it passes.  Don't worry about the shock, worry about your future without an ICD.  My father died of sudden cardiac arrest at 66, on his daily 5 mile walk,  2 years before my heart attacks. Looking back, an ICD would have probably kept him going a lot longer.

[Me4ever]

Don't reply if u don't have n ICD implant, I'm about to have one implanted in less then one week, I'm scared after hearing about these shocks, please talk to me

[Heartwisper]

I had my ID implant 3 years ago and in that time it went off twice approximately 1.5 years apart . My advice is learn what the symptoms are if you get dizzy sit down fast you only have 1 second before you find out the pain you will have after you hit the pavement. In my two cases I past out and didn't feel the shock but the first time I felt the ground learned my lesson fast . GOOD LUCK AND DO WHAT THE DOC SAYS TELL HIM EVERYTHING

[Me4ever]

I have no idea what anyone is talking about, except I'm about to have an ICD implanted in two weeks,I have heart failure,non-congestive heart desease,mitral valve regurgitation and reading about these shocks is scary, I don't know what to do help me

[2atfortyseven]

Hello to all, I have one also (3rd device so far) my first one was installed over 10 yrs ago. the first time I ever got a shock was 2 yrs ago. and it only shocked me due to the fact that I was dead before I hit the ground. restrictions in life? I was a log home builder, father of 2,and no health issues ever. when I was diagnosed with IHSS (idiopathic hypertrophic sub aortic stenosis) now know as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, it pulled the rug out from under me. I was a beast of a man,strong as a bull. and couldn't accept that I was told to stop all sports and physical work.(no insurance and no income if I was to stop working. so I kept working..every place I have ever worked has found ways of getting rid of me when they find out I have this disorder and icd in me. I can still work as hard as any 21 yr old... and I am still walking this earth because of my icd. you guys better rethink all of these excuses each and every day before having your icd removed or even shut off.  as far as I know Doctors don't go putting these in for stupid reasons? if anyone is having shock storms? they should get the device checked immediately at a pace-clinic. the programing must be wrong or the device has some sort of defect (ie bad wires that are causing noise that makes the unit think there is a problem, thus shocking you for the wrong reasons)
my disorder has now been traced back to a genetic mutation and with the data recorded from my last (death event) my daughter now has her own icd and one of my sisters (family of 7) has one also. we are all safer with the icd than without. yes for many yrs with icd and no shocks, I was often wondering if it was a necessity? but now that I had this unit bring me back to life, there is no question in my mind.
keep your chin up and carry on as best you can with your loved ones close to you, tell them you love them, and be careful what you wish for.

[leachyno1]

i was diagnosed 8yrs ago with a.r.v.c after my 23yr old brother died suddenly playing football. i have had my i.c.d fitted for over 7yrs now and carry on a normal life!! i work 7days a wk as a scaffolder!! their arent really many restrictions to what you can do with your defib other than run around like a lunatic!! if your worried about it goin off whilst lifting things and having fun. go back to your specialist they can tweek it to suit your needs with the confidence to you that it is still there to save your life!!!

[Oliver65]

Hi John, how did you get on re removal. I am due for replacement next month, and I am struggling with the decision. Don't want the chance of ending up a veggie dePendant on this machine!

[Oliver65]

Hi, I don't know how long ago you posted comments. I am due to have my icd replaced in Aug 2013, in the UK. I too am a depression sufferer with bi-polar.
I think about the end and don't know if I really want to extend it. It is a concerning dilemma, if you can help with your final decision I would really appreciate.
Who can you talk to?
Michael

[azzllin]

I had an ICD implanted just before Christmas, I went for a check up last Monday when the Nurse suddenly asked me how I was feeling, I said fine, she then said that the previous morning 6.20 to be exact, she said the device shocked me, and the reason was my electrical pulses in my heart where so faint she doubted that anyone without an ICD would have made it.
I have to admit I have hardly slept since Monday, one moment I'm fine, the next I want to burst out crying I am so scared.
The shock did not hurt at all, I was awake at the time she said, the only thing I remember before waking up after passing out, was a sudden and very severe dizzy spell.
I then realized that the same had happened a few weeks before, on that occasion I was shocked twice within 5 minutes, all occasions exactly the same, starting with a severe dizzy spell, then waking up.
I am so worried for my Daughter, I think that's what the tears are about, she is almost 19 but has mental health problems, my wife left last March, I am so worried it is doing none of this any good,
I have always considered myself a big guy who could handle anything, but this has got me scared stupid, and I cant go to the A&E because there is nobody to look after my Daughter.
I am hoping that time will be the healer and the more I get used to it, the better I will feel, especially when I think that last Sunday, without my ICD, I would not be typing this now.
This

[rjm1959]

in 1987  age 27 was mugged stabbed in chest/heart had myocardial contusion resulting in low ef,was put on ace inhibitor,alot of em,ef went back to normal,recovered fully,THEN in 1998 had M I ,vtach the works.. they put in icd shocked the hell out me alot,come to find out that i had anneurysm,heart doc says lets resect enneurysm,and u wont need icd--after open heart surgery to remove anneurysm icd out had neg eps study and it came out in 1999 and so far im fine,think my ef is around 40 or more,take  metoprolo n lisinopril daily--see primary have bloodwork done and even ekg yearly,but i havent seen heart doctor in 10 yrs,all they want to do is echoes/thalium studies up da ying yang then giv ya bad news,no thanx!!!! i wud have had that icd removed even if i had pos eps.i want to live in peace,in no way was any of my life peaceful or fun when i had icd,FEAR personified!!and besides the eps doc told me in 99,the icd damages ur heart w/each shock. yes icd may save ur life,but hows life when ur constantly in fear of being hit by a damn recking ball 24/7---i guess ima big baby but i feel peace now booby

[plsremove]

why did the your insurance cancel you? was it because you had it turned off? I had one put in 2008 they told 5 -  7 years. 4 years later they are telling me I need a new battery. It has never gone off. I just want it out.

[grendslori]

I have not read every single post, but more than half, I'm sure at this point. Sorry, this is my vent. I see so many on this post who, in my humble opinion, are reacting like babies. Grow up! There are children, CHILDREN who have to have these devices implanted!! Quit feeling sorry for yourselves and be grateful for the life that you have ben given! Heart disease robbed my daughter of her childhood as well  as her teen-age years; SHE didn't have a life; at 22 she was transplanted. It appears many of you have NO IDEA of how bad things can REALLY get so start counting your blessings in that ICD that is saving your life! If the ICD is screwed up, it's because some idiot doesn't know how to program it correctly; don't put the blame on the ICD, put the blame where it belongs and get on with your life!

[delydarren]

I had an icd put in for hcm a few years ago after being pressured by my doctor . I was miserable . Lost 30 lbs and felt like crap because I couldnt do anything . I begged my cardiologist to take it out and after a bunch of tests and paperwork , he agreed . One doctor told me I would be lucky to live 2 months without it. Its been 3 years and probably the best 3 years of my life. I know these things save peoples lives but mine took mine away . I am 40 btw.

[getitout]

You mentioned you had your icd removed how is it are you ok mine was placed for what I know was a misdiagnosis or just the the fact that i was the perfect person to use as a test object for rescearch, the reason I say this is because I was 23 had a few symptoms of postpartum cardiomyopathy and at the time had meth in my system  went to the er for what I felt was a chest cold to be told that if I left without having a icd implanted that I would not live a week so at the age 23 not knowing anything except for what these dr were telling me I figured this was his job to make sick people better . I'm only 23 I want to live many more years I have 2 little boys that need a there mother is all I could think about ,so made the dumbest decision of my life ,to have the operation and the icd implanted.about a month later I received my first shock that time I was doing laundry I felt fine no warning signs no fast heart beats or any thing  2 months later same thing doing laundry got jolted 2 times so went seen the dr that implanted it he changed a few things and told me to see a different dr over the time   about a year I was jolted 2 or three times and seeing a new dr no longer seeing the one that stated I would die without it as he never requested a follow up only told me to see another dr was seen 1 no more than 2times a year to have the device interrogated and meds filled nothing more in  December of 07" I had a ultra sound done on my heart no results given until my next appointment which was july of 08" seen the dr she tells me my heart looks great sends the nurse in to interrogate it and says see you back in about 6 months the incompatant b|#%h sorry for the language that did the check was not the same person who did it in the past she for no reason I know of  changed the settings I did not know she done this until I was leaving the office which was located in the hospital I made it about 500 feet when the device shocked me so I no more than turned around to go back to tell the dr it happened when I received another one than screaming trying to get back down there 2shocks back to back   And after about 12 shocks I finally staggered in to the office screaming for help just so happened I was the last patient of the day so no one at the desk  finally a dr herd me screaming came to find me still being shocked  help me in to a room and yell at a nurse get the fuc...ing magnet now hurry still getting shocked crying out why please make it stop please I think I was jolted about 5 more times before it was disabled with a magnet  so in total about 18 to 20 times one after the other  wow it is not easy to  talk about this without breaking down so I will return in a few to cont my story ......

[Princesschalk]

I want it removed

[getitout]

i had my icd implanted at the age of 23 its been 7 years today i wish i never had it  put in it has totally ruined my life i was shocked 15 times one after the other because the programming was changed i talked to my doctor and was told "you should do some research and then make a choice of what i want to have,turned off or taken out" he said it has all been un needed shocks i now need to make a choice cause  the damn thing is beeping i just feel lost and need to  vent















"

[Tickman]

I've only received two shocks. Both saved my life from very nasty VTachs. I was at home for the first, and two nights later in ICU when they happened. This is all very recent. I've since had an ablation surgery and have not have any episodes.

That said, I have a friend who has the same exact condition that I have (which brought us together). He was shocked 12 times the day after it was put in because the settings were wrong.

You have to find the absolute best Electrophysiologists you can and get your device set right for you. It can take months of follow-ups to get there, but you will. And soon enough you'll forget about it.

Your husband should also see a psychiatrist for PTSD. I did (do) and it's helping a lot.

In the end, I have two young children and I've decided that I want to be here as long as I possibly can for them. I find a lot of comfort knowing my ICD is there for me. I'd rather have one scary shock than drop dead at 40.

[jfresh31]

I am also from NJ and would really appreciate some advise on the topic thank u