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I had an icd put in on march 31,2010.saw the doctor for time friday april 7and was was told at that time that the device was not working and it was place on the wrong side it was place on my right side in my chest .when it was time to use the device to shock my heart back to rhythm I was shocks in sequence of 20,30,36 joules and that failed so he did something an external 360 joule biphasic shock to get my heart rhythm back.I was,nt told any of this I read it on the report after he told me the icd needed to be removed and replaced.he put this thing in now he wants me to decide if i want to take it out.i just don't know what to do.have anyone one everyone had an icd put in on the right side.

[kevk]

I am not sure what side would make a difference ? Mine is in my abdomen and have never had any problems. Did he say if the problem is with the ICD itself or the leads ? Some ICD`s in the past have been recalled and many people have had problems with the leads.
you may want to try icdsupportgroup.org they have a lot of knowledge when it comes to ICD questions.

[Flycaster305]

Are you left-handed?  I'm left-handed and the Pacer was inserted in my right side of the chest.  I volunteer in the cardiac wing of a hospital and lefties always get the pacer in the right side.  Based on what you reported, I would guess kevk is correct, and the support group he suggests would be a place to start with questions.  I'd also suggest you phone the manufacturer of the ICD as well.  These things are expensive, if you have to have it replaced I'd certainly be questioning why and also whose nickel is going to finance such a swap-out.  

[Flycaster305]

Another place you might ask questions is http://www.*****************/public/jpage/1/p/Home/a/storypage/content.do

[Flycaster305]

Oops!  I forgot.  Try *****************

[con224]

no am not left handed.he said that the device will not work if the worst come.that was the reason for putting it in it will help you  when the worst come.I have breast implant on the left side so i knew they could't put it on that side.what do you think about giving me that much skock 360.no there is nothing wrong with the leads.is it harded to put the icd in your abdomen.the doctor left me at the hospatil the day of sugery eithout talkihg to me before he lift.so if it's not in the wrong place why do he wants to take it out.

[ed34]

why are there asterisks in the link name?

[kevk]

I would call the manufacturer of your ICD or email them. What is the brand name of your ICD it should be on your ID card. Second you need to find another doctor there is obviously a problem with your device or in the placement of your leads.
ICD`s shock at a lower joule because it is direct current to your heart. Being shocked externally takes more energy to go through the skin and muscle. I was shocked externally a few times while they were trying to place my leads to were they would convert me. Do you know what rythym you was converted from ? it should be on your records.

Having an ICD implanted in your abdomen is a little more complicated. Doctors opend up my chest to implant the leads to the outside of my heart. There is a higher rate of infection and way more costly. I had my implant a few years after they first came out and the battery was a lot bigger and square, They would not fit in your chest like pacemakers at the time.

[PikaPika88]

I'm right handed.  My pacemaker is implanted at the right upper chest.