ICD removal

[Don349]

A few days ago I had my ICD turned off.  Have had it in place for four years and have hated every second.  Am now looking into having the control unit removed.  Does anyone know how difficult this is to have done.  My Dr. does not want me to have it removed and even wants me to turn it back on.  It has gone off once, bit my tongue almost off and broke a tooth.  Enough already.

[sirchuckles626]

I've had my ICD removed, it had been activated 9 times in total on the last occasion it went off 6 times in a row.After the last episode my cardiologist told me I'd had "inappropriate shocks" and he advised me to have it removed.

[jrbon]

Don, Ballerina,

Many thanks for expressing your feelings.

With a 23% of EF after a massive MI, I am figting for 2 years, the decision of my cardiologist to implant me an ICD, mainly because I am very afraid of how my mind will react to it.

Thanks again for your input.

Jesus

[48ballerina]

Hi Don,

I am completely with you on this one.  I also have a biventricular device with 3 leads and I am constantly aware of it, even when it is not cardioverting me or shocking me since I am very slim can feel it within my chest wall.  I want to have the whole device turned off and preferably removed.  My cardiologist has issues with this in view of my age (I am also a medical doctor) and here in the UK, we have to be assessed by a medical psychologist to assess the patient in order for the device to be deactivated.  He does not want the device altered and says if anything, all he wants is for the defibrillator to be turned off.  I feel miserable with this device inside me and live in constant fear which is why I want it removed. I am no longer scared of sudden cardiac death and having this device affects my life in all that I do.  My quality of life is affected since I am so fearful of it firing me and I regret ever having consenting to have the device implanted.  It is a wonderful life-saving piece of equipment but one has to be able to live with it inside of them to fully appreciate all its implications.  Good luck.......xx

[stevie_wonder]

Hi Don,
I hate to be blunt and I don't mean to be disrespectful.... but would you rather be dead? Having an ICD isn't the greatest thing in the world and getting shocked is even worse I know... but again it is better than the alternative. There is a wonderful online group with over 600 members who all have ICDs and might be able to help you get through this without removing your ICD and maybe even turning it back on.
www.icdsupportgroup.org
Good luck and please think twice before you have your ICD removed.

[Erkmeier]

I'd like mine removed and the lead capped.  Has to be routine, has to be taken out to replace the batteries.  Others have replaced the lead and capped the existing lead.  Extracting the old lead is too dangerous. But try getting a doctor who gets paid to monitor the lead to take it out.  Catch 22.