ICD 4 Vtach?

[braveheart1978]

I got some episodes on my event monitor sent them threw the phone fri. got a call 2day from my ep cardio and he wants me to go in the hospital this week 4 placement of the ICD, anyone ever here of an ICD 4 v-tach? I have long runs of them and almost pass out, I had ablation 4 what my pervious heart doc thought was svt i also been on meds(beta blockers) 4 3yrs and nothing is helpn them

[braveheart1978]

thx so much and 4 the links

[abc85]

The process of having an ICD placed shouldn't be too bad from what I hear.  However living with an ICD can be a different matter as some worry about inappropriate shocks or malfunction.  A friend of mine is a pediatric cardiologist and she said that she considers living with a pacemaker as no big deal but living with an ICD can be a big deal.  She said she actually requires her pts and their families to have some sort of counseling or support group when they first receive theirs.  She does deal with peds though so as an adult it could be a little bit different.  I personally don't have one, so I haven't been through the process but I do know that some hospitals offer some sort of support group or other resource for those receiving them.  You might talk to your doctor about this.  It does sound like you need one and it is the right thing to do get it.  Here's a couple of links that may be helpful

http://www.hearthealthywomen.org/treatment-and-recovery/treatment-and-recovery/living-with-an-icd.html

http://www.medtronic.com/patients/sudden-cardiac-arrest/living-with/daily-living/index.htm

Make sure to have a good discussion with your doctor about this and don't be afraid to ask questions.  What I tend to do sometimes is keep a piece of paper with me and write down questions I want to ask my doctor when I see them that way I don't forget anything when I'm there.  Good luck!

[MichelleP_3811]

I do not have one but from what I understand it isn't like open heart surgery so hopefully it won't be too bad.  I will send good thoughts your way this friday.  Good luck.

[braveheart1978]

michellepetkus, thank you 4 yer kind words n prayers if i member correctly my doc said ablation wasnt an option in my case bcuz of them being long runs of vt but i could b worng like i said i had an ablation done b4 and a few months later they tryd again bcuz i was still have'n these episodes but couldnt get my heart 2 do anything. Im not passing out with these vt's but come'n close i have 2 grab on 2 sumthin when have'n them n things go fuzzy/n black 4 a split sec. Im trusting this cardio 2 know whats best 4 me and what he seen on my event monitor made him say (WOW) as he told me so im guessing a ICD is what he feels is best. Im going this friday 4 it i will post after about my outcome. im so nervous tho human I know but just very scared.

[MichelleP_3811]

Have you discussed with your doctor about trying to possibly ablate the vt?  It is a bit of a trickier ablation than svt but may be worth a shot if it can correct the issue and keep you off an icd?  But either way passing out does need to be addressed one way or another.  Anyways something to discuss with your EP  Take care.

[MichelleP_3811]

If you have long runs and are passing out from your vtach then an icd is called for.  It should help to stop the long runs and keep you from passing out which is obviously not good and no way to live.  I see that you are young and it is a bit daunting to have to deal with the icd at your age but the icd should help you to live a much more longer and fuller life.  Good luck and I will send prayers you way that it all goes smoothly.  Stay strong.