Should I be afraid of a defibrilllator or pacemaker

[marlene123]

My dr wanted me to get a difibrillator (is that the same as a pacemaker) .  My ef was 20 to 25.  I am 66yrs old female.
I just don't know if it is worth it to go through the procedure.  What does it really help.  I have had some advice from others that have had it done and felt worse after getting the fib.  I sure don't want to feel worse.  I get so tired now at times.  If you can help me with this I would appreciate it.  thnaks!  marlene

[banglamom]

It is a standard of care to put a defibrillator in people when the EF < 30-35%.  There is a much higher risk of life threatening arrythmias.  If it never goes off, there was just the inconvenience of getting it put in.  If it goes off even once, it saved your life.  Probably worth it.  There are pacer/ defibrillator combos.  They will fit you with all the fancy features that will suit you best.  It does provide a  lot of reassurance.  Hope the decision doesn't weigh too heavy on you.  I highly recommend them both.

[stevie_wonder]

I'm assuming your doctor wants you to get a defibrillator. Most people with defibrillators accept them and feel better than they did before.

The implant procedure is not that bad and most people recover quite quickly and completely. The major down side is the shock that the defibrillator gives you when you need it. It does hurt... but only for a moment. So if you prepare yourself mentally for this it seems a small price to pay to keep living!

I recently got one and I am fully recovered from the implant and feel so much more secure to have the protection I need.

There is a support group www.icdsupportgroup.org that offers great advice and support for those with defibrillators and for those deciding if they want one.
Check it out and feel free to ask me any specific questions and I will try to help you.

[Brooke_38]

Hi Marlene...

They are 2 completely different devices. A pacemaker is implanted in people who suffer from bradycardia (slow heart rate) or for those that develop complete heart block.  There are other reasons for this, but the major contributing factor for implant is to keep the heart rate from dropping too low.

An ICD (inplanted cardio defibrillator) is used for people who have life threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The device is set to deliver a shock if the heart rate slips into V-Tach or V-fib. If your Dr has suggested this as your best option, especially with an EF of 20-25%, I think that you should follow his advice. Have you had problems with arrhythmias like
V-tach/Fib?