What do you do when a person has a defibrillator and the device can't convert the heart rhythm

[tracyrn1]

My mother has an ICD and it has gone off a total of 27 times in the last few days. She's only 62. There is not a problem with the device, she just keeps going into Vtach, but she can't be sustained in a normal rhythm. If a normal rhythm doesn't come back, is it just cruel to keep the device firing. Even in a full code patient would you shock them externally this many times without a sustained change in heart rhythm? I just don't want to make her suffer for nothing.

[ireneo]

Being shocked is no picnic. It's pretty uncomfortable and unexpected. I do hope they have her sedated a bit and she's resting comfortably until they can get her heart back into NSR. I'm glad to hear they're working on it now, not putting her off till she can get an appointment next week or some such nonsense. If you think of it, let us know how things turn out. Best wishes,  irene

[stevie_wonder]

Have you asked for a second opinion? Might be worth a try. How is your mother holding up emotionally? I feel for you both.

[Jerry_NJ]

Good advice from "ireneo", happy to read you have already taken medical action.

I assume her history has been one of being about to hold an acceptable rhythm once shocked.  I'm sure the ICU (I assume heart ICU specialist) know what to do/try...good luck.

[tracyrn1]

Sorry, I should have been a bit more clear in my post. She is actually in the ICU right now while they try to stabilize her

[ireneo]

She needs to be seen by the doctor ASAP. My Dad went through that, the thing kept firing off several times a week. That was considered too much. They changed his medications, changed some settings on his ICD and his heart settled down beautifully. Perhaps the ICD is set too sensitive, that is it will go off if she has only 10 beats of v-tach (just an example). They can set for the rate and time of sensed v-tach before the thing fires off. Do take her in. She shouldn't have to go through this.