Heart defibrillator

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May 16, 2004 | 08:40 PM

Little Bro

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From: poulsbo, wa

Heart defibrillator

I would like to hear of anyone's direct experience with an implanted heart defibrillator (ICD). In a couple days, I will have a heart catheterization to determine if my heart has electrical anomalies which would make an ICD beneficial. Basic literature I've read since getting this advice from the doctor Friday afternoon indicates that daily life isn't impacted much. However, on a website, I read that some states restrict driving for people with ICDs, for example by not allowing driving for 8 or 10 weeks after implantation. I don't yet know what the rules might be in the State of Washington, since license offices haven't been open since my clinic appointment. The ICD automatically monitors heartbeat and administers corrective electric pulses if too-rapid beat is detected. Apparently, the pulses can be nearly imperceptible, or up to something like a punch in the chest. I'm supposed to go in for this early Tuesday morning. Thanks in advance for any helpful information you can share.

May 16, 2004 | 09:12 PM

5_labsownus

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From: Fraziers Bottom, WV

I am a Paramedic and see patients with implants. Those with higher settings and become very anxious when they feel it is going to fire. This group’s age range is 65+. Most of the time I feel the worry is unfounded and seldom do I see a discharge. Those with low setting (usually younger in age) can tell me when it fires or is about to fire. But are not affected by the discharge.
As for restriction, I don't know the rules. But I have a good friend that works for a cardiologist and I will ask her!

May 17, 2004 | 09:53 AM

wlihntr

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From: colorado

i just came along this thread, my wife is a interventional cardiovascular sepecilist and deals with that sort of thing every day when she gets home today i will ask her about it, and if you think of any other questions, post them and i will get back to you tonight.

May 17, 2004 | 08:28 PM

wlihntr

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From: colorado

ok i talked a little to my wife about the ICD, in most cases you will know when it goes off and it can be from a little feeling in you chest to a kick in the chest, depending on what the sences your heart needs. the procedure to put it in is a very basic operation
you can also find more info at www.HRSonline.org

Last edited by wlihntr; May 17, 2004 at 08:30 PM.

May 17, 2004 | 11:57 PM

Little Bro

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From: poulsbo, wa

Thanks very much for your responses; both very helpful. That HRS website is the most complete source of information I've seen on the 'net, and will be useful to my family also. I hope anybody who's ever had any kind of heart problem, or who has a loved one who's had a heart problem, will take a couple minutes to look at that website. Paramedic, you folks are the best! My son is a firefighter in Seattle, so I know the good you do. Thanks again. Take care.

May 20, 2004 | 01:17 PM

Little Bro

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From: poulsbo, wa

Got my implanted defibrillator (ICD) Tuesday and came home from overnight at hospital yesterday. All very smooth, and feeling great; no stiffness, no pain, just a little bump under the skin under my left collarbone. It's a good feeling of comfort and security to know that the device will reliably handle any arrythmia, any place, any time. This is just like preventive maintenance on my F250.