Husband's defibrillator activated....

[Hollysmum]

On Sunday morning, my husband collapsed in our kitchen. Later in hospital, we were told that his defibrillator had activated. I had seriously mixed feelings about this - relief, because it clearly saved his life, and horror that it had been activated at all. He'd had all sorts of qualms about having it fitted at all, and almost walked out of the hospital back in March. Now, he and I are both very relieved that a) he had it fitted and b) that it did its job. We've been told that it's likely that a group of things brought about the episode of atrial fibrillation that caused the activation - he is now receiving treatment for fluid build-up and for a chest infection. At one point, whilst being assessed, his heart went off on one again, beating at 200bpm - this didn't set off the defibrillator, though, so his heart rate must have gone much higher when he collapsed!! Bless him, he now has a black eye where he caught a kitchen cupboard handle on the way down, and badly bruised ribs, and he's really quite annoyed that he won't be allowed to drive for several months. But he's still with me, and that's really all that matters.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

That must have been so scary for you both. But you're right - thank goodness he had the device in place! Hopefully, longer term, this helps you both to have faith in the defibrillator to do its job when needed. In the meantime, speedy recovery to your hubby...and happy taxi driving to you?!

[Hollysmum in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Yes, indeed, Laura - I think I might buy myself a flat hat!! What's bothering him the most is that I will have to drive his precious car (he's got a Motability vehicle)!!!

[Sina-6491]

Oh you poor things, yes scary indeed. Thank goodness it kicked in & did it's job 😊

So what did he have it fitted for, was it AF?

Mine doesn't happen constantly now I am on the beta blockers. Nether is it as bad as when I was admitted in December.

However, due to there being no readings or issues on the 24 hour unit they give you to ware. My GP said they may insert a two year monitor. Just wondering if that has a defibulation built into it as well?

So glad you are both ok now, hugs & more hugs, Jo xx

[Hollysmum in reply to Sina-6491]

Bless you, Jo, thank you for your good wishes. Yes, he has AF - it seems his heart rate went over 200bpm which triggered the defibrillator. As far as I know, he'll have the defib in for the rest of his life. He's got a box thing back at home which transmits to the hospital. I'm pleased to report that he's a great deal better now and hoping to come home later this week. Catherine.

[Sina-6491 in reply to Hollysmum]

Oh good to hear he is on the mend. Must have been so scared for you both.

You take care now. And best wishes to your husband xx

[Hollysmum in reply to Sina-6491]

Thank you Sina - I've really appreciated all the good wishes that have been posted here. It's a great forum!

[Sina-6491 in reply to Hollysmum]

Agreed, it's great 😊

[skid112 Heart Star]

Am glad it worked as needed, feel sorry for the resultant bruising and the loss of driving privileges

[Hollysmum in reply to skid112]

Yes, Heart Star, he's a wee bit hacked off about the driving, but of course, both of us understand why the six month "ban" has to stand. As the week's gone on, more bruises have appeared from his fall, but overall, he's very much better.

[Heartlady1]

Sounds very scary .... for both of you... but as others have said thank goodness he had it fitted. Lifesaver. I have just had one fitted and yes it's scary but as my doctor said if it goes off its just saved your life. Wishing your husband a speedy recovery x

[Hollysmum in reply to Heartlady1]

Thank you very much, Heartlady1 - here's hoping that yours never has to go off!

[Hidden]

Hi you must have been terrified and I am so glad that your husband has came through it ok, I am going next month to discuss getting an implant and like your husband I was not too happy about it,after reading your post I now realise the importance of one, needless to say I have changed my mind completely and I will definitely be going ahead with it if my cardiologist wants it done, I would like to say thank you for sharing this it has helped me so much, take care and I hope your husband continues to improve x

[Hollysmum in reply to Hidden]

It's my pleasure, Chaz - I understood why he had reservations - he saw it as yet another session in the operating theatre, and having spent about five hours in one back in March last year, I could totally see why he was dreading it. Having a really good surgeon who is matter-of-fact but retains a sense of humour has been a godsend, too. Thank you for your good wishes, and I hope your discussion goes well and leads to the right choice for you.

[Spatz76]

Hi Hollysmum

I was sorry to read that your hubby has been poorly and bruised. It must have been frightening for you both. I'm so glad he's OK and his ICD worked as it should have. You gave me some really good advice when I was in two minds about getting one myself and this just goes to show when you need it, good grief you are grateful you said yes to it. It certainly puts things into perspective.

I wish him a very speedy recovery.

x

[Hollysmum in reply to Spatz76]

Thank you so much Spatz - I, too, am very relieved that he decided to undergo the procedure!!