Following my recent ICD shock I saw my cardiologist last week. I was bizarrely looking forward to the appointment for an opportunity to ask a lot of questions and hopefully reassure me a little. How wrong I was! The cardiologist couldn't quite make out the A&E notes so spent most of the appointment phoning the ICD clinic for an accurate report. Once she had it clear she proceeded to panic me about worst scenarios with my condition. That was pretty much all of the appointment. Fortunately the ICD clinic offered to do another check while I was there. I just about held off the tears as I was lucky to see a lovely ICD technician who was so reassuring and explained loads to me. She really saved my sanity! Im still quite freaked by my cardiologist, but fortunately have another pre-arranged appointment at the centre which specialises in my condition in three weeks, when I have all my annual detailed scans and tests etc. The consultants there always offer loads of time for discussion so I'm hoping for a better appointment then. In the meantime nobody has clarified how long I can't drive for. I may be able to drive sooner as my shock was appropriate but caused by an atrial disturbance when the ICD was implanted for ventricular problems, so because I'm on medication now for the atrial problem it should prevent the same thing happening....apparently!!! On the positive side.......um, still trying to find the positive 😉.
Cardiologist appointment feedback aft... - British Heart Fou...
Cardiologist appointment feedback after ICD shock
Oh, I hate those sorts of appointments! I know my cardiologist is the first to admit he's not great with the emotional stuff and he does tend to answer questions in a sledgehammerly manner, then the poor nurses/coordinators/psychologist have to peel me off the floor and give me more hankies than the NHS can afford. At least you got some clarity from the ICD technician. Poor cardiologist was probably going into more detail than necessary to fill the embarrassing gap in information from A&E. General information about one's condition is always worrying and rarely that relevant. Hopefully your appointment with the specialist will be more reassuring. Chin up! X
Thank you, I'm just still nervous about everything and the appointment was far from helpful. I've had pains all day and can't even decide if its chest/back/shoulder or imagined. As I had previous problems with Amioderone affecting my liver I'm worried that the beta blockers too are causing trouble, though the side effects I don't think include that. No point going to a GP as they'll panic and send me back in to hospital, so I'm just trusting my own judgement. Hooray, typing has distracted me and it's feeling better. Magic!
I've had kidney issues as a result of my meds and know that horrible dilemma of wanting advice but knowing that will cause everything's to escalate. Could you maybe request blood tests to to check liver/kidney function etc? I still get my kidney function checked every three months since my issues, even though kidneys have been fine for the last two years or so so. It is a nice reassurance.
Hi jules, I too have been shocked it not a nice experience cause it leaves you very anxious, the cardiologist has adjusted my meds to control the arrhythmia so far so good, I was told it’s 6 months arrhythmia free. You have to surrender your driving license to dvla, and cardiologist has to fill in paperwork to enable you to get back on road, keep on trucking
Hi Jules,
Some background info that I hope will help.
My ICD has been in since August 2016. I was told it will just sit in my chest monitoring and reporting back on my hearts performance and only react when the pattern of my heart beat shows a lethal arrhythmia developing (Ventricular Fibrillation / Tachycardia). It will start by giving my heart a tickle, then a nudge and then, once my BPM has hit 220 it will give me the kick in the chest. The guys at the ICD clinic tell me that I will be unconscious by the time it hits 220 - but I'm not sure I believe them.
My ICD also has a box in my bedroom that reports back if it detects any dodgy readings. This should allow them to alter my medication before it gets worse.
Regards
Ogilvie
Hi Jules
If your looking for a " positive " it's your ICD worked. I wonder where you would be right now if it hadn't !!!
Take Care
I meant to add if you are still following this thread how has your ICD been performing over the past year ?
On the list for an ICD
Driving with an ICD
ICD implant at 38
Newbie ..cardiologist appointment today 
