DEFIBRILLATOR FITTING : hi everyone... - British Heart Fou...

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DEFIBRILLATOR FITTING

Jurassicworld profile image
19 Replies

hi everyone This is the first time I have posted on here ....but I have been reading stories/information/ replies.

It's been suggested that I should have a defibrillator fitted and I've done the bad thing by looking it all up on Google (silly thing to do) I'm now very anxious about the shocks that it can give when not needed and the pain that it can aflict.

Has any had any experience of this or have had a defibrillator fitted . Would appreciate your views and information. Thank you

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Jurassicworld
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19 Replies
Hanibil profile image
Hanibil

Hi had CRT-D implant may 2019 nothing to it really deadened the area felt some pushing and pulling. Left hospital same day have a bed side monitor got to hospital once a year so they can check it and do any adjustments if required. Now I don’t even realise I have it but nice to know I do.

Jurassicworld profile image
Jurassicworld in reply to Hanibil

Hi HanibilThank you for your reply

Is a CRT-D the same as I'm not familiar with it I'm afraid.... sorry

Do you get shocks from it when not needed? As that worries me

Hanibil profile image
Hanibil in reply to Jurassicworld

The D stands for defibrillator not had any shocks in the five years I’ve had it, thankfully. But when I do it will mean it probably just save my life.

Jurassicworld profile image
Jurassicworld in reply to Hanibil

Thank you so much for the information Hanibil It has put my mind at rest ....I'm glad that yours is helping you .

Will keep you posted

Driver11 profile image
Driver11

It's a minor op in and out same dayThere are certain things that you can't do for a while but you recover quickly

It's your insurance so go for it

Mine has saved life twice

Good luck

Jurassicworld profile image
Jurassicworld in reply to Driver11

Thank you driver11I never thought of it like that 😉

I'm glad it's worked for you

Will keep you posted

Drawforaliving profile image
Drawforaliving

Hi Jurassicworld. I have an ICD and I have been shocked by it. The medical field do not give these things out willy nilly. There are some negatives of course... but all of those pale against the positives. You likely have something health wise going on that if the worse happens and you are alone you are done for. Get yourself booked in ASAP. The most important thing is still having a life to live.

Jurassicworld profile image
Jurassicworld in reply to Drawforaliving

Thank you for that info And I will do 👍

Oatybiscuits profile image
Oatybiscuits

my husband had an ICD fitted as an emergency in 2020 - he had successful heart surgery but then suffered two cardiac arrests a week apart in hospital

He was lucky the doctors saved his life both times- chances of surviving a cardiac arrest at home or out and about are not good

If it has been suggested, it’s because the medical team want to give you your own insurance kit to survive

My husband’s is a pacemaker and defribulater- the operation is minor

He has received excellent ICD follow up with monitoring it - nearly 4 yrs on we forget he has it fitted - he hasn’t had a shock but if he does it means he lives

Google is not always your friend- ask your medical team the questions they are more qualified than google

Good luck

Jurassicworld profile image
Jurassicworld in reply to Oatybiscuits

Thank you 😊 I never thought of it like that ( survival and insurance kit)

I'm so glad your husband is doing well now

Best wishes to you both

Oatybiscuits profile image
Oatybiscuits in reply to Jurassicworld

regarding his ICD he is doing well but unfortunately the two cardiac arrests did irreparable damage to his heart and he is chronically ill with nearing end of life heart failure - please don’t hold off getting it done

Deejay62 profile image
Deejay62

Hi I’ve got a CRT-D fitted like hanibil, but I had mine in 2018. I’ve never been shocked. I have mine tested every 6 months, once in person and the other via remote monitoring through my monitor. I forget I even have a device fitted.

Jurassicworld profile image
Jurassicworld in reply to Deejay62

Thank you for the information 😊

Alison_L profile image
Alison_L

Hi JW. I’ve had my ICD for 6 years now and never been shocked, inappropriate or otherwise 😀

Jurassicworld profile image
Jurassicworld in reply to Alison_L

Thank you Alison _LGood to hear ☺️

Bruce67 profile image
Bruce67

I had an ICD fitted just four weeks ago! Yes it hurt!

And pains once local anaesthetic wore off were ( for me anyway) pretty horrendous...think my pain threshold is low tbh!

It followed a valve repair in late December, which I was still recovering from. I didn't want more surgery but didn't wanna give up my life just yet, so the ICD is my safety net, just in case!

If consultant says have it, I think you should.

Jurassicworld profile image
Jurassicworld in reply to Bruce67

Thank you Bruce 67Yes it will be my safety net 😀

Sorry to hear that you had pain though

As you I'm not ready to give up the ghost 👻

David_A profile image
David_A

I've had an ICD fitted in November 2019.

I've had 2 big shocks from it and both were over and done with within milliseconds. And several smaller ones that I was only told about when the ICD team looked at the data.

Rather a brief little shock than death.

A246 profile image
A246

Hi mate, I am a 58 year old female, I had ICD fitted in February this year due to HF. It is scary only natural. But please take all help you are offered. We are lucky to be given our own personal defib if worst happens. Face it head on. Only way . It over and done with. I had local and sedation and fell asleep only felt pressure but no pain until local wore off. Took me six weeks to full recovery then back to work and driving. You got this.

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