Does anyone have first hand experience with defibrillators (ICDs)?

[Frustratedlady]

I'd like to know your opinion of the risks and benefits of having one implanted. How strong is the shock?

[MineralMan]

1. My father had one for several years.

I asked him about how it felt when it kicked in. He said it was mildly noticeable, but not painful. He told me he said, "Thanks, Doc" every time it went off.

It beats sudden cardiac arrest, though. If your cardiologist says you need it, consider it very seriously. It could save your life.

[OLDMDDEM]

2. I have had one for ten years

I haven't had it shock me but the pacemaker side of it paces me 98% of the time. I have felt electical impulses but nothing more. I would not be answering this without it.

[MineralMan]

3. Your last sentence is the main point, isn't it?

Cardiologists don't recommend them if they aren't needed, I think.

[OLDMDDEM]

12. Correct

[Frustratedlady]

5. You have both or separate operations? They didn't mention a pacemaker.

My heartbeat is strong and steady as they come, so I'm not sure why they are talking about an ICD. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

Thanks for your input. Ten years is a bunch.

[OLDMDDEM]

14. I have both in one unit.

[Frustratedlady]

4. Thanks for that info. I sure didn't want the type of shock that bounced you off the bed.

I'm thinking of when they introduce a shock and you see people react violently off the gurney.

I still don't believe I have fibrillation, but will find out after an EKG or whatever. "Mildly noticeable" makes me feel better.

[MineralMan]

15. You're welcome. I'm sure that different people have different

reactions to it.

[AllaN01Bear]

6. i have afib and was told not to. dr said that they feel like a donkey kicking u when they go off.

[Frustratedlady]

17. I can see where an irregular heartbeat would send the ICD into fits.

Good luck to you and your friend. Growing old is a lot harder than I thought.

[AllaN01Bear]

7. shared this w friend and he said " some might say stray signal".

[MuseRider]

8. I am waiting to see if I need one.

So far the ventricular ablation took care of the huge load of PVC's. If it remains this good I may just get a regular pacemaker since my pulse is in the 40's now without all the junk going on. I have several friends who have sisters or brothers with one of the ICD's and they have not had any complaints although you can sure find people who say it is like being "kicked in the chest by a cow". I wonder if maybe the newer one's are better?

My opinion as an ex ICU nurse is that if you need one there are really not enough risks to not have it. The risk without it would be far greater and an occasional "kick in the chest" would be worth it for me anyway.

Wishing you luck. Heart failure is killing me here (not really but damn). Will find out more in early February.

[Frustratedlady]

13. Thanks for your comments. Good luck to you with your decision, too.

I had an excellent nurse when I was in the care center and her husband had an ICD. She said he was grateful to have it. That took a lot of concern away for me. I just hope the battery works well.

Hard growing old.

[Binkie The Clown]

9. My cardiologist asked me if I wanted one, and I declined.

At best, I have 2 or 3 years left anyway, and as my quality of life will continue to decline over that time I would likely end up on some kind of life support. I've had a long and interesting life, and when my time comes, I'm ready to go. That's same reason I'm DNR. Sure, I'd like to live as long as possible, and I continue to enjoy my life every day. But I have no desire to become a "living" vegetable. As I understand it, with sudden cardiac death you're dead before you hit the ground. I can think of way worse ways to go.

JMHO. Make the choice based on your own unique circumstances.

[Frustratedlady]

16. Thanks for a different perspective. I'm basically too ornery to die at this point in time.

And, since I can take care of myself (if I don't do something stupid), it would be nice to stick around a bit longer. I just hope I don't get stuck in a nursing home again.

[Triloon]

10. Have had one about 12 years

And have had a half dozen shocks over that period. They are sudden and extremely brief. You don't know when it's going to happen and it's over in the blink of an eye. But it leaves me stunned and wanting to sit quietly for a bit.
This is nothing. Each time it has happened has saved my life. I can't think of a downside to having one, they don't interfere with anything at all.
I was leery of getting one at first. I felt that it was too artificial and I didn't want to enslave myself to an implanted device. But it's not like that. It requires no special care or maintenance and is entirely forgettable until it kicks me in the chest, and at that moment it's my best friend in the world. So I'm grateful for mine, and you will be too.

[Frustratedlady]

11. Thanks for your input. You described the good and bad of the thing, which will help me

make a decision. Since I'm able to take care of myself, for the most part, I find the hardest thing to get past is being dependent. So, God willing and the creek don't rise, this sounds like it will help me achieve my goal.

Besides, I'd like to stick around long enough to see a few people brought to justice. Just sayin'.

[MuseRider]

18. I am also glad to read your post.

Thank you. I am pretty sure I will not be getting this right now since the PVC load is way down now. It may be needed in the future and I was never really considering not to do it but it is nice to hear from someone who has one and your perspective is great. I really appreciate reading your reply.