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Are there any doctors out there that could give me some info about ICD's?

8 replies

macwoozy · 21/01/2009 09:11

I have an ICD and up until now hasn't caused me any problems. However my last defib check showed that the wire in my atrium has dislodged slightly, and because of this is interpreting SVT as VT's. A shock is given at 214 bpm, and my SVT's are hitting 200bpm. They don't want to do anything for now, so I'm basically just waiting until my ICD gives me a shock for what could be a harmless arrythmia. I've had a google and some reports are suggesting that ICD shocks can actually damage the heart and others say this is not the case. Does anyone know which it is? I can accept it if it stops a potentially life threatening arrythmia but not if it's just for SVT's.

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Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 21/01/2009 11:03

Macwoozy - hi - sorry that you're having problems now. No advice I'm afraid, I imagine you're on pins a bit just waiting to be shocked

macwoozy · 21/01/2009 11:54

Hi Saggar

Yeh I am. I'm back to checking my pulse again like how I was in my pre-defib days, and the shock is meant to really painful. Just freaks me out to think it could happen whilst I'm driving.

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Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 21/01/2009 14:59

Wonder if CRY can help with more info macwoozy. They have a discussion board now but I don't know how busy it is. Or try the helpline.

stanausauruswrecks · 21/01/2009 20:15

Was it your cardiologist who decided to leave things as they are, or was that the cardiac technician? Are you on any anti-arrythmic medications that they could increase in an attempt to slow your rate down, thus decreasing the chance of the ICD going off? It seems a bit harsh to leave things as they are.Re damage caused by ICD firing, I would have thought that if it was going off repeatedly, at increasing joules then there is potential for scarring to occur, but I don't know for definite - can ask at work tomorrow though!(Am not a dr btw, but know a bit about ICDs!)

macwoozy · 21/01/2009 22:36

Thanks Saggar, I've often come across posters etc for CRY but hadn't thought about asking this question on their forum. I'll have a look, thanks. I hope all is well with you dd.

stan, it was the cardiologist who said to leave things as they are. He wouldn't have even spoke about it had I not queried about the interest in my last defib check. During the defib check the technician asked for his colleague for advice, and because I heard her ask whether they should have me back for a further defib check in 3 months rather than 6 months........ well my ears pricked up.

The cardiologist said that they could go down the ablation route( had that and didn't work) or the wire could be repositioned. But he would rather use the 'wait and see' approach. He said I was at a higher risk of inappropriate shocks, and of course I went home and had a google. I'm not happy about it, especially since I've since read that a shock could cause a VF and so would need a double shock. All this for what could be a potential harmless arrhythmia!

I'm still on atenolol at 50mg per day, and stopped amiodarone couple years ago(after 10 years on it)

stan, I would really appreciate it if you could throw a little light on my ICD card if you don't mind. Programmed therapy is on at defribillation therapy, and my lowest successful shock is at 20j in VF. Would this seem rather high? I've read that cardioversion could re-correct the heart beat so I'm a little confused as the why I would go into immediate defib therapy.

I hope you don't mind me asking you but it would be a huge help to me. I'm not sitting here every minute fretting about it but I would like to know if perhaps I should at least ask as my next defib check.

Thanks

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macwoozy · 22/01/2009 09:11

Oh and another thing! I'm due to go on holiday to Tenerife soon. Do you know if they have ICD clinics over there (just in case I do have multiple shocks)I know I'm thinking the worst but that's my nature. Would you know if they, at the very least have the special magnet that can stop the ICD functioning. Do they have one on a plane? Sorry for all the questions

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stanausauruswrecks · 22/01/2009 18:31

20J doesn't seem high -your defib will be set based on the results of your EPS studies at the time of implantation, so they will go for the lowest setting which they know will shock you out of VF if it should occur.
Some ICDs will overdrive pace for a bit if you're having a tachy, so it's worth finding out if your particular model will do that.
As far as going to Tenerife I think you should be fine - Have just googled, and the University hospital in Santa Cruz have an electrophysiology dept. All the pacing codes for both defibs and pacers are universal, so they'll know what you have, and if you have your card on you they will also be able to get the details of the programming from your hospital. Have a lovely holiday!

macwoozy · 23/01/2009 09:20

Thanks stan for checking out Tenerife, that makes me feel more at ease.

I will also ask at my next defib check up about overdrive pacing, that's something I'm not familiar with.

Thanks alot for you help

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