Hello

I am so pleased to hear that you received the appropriate treatment
and had an ICD implanted in time for the ventricular tachycardia
episode you experienced in July 2007.
It is not uncommon to experience an array of physical emotions after
receiving a shock from your ICD. Some of our members have reported
that they feel like they have been suddenly kicked or pushed in the
chest. These shocks can be quite painful but the pain will only last
a few seconds, whilst others don't feel anything but suddenly jolt
for no reason.

You asked how do you know if the device is malfunctioning?

Well I expect your ICD is checked regularly by a physiologist or ICD
Nurse, and they will advise you as and when your battery needs
replacing. It will not be allowed to completely run down.
But if your ICD were to malfunction, it would signal an alarm. On
the rare occasion that this happens, you should contact your ICD
Clinic and book an appointment to see your ICD Nurse as soon as
possible. Please rest assured, that the alarm does NOT mean that
your ICD is not working – just like the fuel reserve warning in a
car; the warning light comes on but you still have enough fuel for
another 40miles.

Experiencing a shock when alone/driving…

If you experience any warning signs that your ICD is about to
deliver a shock (such as palpitations, or feeling light-headed or
dizzy) we suggest that you safely pull over and sit or lie on the
ground if possible. If you have somebody with you, let them know how
you are feeling.

After receiving a shock, you should recover quite quickly but even
if you feel well, you should still contact the implant centre as
soon as you can to arrange to have your device checked. You may need
to leave a message on the answering machine, but somebody should get
back to you as soon as possible.
However, if you feel unwell or if your ICD has given you several
shocks, we advise that you call for an ambulance or contact your
nearest hospital. Your ICD will then be checked to find out why the
shock was given.

It is extremely important to keep your ICD card with you at all
times so that the make, model and setting of the device can be known
straight away.

If you, or in fact any of our members, would like a copy of our ICD
booklet sending, please do not hesitate to contact me at
development@...

I hope this helps you.

Kind Regards,

Ben


--- In icdsupport@yahoogroups.com, Shunmugam K wrote:
>
> Dear everybody
>
> I am from India I received my icd in October 2007.
>
> I had a heart attack in 1980 and a repeat attack in 1987. In 2000
I
> had my first VT (severe one @ heart rate of 220 bpm) reverted by
> electric shock. I ignored the episode until I started getting
repeated
> episodes, diagnosed as drug resistant repetitive V tack and was
> recommended ICD. In October 2007 I received the ICD. The condition
was
> uneventful till July 2007 when suddenly I started getting V tach on
> three successive days. Two episodes were controlled by pacing and I
> was shocked on three occasions. Though the shock was destabilising,
> the first one gave the comfort feeling that the device is doing
fine
> and saved my life. But subsequent shocks,believe me, shattered me
> completely. Subsequently there had been no episodes.
>
> That is what it is.
>
> Now can somebody can react on my feelings below
>
> 1 a fear if the device is malfunctioning how to know ?
> 2 what if an episode happens during a drive ?
> 3 what if there is a shock when you are alone ?
>
> shunmugam k
>