REMOVAL OF ICD

[lenon]

I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ATRIAL FIB AND V-TACH ALONG WITH VENTRICULAR FIBRILATION. I ALSO HAVE CHF. WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF SURVIVAL IF I HAVE MY ICD REMOVED?

[grendslori]

I have not read every single post, but more than half, I'm sure at this point. Sorry, this is my vent. I see so many on this post who, in my humble opinion, are reacting like babies. Grow up! There are children, CHILDREN who have to have these devices implanted!! Quit feeling sorry for yourselves and be grateful for the life that you have ben given! Heart disease robbed my daughter of her childhood as well  as her teen-age years; SHE didn't have a life; at 22 she was transplanted. It appears many of you have NO IDEA of how bad things can REALLY get so start counting your blessings in that ICD that is saving your life! If the ICD is screwed up, it's because some idiot doesn't know how to program it correctly; don't put the blame on the ICD, put the blame where it belongs and get on with your life!

[delydarren]

I had an icd put in for hcm a few years ago after being pressured by my doctor . I was miserable . Lost 30 lbs and felt like crap because I couldnt do anything . I begged my cardiologist to take it out and after a bunch of tests and paperwork , he agreed . One doctor told me I would be lucky to live 2 months without it. Its been 3 years and probably the best 3 years of my life. I know these things save peoples lives but mine took mine away . I am 40 btw.

[getitout]

You mentioned you had your icd removed how is it are you ok mine was placed for what I know was a misdiagnosis or just the the fact that i was the perfect person to use as a test object for rescearch, the reason I say this is because I was 23 had a few symptoms of postpartum cardiomyopathy and at the time had meth in my system  went to the er for what I felt was a chest cold to be told that if I left without having a icd implanted that I would not live a week so at the age 23 not knowing anything except for what these dr were telling me I figured this was his job to make sick people better . I'm only 23 I want to live many more years I have 2 little boys that need a there mother is all I could think about ,so made the dumbest decision of my life ,to have the operation and the icd implanted.about a month later I received my first shock that time I was doing laundry I felt fine no warning signs no fast heart beats or any thing  2 months later same thing doing laundry got jolted 2 times so went seen the dr that implanted it he changed a few things and told me to see a different dr over the time   about a year I was jolted 2 or three times and seeing a new dr no longer seeing the one that stated I would die without it as he never requested a follow up only told me to see another dr was seen 1 no more than 2times a year to have the device interrogated and meds filled nothing more in  December of 07" I had a ultra sound done on my heart no results given until my next appointment which was july of 08" seen the dr she tells me my heart looks great sends the nurse in to interrogate it and says see you back in about 6 months the incompatant b|#%h sorry for the language that did the check was not the same person who did it in the past she for no reason I know of  changed the settings I did not know she done this until I was leaving the office which was located in the hospital I made it about 500 feet when the device shocked me so I no more than turned around to go back to tell the dr it happened when I received another one than screaming trying to get back down there 2shocks back to back   And after about 12 shocks I finally staggered in to the office screaming for help just so happened I was the last patient of the day so no one at the desk  finally a dr herd me screaming came to find me still being shocked  help me in to a room and yell at a nurse get the fuc...ing magnet now hurry still getting shocked crying out why please make it stop please I think I was jolted about 5 more times before it was disabled with a magnet  so in total about 18 to 20 times one after the other  wow it is not easy to  talk about this without breaking down so I will return in a few to cont my story ......

[Princesschalk]

I want it removed

[getitout]

i had my icd implanted at the age of 23 its been 7 years today i wish i never had it  put in it has totally ruined my life i was shocked 15 times one after the other because the programming was changed i talked to my doctor and was told "you should do some research and then make a choice of what i want to have,turned off or taken out" he said it has all been un needed shocks i now need to make a choice cause  the damn thing is beeping i just feel lost and need to  vent















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[Tickman]

I've only received two shocks. Both saved my life from very nasty VTachs. I was at home for the first, and two nights later in ICU when they happened. This is all very recent. I've since had an ablation surgery and have not have any episodes.

That said, I have a friend who has the same exact condition that I have (which brought us together). He was shocked 12 times the day after it was put in because the settings were wrong.

You have to find the absolute best Electrophysiologists you can and get your device set right for you. It can take months of follow-ups to get there, but you will. And soon enough you'll forget about it.

Your husband should also see a psychiatrist for PTSD. I did (do) and it's helping a lot.

In the end, I have two young children and I've decided that I want to be here as long as I possibly can for them. I find a lot of comfort knowing my ICD is there for me. I'd rather have one scary shock than drop dead at 40.

[jfresh31]

I am also from NJ and would really appreciate some advise on the topic thank u