My primary reason for having an implantable defib. is...

[Lisa Salberg]

A quick poll to get started.
Lets see why we all have our ICD's
This poll only allows one responce to a question, please choose the answer that was the largest reason you believe your ICD was indicated.
All the best,
Lisa

[Largehearted]

Reason for ICD

Wow Lisa! You really limited me on why I need this zapper I will be getting next week. As I looked over the list it hit me pretty hard. I have family history, 3 cm septul measurment, arrhythmias and syncope (which was not one of the options) ! In some ways having to wait several months has been a drag. On the other hand it has given me time to do a lot of emotional adjusting as I prepare for this surgery. Thanks for getting this part of the board off and rolling with a good poll.

The whole web site looks great!
Peace,
Leon Miller/Bigheart4

[Kat]

Poll

I'm with Bigheart4, I can't say which of my several reasons for needing an ICD was the deciding factor. My doctors cited all of the factors, and didn't say if one was primary.

[Lisa Salberg]

Ok - I have added an area just for those of you with multiple indications who can not pick which one was the largest reason
hope it helps to give a good picture of "who we are"
Thanks for the input guys!

[Chris Brown]

ICD

Lisa,
I voted and I have a Pacer. I always get confused when everyone starts using abreviations. ICD's can be implanted cardiac device and defibilulator??.
I received my pacer because of passing out on the San Francisco Streets.
Sounds like a rice -a-roni commercial!!.Would that be considered a cardiac arrest. Hope I didn't mess up your poll.
Like the website!
Chris

[Sarah]

ICD vs. pacemaker

Dear Chris,

Remember new math? Some pacemakers are also ICDs and some ICDs are also pacemakers. When someone says ICD they mean an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator only (usually). If someone says Pacemaker, they mean a pacemaker only (almost always). More and more ICDs are both.

THere is a dual device with the name "PCD" that is trademarked by the manufacturer, that stands for Pacemaker Cardioverter Defibrillator.

CLear as mud, right?

S

[Lisa Salberg]

Chris - I have changed the poll and will add one just for pacers.
Lisa

[Terri]

can't reply to poll for some reason even those notations at the bottom of the page say I have that capability??????

[Sarah]

Try...

Dear Terri,

Are you logged in? Try other polls. They work for me. It could be a hang up with your PC and browser settings. Let me know if this continues to be a problem.

S

[Lisa Salberg]

Also - you can only respond to each poll one time..so if you did respond earlier it will not let you do it again.
Let me know if you are sure that you did not respond to the poll earlier and I will advise Tim the Tech man!
Thanks
Lisa

[shirleymahoney]

Re: My primary reason for having an implantable defib. is...

lisa
i've had my ICD for six weeks now the cardiologist didn't wait at all, he said my HOCM was well in advanced when they found it, what that means i do not know, he's trying to get my heart to relax between beats right now, my incision is still healing, i have mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, septem enlargement, left ventricle enlargement, he said i had a bad murmmur. When can i expect to get my energy back, last year i did all of my yard work, i can't breath when i try now, followed by a cough, I'm on 200 mg of toprol xl and lexapro for nerves. thank you for listening to me everything has happened so fast it hasn't soaked in yet, i went to the dr one day for palpitations, the next week i was in the hospital getting this ICD Thanks
Shirley

[Sarah]

Re: My primary reason for having an implantable defib. is...

Dear Shirley,

Are you seeing an HCM specialist? It is great that you have an ICD, but they don't change how your heart functions. Having your septum reduced if you are obstructed would or perhaps your medications need to be adjusted. It is unclear from your post how many SCD risk factors you have.

Please let us know how you are doing.

S

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: My primary reason for having an implantable defib. is...

Shirley,
You are in the learning process and this will take some time - do not try to take in too much at once... it can be overwhelming.
When are you going to feel better you asked ? - your ICD will do nothing to improve symptoms, your meds may need to be adjusted a few times before you get the right mix for you. It can take from weeks to years to get the right balance.

Read the website - read the older postings on the board - gather questions and address them with your health care porvider. If you have not been seen by a specialist please think about doing so. As always feel free to call the office if you need anything.

Be well,
Lisa

[dreamcatchinglady]

Re: My primary reason for having an implantable defib. is...

well My doctors informed Me That I could die if I didn't get my defibrillator. My family history is that my father had a heart transplant, my cousin did and she's no longer with us anymore, and my half brother had one.So yes bad family history you could say. I am hoping that this is the final step for at least a while. I had a catheter ablation in February for atrial flutter reasons. I go into Tuesday I am crossing my fingers. My best wishes to all of you and thanks for having this great web site. I was born with hcm and this is very useful site.

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: My primary reason for having an implantable defib. is...

Welcome to the site Kimberly and good luck on the device, we are all here for you!
Lisa