ICD replacement time

[Midge Rollins]

Well, with everything else going on after almost 7 years my ICD needs to be replaced. Should be my last one as after a heart transplant I hope not to need one. It is scheduled for 2-5-03. ( ICD replace not transplant) I am hoping for a dual device and maybe get rid of my pacemaker too. New board looks great.

[Lisa Salberg]

best of luck with the replacement. I have had mine replaced, it was so much easier then the original implant.
What is the your transplant status? are you actively listed at this point?
Best wishes,
Lisa

[Midge Rollins]

Yes, I am actively listed, just on hold until next week when I see about having a colon resection. Meanwhile I broke my ankle and foot in 3 places and am having surgery on the 15th. My plate is full and am hoping things turn around. Midge

[Julie E]

ICD replacement

Good luck to you Midge!
I went to my EP Monday and was told I have about a year remaining provided my ICD does not get much use between now and then. My battery is now at 2.99 and they recommend replacement at 2.55. 7 years is great. I am heading only at 4 years this summer..but I have had 6 shocks.
You do have a lot on you plate now..Best Wishes!
Julie E

[Karen P]

Midge,

I'll keep you in my prayers. You certainly have a great deal on your plate, actually it's full! If it's not one thing........it's something else! Hopefully the transplant process will go smoothly & life can calm down some.

ICD Patients,

Can you tell me how long you've gone inbetween devices? Midge went 7 & I think Julie went 4. I know it depends on how much it's used, but I was just curious. Thanks.

Karen

[Lisa Salberg]

my first ICD was implanted in 1997 and "broke" in 2001... I almost got 4 years...should have been longer...but I had a bad connection with the unit itself...Yes a welder nearly took me out...and I do not mean on a date!
These are man made devices and as such are subject to human errors it is important to have them check regularly.
Average life span of this generation of devices seems to be about 4-6 years. Technology is with us... they battery life is getting longer and longer!
All the best,
Lisa

[Dolly (Andrew's mom)]

At Andrew's last appoinment we were told his ICD is on track to need replacing within about one more year. That would put it in the 4 year range for total battery life. The strange thing is, we have been told it has never been used! Doesn't that seem to be a pretty short battery life for one that has not been "used"?

[Rich Miller]

Dolly , now I am not a medical prof. but I had my ICD implanted in 1998,and was told last sept to plan on having to replace because of low battery in about 1 yr . well that has come and gone and everytime I ask I am told that I have plenty of battery left . So I guess what I am trying to say is that some times a Technician may mis-interpert the readings ,so check with Dr about battery life and time frame for replacement . oh yea,now I have a dual chamber device that also paces me about 98+ % of the time and my device has fired 5 times that I know of. So it does sound awful soon for your Son's replacementbut check with the Dr .

[Karen P]

Hi Dolly,

Thanks. 4 years does seem premature, especially if it wasn't used. The drs told us probably around 7-8 years, but sooner now since they are leaving the pacer on. During a stress echo on Friday it was noted that her gradient has disappeared at rest & w/exertion and they feel the pacing my be the reason. The pacer will certainly shorten the life span of the generator.

Take care,
Karen

[Karen P]

Rich,

I see we posted about the same time, I just saw your reply. Your battery is going on it's 5th year while being paced 98% of the time with the icd going off 5 times. That's sounds better to me! I'm hoping for atleast 5years before it needs to be changed.

Can you tell me what it felt like when the icd fired? Were they appropriate? Thank Rich.

Karen

[Rich Miller]

well Karen let me tell ya the first time it went off i thought someone had shot me !!,I had been outside doing some yardwork and i was doing the state workers pose (leaning on my shovel) catching my breath and when it fired I did a 360 went down on my knees and proceeded to walk back to house. taht therapy was 4 a-fib it was beating so fast it tricked icd into fireing. atleast thats what Drs say.2 more times for a-fib and 2 times for v-fibnone of them feel good although when you are in v-fib usually you are unconcious, so I guess tahts a good thing
Rich

[Karen P]

Thanks. It doesn't sound like fun!! My husband has yet to be shocked. His v tach runs are getting longer though to where his device fires up and thinks about delivering a shock, but is diverted. His cousins went off twice & he said that it felt like a kick to the chest. Then someone else I spoke to said it felt like a violent hiccup!

Karen