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What does it feel like?

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Amber Mom of two, wife of one, living with HCM since 1999 Find out more about Amber
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  • #1

    What does it feel like?

    I have never had my defib fire off and I was just curious if it was as bad as everyone says it is? Everyone being docs and such who don't have ICDs. Can you tell that it's getting ready to fire off? Please tell me what to expect.
    Always and forever, all I do is for you MOM!
    Vicky Keller
    1955-1999
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  • #2
    Re: What does it feel like?

    My ICD fired three months after I got it installed. I was playing soccer for the 1st time after the surgery and my heart rate stayed above 150 bpm for more than a minute. It was not painful, because I did not expect it at all. It was like I was kicked very hard in the chest but directly after it I was okay again. I could not tell it was getting ready to shock. Some devices make a beeping noise when they charge but on mine that is turned off. Since my first shock I have been very anxious about it shocking me again out of the blue like the first time. I have a hard time dealing with that emotionally at the moment.

    Regards,

    Eric

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    • #3
      Re: What does it feel like?

      I have had my ICD for almost 4 years now and it has fired 7 times. I would say that the first 3 times that it fired I had no idea that it was going to fire. It does hurt but it's really not bad but I guess I have become used to it. I now can tell when its going to fire, my heart rate shoots up real quick and I get real short of breath then it fires. Right after it fires you feel almost back to normal, your heart gets back into a normal rate. I think the fact it has fired is the hardest part to deal with. At first I had a very hard time dealing with it but, I realized that it saved my life. I know it's hard but try not to worry about when it's going to fire, just follow your drs' orders and enjoy life the best you can. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. you can email me or whatever way you want to contact me.

      Gary Valentino

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