New member introduction

Report post · September 8, 2006

Hi Jody

Welcome to the group. You sound like a very strong lady, I admire that. Back to work already...Wow!!

I hear you on the sleeping part, I hated having to sleep on my back also. What helped me was I put a pillow under the right side under my breast area. It enabled me to sleep on my right side and relieve any pressure that I would have from the incision area. I hope that can help you.

It was longer for me to drive, but when I did it wasn't a big bother. It's been 8 1/2 months since my implant and I have no problems at all with driving. I feel pretty good and my last stress test was very good. I am a 52 year old women and living in NJ. (thought I would give you some info on me )

I wish you the best of luck and you can contact me at any time.

Sincerely,

Toni

Report post · September 8, 2006

Hi, Jody, and welcome to the Zaplist. You'll find a lot of really nice folks

here with experience in just about anything related to an ICD.

Time is what will make everything better. First, the ICD implant site needs to

heal. They did cut into your body, after all, and it'll stay sore and sensitive

for a while. Until then, things like sleeping, wearing seat belts, and some

activities of daily living will be uncomfortable. You just do whatever you can

to tolerate it. I think it took a year before I slept on my side and then only

on the opposite side from the ICD. Everyone is different and heals at different

rates.

Thank goodness for the lifesaver in your chest. You can look forward to many

more happy years.

Mike

New Member Introduction

>

>Hi Everyone:

>My name is Jody and I am a 50 year old female from the Worcester, MA

>area, and I just had my defibrillator implanted two weeks ago

>today.

>

>I am rather new to all of this and have lived with Cardiomyopathy

>for the past 8 years on a minimal dose of Lisinopril. I started

>having problems with palpitations and a rapid heartbeat several

>months ago and after seeing my Cardiologist he recommended that I

>consider having a defibrillator put in to prevent a sudden death

>episode.

>

>After introducing several new meds (Water Pill, Beta Blocker and

>Potassium) and adjusting doseages the doctors decided to go ahead

>with the proceedure on 8/24/06.

>

>I was home for a week and after a few days I felt better and wanted

>to get back to work. Being at home there are so many things that I

>wanted to be doing, such as yard work, but until I'm off

>restrictions, I'm actually safer in the office sitting behind a desk

>doing paperwork and answering a phone. Yes I do come home tired,

>but, as I continue to heal from my implant, I hope I can get back to

>life as normal for me.

>

>The two issues I'm dealing with are finding a comfortable sleeping

>position other than on my back, and getting my drivers side seatbelt

>problem resolved. I ordered a sheepskin seatbelt cover hoping it

>will provide more padding than a towel wrapped around the seatbelt

>does. Right now even with a towel the pressure over my ICD is a bit

>uncomfortable. Maybe in time that will improve?

>

>I go back for my first check up on 9/11 and then to the Pacemaker

>Clinic on 9/28. I guess I'll get used to the routine soon enough,

>but I will say that I'm not looking forward to getting zapped for

>the first time either.

>

>I look forward to learning and sharing with all of you!

>Thanks for listening,

>Jody Champlin

>Holden, MA

>

>Please visit the Zapper homepage at

>http://www.ZapLife.org

>

Report post · September 8, 2006

Hello Jody;Welcome to our family. This place is full of nice people who want to help. If you have any question don't be afraid to ask and if you feel you want to share something let us know because we can learn from you as well. Love TURKmhiranuma@... wrote: Hi, Jody, and welcome to the Zaplist. You'll find a lot of really nice folks here with experience in just about anything related to an ICD. Time is what will make everything better. First, the ICD implant site needs to heal. They did cut into your

body, after all, and it'll stay sore and sensitive for a while. Until then, things like sleeping, wearing seat belts, and some activities of daily living will be uncomfortable. You just do whatever you can to tolerate it. I think it took a year before I slept on my side and then only on the opposite side from the ICD. Everyone is different and heals at different rates. Thank goodness for the lifesaver in your chest. You can look forward to many more happy years. Mike New Member Introduction > >Hi Everyone: >My name is Jody and I am a 50 year old female from the Worcester, MA >area, and I just had my defibrillator implanted two weeks ago

>today. > >I am rather new to all of this and have lived with Cardiomyopathy >for the past 8 years on a minimal dose of Lisinopril. I started >having problems with palpitations and a rapid heartbeat several >months ago and after seeing my Cardiologist he recommended that I >consider having a defibrillator put in to prevent a sudden death >episode. > >After introducing several new meds (Water Pill, Beta Blocker and >Potassium) and adjusting doseages the doctors decided to go ahead >with the proceedure on 8/24/06. > >I was home for a week and after a few days I felt better and wanted >to get back to work. Being at home there are so many things that I >wanted to be doing, such as yard work, but until I'm off >restrictions, I'm actually safer in the office sitting behind a desk >doing paperwork and answering a phone. Yes I do come

home tired, >but, as I continue to heal from my implant, I hope I can get back to >life as normal for me. > >The two issues I'm dealing with are finding a comfortable sleeping >position other than on my back, and getting my drivers side seatbelt >problem resolved. I ordered a sheepskin seatbelt cover hoping it >will provide more padding than a towel wrapped around the seatbelt >does. Right now even with a towel the pressure over my ICD is a bit >uncomfortable. Maybe in time that will improve? > >I go back for my first check up on 9/11 and then to the Pacemaker >Clinic on 9/28. I guess I'll get used to the routine soon enough, >but I will say that I'm not looking forward to getting zapped for >the first time either. > >I look forward to learning and sharing with all of you! >Thanks for listening, >Jody Champlin >Holden, MA

> > > > > > > > >Please visit the Zapper homepage at >http://www.ZapLife.org >

Report post · September 8, 2006

Hi Jody, So glad you found us so soon after your implant. This group is the very best for support, advice, info, and good fun. I have been a member since 2002 when I got my gizmo after a sudden cardiac death episode. So welcome aboard. We are always here for you. Becca in Florida (homesick for Carolina)TURK <goturk1@...> wrote: Hello

Jody;Welcome to our family. This place is full of nice people who want to help. If you have any question don't be afraid to ask and if you feel you want to share something let us know because we can learn from you as well. Love TURKmhiranumaearthlink (DOT) net wrote: Hi, Jody, and welcome to the Zaplist. You'll find a lot of really nice folks here with experience in just about anything related to an ICD. Time is what will make everything better. First, the ICD implant site needs to heal. They did cut into your body, after all, and it'll stay sore and sensitive for a while. Until then, things like sleeping, wearing seat belts, and some activities of daily living will be uncomfortable. You just do whatever you can to tolerate it. I think it took a year before I slept on my side and then only on the opposite

side from the ICD. Everyone is different and heals at different rates. Thank goodness for the lifesaver in your chest. You can look forward to many more happy years.Mike New Member Introduction>>Hi Everyone:>My name is Jody and I am a 50 year old female from the Worcester, MA >area, and I just had my defibrillator implanted two weeks ago >today. >>I am rather new to all of this and have lived with Cardiomyopathy >for the past 8 years on a minimal dose of Lisinopril. I started >having problems with palpitations and a rapid heartbeat several >months ago and after seeing my Cardiologist he recommended that I

>consider having a defibrillator put in to prevent a sudden death >episode. >>After introducing several new meds (Water Pill, Beta Blocker and >Potassium) and adjusting doseages the doctors decided to go ahead >with the proceedure on 8/24/06. >>I was home for a week and after a few days I felt better and wanted >to get back to work. Being at home there are so many things that I >wanted to be doing, such as yard work, but until I'm off >restrictions, I'm actually safer in the office sitting behind a desk >doing paperwork and answering a phone. Yes I do come home tired, >but, as I continue to heal from my implant, I hope I can get back to >life as normal for me. >>The two issues I'm dealing with are finding a comfortable sleeping >position other than on my back, and getting my drivers side seatbelt >problem resolved. I ordered a sheepskin seatbelt

cover hoping it >will provide more padding than a towel wrapped around the seatbelt >does. Right now even with a towel the pressure over my ICD is a bit >uncomfortable. Maybe in time that will improve?>>I go back for my first check up on 9/11 and then to the Pacemaker >Clinic on 9/28. I guess I'll get used to the routine soon enough, >but I will say that I'm not looking forward to getting zapped for >the first time either. >>I look forward to learning and sharing with all of you!>Thanks for listening,>Jody Champlin>Holden, MA>>>>>>>>>Please visit the Zapper homepage at>http://www.ZapLife.org >

Report post · September 8, 2006

Welcome to the group. You will find a good amount of family here to answer probably all your questions.

My husband (when he took the car) would place the seatbelt under his arm. But here in CT that don't like that. Best bet is to double check with the Motor Vehicle dept in Worcester if you can do this. As the Worcester dept is so slow it may take several phone calls. Yes I know how they are up there I used to live in Clinton. Moved down to CT when my husband got sick.

I take it you go to UMass? Who is your doctor up there?

As far as sleeping you probably will never get comfortable on your left side. My husband found that if he had a VERY soft pillow he could place it by the unit once it had healed up somewhat and could sleep more comfortable. Some people it does not bother at all.

Best

Gail

New Member Introduction

Hi Everyone:My name is Jody and I am a 50 year old female from the Worcester, MA area, and I just had my defibrillator implanted two weeks ago today. I am rather new to all of this and have lived with Cardiomyopathy for the past 8 years on a minimal dose of Lisinopril. I started having problems with palpitations and a rapid heartbeat several months ago and after seeing my Cardiologist he recommended that I consider having a defibrillator put in to prevent a sudden death episode. After introducing several new meds (Water Pill, Beta Blocker and Potassium) and adjusting doseages the doctors decided to go ahead with the proceedure on 8/24/06. I was home for a week and after a few days I felt better and wanted to get back to work. Being at home there are so many things that I wanted to be doing, such as yard work, but until I'm off restrictions, I'm actually safer in the office sitting behind a desk doing paperwork and answering a phone. Yes I do come home tired, but, as I continue to heal from my implant, I hope I can get back to life as normal for me. The two issues I'm dealing with are finding a comfortable sleeping position other than on my back, and getting my drivers side seatbelt problem resolved. I ordered a sheepskin seatbelt cover hoping it will provide more padding than a towel wrapped around the seatbelt does. Right now even with a towel the pressure over my ICD is a bit uncomfortable. Maybe in time that will improve?I go back for my first check up on 9/11 and then to the Pacemaker Clinic on 9/28. I guess I'll get used to the routine soon enough, but I will say that I'm not looking forward to getting zapped for the first time either. I look forward to learning and sharing with all of you!Thanks for listening,Jody ChamplinHolden, MA

Report post · September 8, 2006

Hi Jodi,

Welcome to the Zapper family. Being a part of this group has helped all of us at one time or another. Learning to live with heart health issues and then an AICD gets to all of us at one time or another and it is great to come to this group for support and info.

I am one of those people who can't sleep on my back or tummy. It took close to almost a year to be able to sleep on my left side at all but it can happen. After healing thought within a few months I could tolerate my right side sleeping. I do something a little different that works for me....I sleep with a blanket shoved up under my neck, shoulder and breast in addition to the pillow my head rests on. I found it was firmer than a 2nd pillow and it fits the space better. What this does is lift some of the weight/gravity pull on my heart, muscles and skin. I had a battery replacement a year ago and within weeks was sleeping on both sides again.

As to being afraid....well try not to think about it too much. Most of us have lived the fear and even the natural depression following the incident and implant. If it happens then you will be lucky to be around to talk about it after. I know, easier said than done, right. I have had a few shocks myself and my original reason for implant was because of a Sudden Cardiac Death episode. If I hadn't been in the hospital at the time of that I wouldn't be here.

Keep talking out your fears and concerns here.....we can all understand more than anyone else probably.

in CA

In a message dated 9/8/2006 8:41:52 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, tribarkin@... writes:

The two issues I'm dealing with are finding a comfortable sleeping position other than on my back, and getting my drivers side seatbelt problem resolved. I ordered a sheepskin seatbelt cover hoping it will provide more padding than a towel wrapped around the seatbelt does. Right now even with a towel the pressure over my ICD is a bit uncomfortable. Maybe in time that will improve?

Report post · September 8, 2006

Hi Jodi,

Welcome to the Zapper family. Being a part of this group has helped all of us at one time or another. Learning to live with heart health issues and then an AICD gets to all of us at one time or another and it is great to come to this group for support and info.

I am one of those people who can't sleep on my back or tummy. It took close to almost a year to be able to sleep on my left side at all but it can happen. After healing thought within a few months I could tolerate my right side sleeping. I do something a little different that works for me....I sleep with a blanket shoved up under my neck, shoulder and breast in addition to the pillow my head rests on. I found it was firmer than a 2nd pillow and it fits the space better. What this does is lift some of the weight/gravity pull on my heart, muscles and skin. I had a battery replacement a year ago and within weeks was sleeping on both sides again.

As to being afraid....well try not to think about it too much. Most of us have lived the fear and even the natural depression following the incident and implant. If it happens then you will be lucky to be around to talk about it after. I know, easier said than done, right. I have had a few shocks myself and my original reason for implant was because of a Sudden Cardiac Death episode. If I hadn't been in the hospital at the time of that I wouldn't be here.

Keep talking out your fears and concerns here.....we can all understand more than anyone else probably.

in CA

In a message dated 9/8/2006 8:41:52 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, tribarkin@... writes:

The two issues I'm dealing with are finding a comfortable sleeping position other than on my back, and getting my drivers side seatbelt problem resolved. I ordered a sheepskin seatbelt cover hoping it will provide more padding than a towel wrapped around the seatbelt does. Right now even with a towel the pressure over my ICD is a bit uncomfortable. Maybe in time that will improve?

Report post · September 8, 2006

Hi Jody,

Welcome to the group. Regarding the seat belt, there is a thing called a seat belt locking clip, for use with child seats. You can probably find one at any auto parts store. Here is a link that explains it: http://www.preventinjury.org/GILockingClips.asp You can temporarily put it on the shoulder harness to keep it from retracting and rubbing your ICD. A large Gem Clip will also work. After a few weeks, your incision heals and you won't have the problem.

Ken

.._,___

Report post · September 8, 2006

Welcome back Gail. Nice to hear from you. How are you doing? Take care of yourself. Regards TURKcharade799@... wrote: Welcome to the group. You will find a good amount of family here to answer probably all your questions. My husband (when he took the car) would place the seatbelt under his arm. But here in CT that don't like that. Best bet is to double check with the Motor Vehicle dept in Worcester if you can do this. As the Worcester dept is so slow it may

take several phone calls. Yes I know how they are up there I used to live in Clinton. Moved down to CT when my husband got sick. I take it you go to UMass? Who is your doctor up there? As far as sleeping you probably will never get comfortable on your left side. My husband found that if he had a VERY soft pillow he could place it by the unit once it had healed up somewhat and could sleep more comfortable. Some people it does not bother at all. Best Gail New Member Introduction

Hi Everyone:My name is Jody and I am a 50 year old female from the Worcester, MA area, and I just had my defibrillator implanted two weeks ago today. I am rather new to all of this and have lived with Cardiomyopathy for the past 8 years on a minimal dose of Lisinopril. I started having problems with palpitations and a rapid heartbeat several months ago and after seeing my Cardiologist he recommended that I consider having a defibrillator put in to prevent a sudden death episode. After introducing several new meds (Water Pill, Beta Blocker and Potassium) and adjusting doseages the doctors decided to go ahead with the proceedure on 8/24/06. I was home for a week and after a few days I felt better and wanted to get back to work. Being at home there are so many things that I wanted to

be doing, such as yard work, but until I'm off restrictions, I'm actually safer in the office sitting behind a desk doing paperwork and answering a phone. Yes I do come home tired, but, as I continue to heal from my implant, I hope I can get back to life as normal for me. The two issues I'm dealing with are finding a comfortable sleeping position other than on my back, and getting my drivers side seatbelt problem resolved. I ordered a sheepskin seatbelt cover hoping it will provide more padding than a towel wrapped around the seatbelt does. Right now even with a towel the pressure over my ICD is a bit uncomfortable. Maybe in time that will improve?I go back for my first check up on 9/11 and then to the Pacemaker Clinic on 9/28. I guess I'll get used to the routine soon enough, but I will say that I'm not looking forward to getting zapped for the first time either. I look forward to learning and sharing

with all of you!Thanks for listening,Jody ChamplinHolden, MA

Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out.

Report post · September 9, 2006

Hi Jody,

I just wanted to say "hello" and welcome. I am in Upton, MA, which is fairly close to where you live.

I still can not comfortably use my seat belt and I had my ICD implanted 06/7/06.

Sydney

New Member Introduction

Hi Everyone:My name is Jody and I am a 50 year old female from the Worcester, MA area, and I just had my defibrillator implanted two weeks ago today. I am rather new to all of this and have lived with Cardiomyopathy for the past 8 years on a minimal dose of Lisinopril. I started having problems with palpitations and a rapid heartbeat several months ago and after seeing my Cardiologist he recommended that I consider having a defibrillator put in to prevent a sudden death episode. After introducing several new meds (Water Pill, Beta Blocker and Potassium) and adjusting doseages the doctors decided to go ahead with the proceedure on 8/24/06. I was home for a week and after a few days I felt better and wanted to get back to work. Being at home there are so many things that I wanted to be doing, such as yard work, but until I'm off restrictions, I'm actually safer in the office sitting behind a desk doing paperwork and answering a phone. Yes I do come home tired, but, as I continue to heal from my implant, I hope I can get back to life as normal for me. The two issues I'm dealing with are finding a comfortable sleeping position other than on my back, and getting my drivers side seatbelt problem resolved. I ordered a sheepskin seatbelt cover hoping it will provide more padding than a towel wrapped around the seatbelt does. Right now even with a towel the pressure over my ICD is a bit uncomfortable. Maybe in time that will improve?I go back for my first check up on 9/11 and then to the Pacemaker Clinic on 9/28. I guess I'll get used to the routine soon enough, but I will say that I'm not looking forward to getting zapped for the first time either. I look forward to learning and sharing with all of you!Thanks for listening,Jody ChamplinHolden, MA

Report post · September 9, 2006

Hi Jodi--

Welcome to the list. I am almost four months out from getting my

implant after an episode of severe unstable angina capped by a cardiac

arrest, and I'm struggling with depression and anxiety. This is a great

list for help.

Lynn S.

------

Mama, homeschooler, writer, activist, spinner & knitter

http://www.siprelle.com

NOTICE: The National Security Agency may have read this email without

warning, warrant, or notice.

Report post · September 9, 2006

charade799@... wrote:

Welcome to the group. You will find a good amount of family

here to answer probably all your questions.

My husband (when he took the car) would place the seatbelt

under his arm. But here in CT that don't like that. Best bet is to

double check with the Motor Vehicle dept in Worcester if you can do

this. As the Worcester dept is so slow it may take several phone

calls. Yes I know how they are up there I used to live in Clinton.

Moved down to CT when my husband got sick.

I take it you go to UMass? Who is your doctor up there?

As far as sleeping you probably will never get comfortable on

your left side. My husband found that if he had a VERY soft pillow he

could place it by the unit once it had healed up somewhat and could

sleep more comfortable. Some people it does not bother at all.

Best

Gail

Hi Gail:

Thank you for the warm welcome to the group. I wanted to send you our

warmest "Sheltie Hugs" over your recent loss. I understand what you are

going through and one day at a time is about the best advise anyone can

give you. I do believe our loved ones never truly leave us, they are

always here in spirit with us and watching over us. I do believe that

this is what helps us get through the grief and loneliness until we

learn how to live the new life we have ahead of us. Please know that

has not left you, as he is always with you everywhere you go, as

you carry him in your heart always...

To answer your questions, yes, I am going to UMass, the University

Campus. I started off 8 years ago with Dr. Hogan, then had Dr.

Esteban. Both were residents and once they completed their residency

moved on to other hospitals. ly I was getting tired of the

revolving door, and after losing Dr. Esteban, I requested that I be

assigned to one of the staff Cardiologists. That was when I found my

current Cardiologist, Dr. Theo Myer, who I really am quite happy with.

Dr. Meyer assured me that he has been at UMass for 20 years and he is

not going to be leaving anytime soon. Once Dr. Meyer determined that I

needed a defibrillator, he referred me to Dr. Rashkin, who is the EP

who installed my ICD. Dr. Rashkin is also very competant and a

sweetheart as well.

I do not know what the incidence of heart failure is for the general

population, but, I think it is very weird that there are two of us in

my office who both have Heart Failure and both within this same year

had an ICD implanted. The strange coincidence is that other person is

one of my supervisors, and I just happen to sit right outside of her

office, and we both have the same two doctors. Gail, was diagnosed

with heart failure sometime last year, and had her ICD implanted in

January 2006. I've watched what Gail has been through as far as her ICD

implant and it was a wonderful education for me. Gail carried on after

her ICD implant as if it were no big deal, and so when it was my turn,

it was nothing to be worried about. Gail had told me everything, so I

knew what to expect. Where her proceedures were all sucessful, so I had

no reason to believe that mine would be any different. I call Gail my

Gineau Pig, as she blazes the trail and I seem to end up following her

lead. :-D

Yes we both seem to have our days where we are very tired, but we

manage to keep up the pace during the day in the office, then crash

once we get home at night. I guess as long as the medications keep us

going that is the important thing. Neither one of us is at retirement

age quite yet, and we both have to help keep our husbands and our pets

in the manner to which they are accustomed

;-) So I guess we help keep each other going and

isn't that what life is all about?

Have A Wonderful Evening,

Jody Champlin

Holden, MA

Report post · September 9, 2006