Guest guest Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 Hi You All, My name is Craig, age 62, married and working full time as a Civil Engineer. I went in for a Electrophysiology (EP) Study at the San TX Methodist Hospital on 23rd February. I woke up with what looks like a cheap cell phone glued under the skin of my left shoulder. I been told it is Medtronic ICD. I went in for slow heart rate or bradycardia. According to the Doctor, some very bad problems with Ventricular Tachacardia (V-Tach) was found. I been seeing Cardiologist since passing out in 1989 and none of them have suspected V-tach. I passed out in 2000 resulting in a broken/shoulder arm. A heart cath was done but not a EP Study. Now what will life be like this this device in place? Craig man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 Hi Belinda, My name is Laurie Gertenbach, I don't know if we have met yet? I have a son who is 18 and has and ICD...a bit scary for us mothers huh? My son was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, and actually due to the surgery he has bradycardia and also V-tach. He had his first surgery at 7 months of age to correct the heart defect, but had another when he was 15 to put in a pulmonic valve and a regular pacemaker. Christmas before last, he was complaining that he didn't feel well but he said he thought he was coming down with the flu as his symptoms were much the same, nausea, dizziness, sweating...that kind of thing. Well, the next week, we had an appointment at Children's for his regular 6 month pacer check. Thankgoodness we did, they read out his information on his pacer and found that the week before he had heart rates of 245, but fortunately his heart converted on its own. Had it not, he would have died. They put him in ICU that day and put in the ICD December 23rd. It was such a scary time for all of us, but I am so grateful that he is still here with us. He takes Enalapril for BP and Atelolol for heart rhythym. He is a pretty normal kid, loves band and golf in school, is looking forward to college this coming fall. He will stay locally here in town for a year until all is ok. He has had 8 shocks that took place this last summer, he needed a medication dosage change and and ICD setting change. Since then he has had none. If you ever just need to chat, I would love to hear from other mothers who know what this is like. Laurie dlrgertenbach@... Belinda Burkhart <belinda.burkhart@...> wrote: Hi Craig!! My name is Belinda and I live in San also. My 19 yearold son is the one with ICD. It was implanted when he was 16. We weresent to Ft. Worth for the surgery. has received 8 shocks from hisICD. A couple of months ago he had an ablation at the Methodist and is doinggreat. Who is your EP? I know it all seems overwhelming right now, butit will get better. Belinda T. BurkhartChief Deputy ClerkFourth Court of Appeals210-335-3979-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ] On BehalfOf CraigSent: Monday, February 27, 2006 5:34 AM Subject: New ICDHi You All,My name is Craig, age 62, married and working full time as a CivilEngineer. I went in for a Electrophysiology (EP) Study at the San TX Methodist Hospital on 23rd February. I woke up with whatlooks like a cheap cell phone glued under the skin of my left shoulder.I been told it is Medtronic ICD.I went in for slow heart rate or bradycardia. According to the Doctor,some very bad problems with Ventricular Tachacardia (V-Tach) was found. I been seeing Cardiologist since passing out in 1989 and none of themhave suspected V-tach. I passed out in 2000 resulting in abroken/shoulder arm. A heart cath was done but not a EP Study. Now what will life be like this this device in place? Craig manPlease visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 Hello Craig: First of all as one of the moderators of this group I want to welcome you to the family. I am 45 yrs old and i have dilated cardiomyopathy. I am on my second device. I just got my second one Jan 25th. First one i received was on feb 1 2001 and it lasted almost exactly 5 years. Afer 49 shocks and a lot of anxiety I still believe my life is better for it, considering the alternative. I don't want to mislead you I received all my shocks the first three months then my docs changed my meds to toprol, amiodarone, digoxin, coumidin, lasix, potassium and lisinopril, since they changed them in 2001 may i have been shockless(knock on wood). Life has been great afterwards. I know i have the comfort of having my doctor in my chest who will give me therapy when i need it, i actually feel safer and more relaxed. Anyway again welcome to the group, I wish you zapless, anxiety-less beautiful healthy life. Keep on posting. Regards TURK Craig <cap9002@...> wrote: Hi You All,My name is Craig, age 62, married and working full time as a Civil Engineer. I went in for a Electrophysiology (EP) Study at the San TX Methodist Hospital on 23rd February. I woke up with what looks like a cheap cell phone glued under the skin of my left shoulder. I been told it is Medtronic ICD.I went in for slow heart rate or bradycardia. According to the Doctor, some very bad problems with Ventricular Tachacardia (V-Tach) was found. I been seeing Cardiologist since passing out in 1989 and none of them have suspected V-tach. I passed out in 2000 resulting in a broken/shoulder arm. A heart cath was done but not a EP Study. Now what will life be like this this device in place? Craig man Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Hello Mellisa, My ICD was implanted five weeks ago, so I am new here also. I have not only found the answers to my questions here, but lots of comfort and support. I have slowly began to accept my ICD as a very important part of my life -- the optimum word being "Life" When I first joined the group, I found reading the FAQs extremely helpful. Take care of yourself. Sydney New ICD Hi group,My name is and I live in Minneapolis, MN. I am 24 years old and had my first ICD put in less then two weeks ago. After passing out twice in one week, the Dr's found out I have LQTS. I am very thankful to be alive but I am scared out of my mind. I don't care to feel the pain of a shock but at the same time, I would rather be alive. I am hoping that this website will be comforting and calm my nerves a little.Thanks for listening! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Welcome - you will find lots of comfort here and new friends and family. Your fears are normal and of course you are thankful that you have an ICD because it can now watch over your heart while you go out and LIVE life! I find it a great comfort, so I don't have to worry! I also want you to know that I am going in for my 3rd replace on March 13th. I have never been shocked! So you see there is hope, especially at your young age! My first was implanted in Sept 99, my unit charged once in 2000 - but I have never been shocked, my heart recovered on its own, with no shock needed. So you see there is hope and life after an ICD! Good luck to you and keep us posted. ~guin 47 yo MOM in CA New ICD Hi group,My name is and I live in Minneapolis, MN. I am 24 years old and had my first ICD put in less then two weeks ago. After passing out twice in one week, the Dr's found out I have LQTS. I am very thankful to be alive but I am scared out of my mind. I don't care to feel the pain of a shock but at the same time, I would rather be alive. I am hoping that this website will be comforting and calm my nerves a little.Thanks for listening! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 : I understand your fear, and hope that we can comfort you here. What's new is always rather frightening until we get used to it. Tare, dear. marshmello1982 <marshmello1982@...> wrote: Hi group,My name is and I live in Minneapolis, MN. I am 24 years old and had my first ICD put in less then two weeks ago. After passing out twice in one week, the Dr's found out I have LQTS. I am very thankful to be alive but I am scared out of my mind. I don't care to feel the pain of a shock but at the same time, I would rather be alive. I am hoping that this website will be comforting and calm my nerves a little.Thanks for listening!Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail. Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 : I need to proofread my posts carefully. I meant, Take Care, dear. I've had my ICD since last August and never been shocked. My doctor told me it may Never go off. But if it does, I will be alive! Underwood <maewestunderwood@...> wrote: : I understand your fear, and hope that we can comfort you here. What's new is always rather frightening until we get used to it. Tare, dear. marshmello1982 <marshmello1982@...> wrote: Hi group,My name is and I live in Minneapolis, MN. I am 24 years old and had my first ICD put in less then two weeks ago. After passing out twice in one week, the Dr's found out I have LQTS. I am very thankful to be alive but I am scared out of my mind. I don't care to feel the pain of a shock but at the same time, I would rather be alive. I am hoping that this website will be comforting and calm my nerves a little.Thanks for listening!Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail. Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Mellisa, Glad to have you on the list. My ICD was implanted on Valentines day his year so I, too am new. You are from Minneapolis!!!! I spent a lot of time in Minnetonka and lived on Harriet when I was going to Univ of MN. Unfortunately it was before you were born that I was there. Welcome to the list and you will learn a lot from the group here. Performing wonders of the world with skill and artistry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 ----- Original Message ----- From: " marshmello1982 " < > My name is and > I live in Minneapolis, MN. > I am 24 years old > and had my first ICD put > in less then two weeks ago. : Just twenty-four With an ICD That wasn't there At twenty-three It's smaller than Your mini apples But contains Those scary zap-ills. It's smaller than Your mini soda But inside's A pow'ful motor. Do not fear It going off When you sneeze Or when you cough This machine Planted inside Kept folks alive Who might have died. You will change Your own life style Find all the things That bring a smile. And if someday Your zapper's fired You'll be alive And only tired. From California where once my zipper got me in trouble, now my zapper keeps me out of it. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Hello , First of all a big welcome to our family. I am sure you will find a lot of friends here , because we a a lot of members who are young and we also have alot of members with lqts. As far as getting shocked and ICD's you have a very mature and a correct attitude. Good luck. keep on posting TURKmarshmello1982 <marshmello1982@...> wrote: Hi group, My name is and I live in Minneapolis, MN. I am 24 years old and had my first ICD put in less then two weeks ago. After passing out twice in one week, the Dr's found out I have LQTS. I am very thankful to be alive but I am scared out of my mind. I don't care to feel the pain of a shock but at the same time, I would rather be alive. I am hoping that this website will be comforting and calm my nerves a little. Thanks for listening! Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Bill that is a fantastic poem bud. TURKbillmahan <billandmarthamahan@...> wrote: ----- Original Message ----- From: "marshmello1982" < > My name is and > I live in Minneapolis, MN. > I am 24 years old > and had my first ICD put > in less then two weeks ago. : Just twenty-four With an ICD That wasn't there At twenty-three It's smaller than Your mini apples But contains Those scary zap-ills. It's smaller than Your mini soda But inside's A pow'ful motor. Do not fear It going off When you sneeze Or when you cough This machine Planted inside Kept folks alive Who might have died. You will change Your own life style Find all the things That bring a smile. And if someday Your zapper's fired You'll be alive And only tired. From California where once my zipper got me in trouble, now my zapper keeps me out of it. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Hi Guys, I'm feeling much better not scared any more its been 2 months since I had my ICU I'm enclosing a picture of it thanks for all your support. Lynn Re: New ICD Bill that is a fantastic poem bud. TURKbillmahan <billandmarthamahan@...> wrote: ----- Original Message ----- From: "marshmello1982" <> My name is and> I live in Minneapolis, MN.> I am 24 years old> and had my first ICD put> in less then two weeks ago.: Just twenty-four With an ICD That wasn't there At twenty-three It's smaller than Your mini apples But contains Those scary zap-ills. It's smaller than Your mini soda But inside's A pow'ful motor. Do not fear It going off When you sneeze Or when you cough This machine Planted inside Kept folks alive Who might have died. You will change Your own life style Find all the things That bring a smile. And if someday Your zapper's fired You'll be alive And only tired.From California where once my zipper got me in trouble, now my zapper keeps me out of it.Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Bill, thank you for the poem, you are very talented. I also wanted to say thank you to everyone else for your support. I am very excited about this group. I wish everyone good health and happiness! > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: " marshmello1982 " < > > > My name is and > > I live in Minneapolis, MN. > > I am 24 years old > > and had my first ICD put > > in less then two weeks ago. > > : > > Just twenty-four > With an ICD > That wasn't there > At twenty-three > > It's smaller than > Your mini apples > But contains > Those scary zap-ills. > > It's smaller than > Your mini soda > But inside's > A pow'ful motor. > > Do not fear > It going off > When you sneeze > Or when you cough > > This machine > Planted inside > Kept folks alive > Who might have died. > > You will change > Your own life style > Find all the things > That bring a smile. > > And if someday > Your zapper's fired > You'll be alive > And only tired. > > From California where once my zipper got me in trouble, now my zapper keeps > me out of it. > > Bill > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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