Guest guest Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 Hi a, My son Ross has the ICD and he has those same thumps. His Cardiologist explained them as: The ICD pacing out an arrythmia problem, such as the heart rate going a bit too fast, or too slow. Medtronics sent info to my son stating that the ICD can do 3 things, it can pace out the arrythmia problem, the next step is a slight cardioversion to try to get the heart pacing correctly, and third, the actually firing of the ICD when the heart does not respond to the two previous attempts. I hope I explained that correctly. I would also ask your Cardiologist or Electrophysiologist to look at the history of the pacemaker when you go for your next visit, they can see by the read out what has been happening. You might need a slight change in your arrythmia medication, that is what they did for my son. Good luck, Lauriepaula_butler25 <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Hello Group.I have an ICD and for the last month or so, every now and then I will get a "thump" in my chest (almost like hitting a drum) and I can tell it's coming from the ICD. It's very pronounced (though it doesn't hurt) and it normally comes on out of nowhere. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether I'm walking or just sitting down. Does this sound like Cardioversion setting on my ICD is kicking in?Thanks!a in Virginia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 > > I would also ask your Cardiologist or Electrophysiologist to look at the history of the pacemaker when you go for your next visit, they can see by the read out what has been happening. You might need a slight change in your arrythmia medication, that is what they did for my son. > > Good luck, > Laurie > I would suggest that you log the date and time that you get the thump. It may help you and your EP determine what is going upon reading your ICD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 Hello everyone:I thought Cardioversion is the actuial firing of the ICD. Mine does only two things, paces me about 10 times if nothing shocks me at 5.5 j 3 times then 14 j 3 times then 31j rest of the times i think. TURKLaurie Gertenbach <dlrgertenbach@...> wrote: Hi a, My son Ross has the ICD and he has those same thumps. His Cardiologist explained them as: The ICD pacing out an arrythmia problem, such as the heart rate going a bit too fast, or too slow. Medtronics sent info to my son stating that the ICD can do 3 things, it can pace out the arrythmia problem, the next step is a slight cardioversion to try to get the heart pacing correctly, and third, the actually firing of the ICD when the heart does not respond to the two previous attempts. I hope I explained that correctly. I would also ask your Cardiologist or Electrophysiologist to look at the history of the pacemaker when you go for your next visit, they can see by the read out what has been happening. You might need a slight change in your arrythmia medication, that is what they did for my son. Good luck, Lauriepaula_butler25 <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Hello Group.I have an ICD and for the last month or so, every now and then I will get a "thump" in my chest (almost like hitting a drum) and I can tell it's coming from the ICD. It's very pronounced (though it doesn't hurt) and it normally comes on out of nowhere. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether I'm walking or just sitting down. Does this sound like Cardioversion setting on my ICD is kicking in?Thanks!a in Virginia Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Messenger with Voice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 It might be pacing. Do you have a slow heart rate? It also, may be interrupting a start of vt. Ask you doctor to be sure Jack. Thump in Chest > Hello Group. > > I have an ICD and for the last month or so, every now and then I will > get a " thump " in my chest (almost like hitting a drum) and I can tell > it's coming from the ICD. It's very pronounced (though it doesn't > hurt) and it normally comes on out of nowhere. It doesn't matter what > I'm doing, whether I'm walking or just sitting down. Does this sound > like Cardioversion setting on my ICD is kicking in? > > Thanks! > a in Virginia > > > > > > Please visit the Zapper homepage at > http://www.ZapLife.org > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 sounds like you might be gettign paced for slow heart rate ! stacie,22 shocking life for shocking people paula_butler25 <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Hello Group.I have an ICD and for the last month or so, every now and then I will get a "thump" in my chest (almost like hitting a drum) and I can tell it's coming from the ICD. It's very pronounced (though it doesn't hurt) and it normally comes on out of nowhere. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether I'm walking or just sitting down. Does this sound like Cardioversion setting on my ICD is kicking in?Thanks!a in VirginiaPlease visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 Thanks everyone for your help! From what I'm hearing, it sounds like everyone thinks I could be being paced for slow heart rate, though everything I read on the internet says that when you're being paced for slow heart rate you don't feel it, but when it's Cardioversion you feel a thump. This is all so confusing! I guess I'll just have to wait and see when I go in for my 3 month check, though, knowing how my luck goes, nothing will show up on the history and they'll just think it's all in my head. Also, Tink, I have the following settings on my ICD: bradycardia pacing (pacemaker setting), Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), Cardioversion (low to medium shocks), and finally Defibrillation (the big one!). I just got it in November, so it has all the bells and whistles. Thanks. a paula_butler25 <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Hello Group.I have an ICD and for the last month or so, every now and then I will get a "thump" in my chest (almost like hitting a drum) and I can tell it's coming from the ICD. It's very pronounced (though it doesn't hurt) and it normally comes on out of nowhere. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether I'm walking or just sitting down. Does this sound like Cardioversion setting on my ICD is kicking in?Thanks!a in Virginia Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 i feel it like a thump or a flick in my chest everytime i'm paced for slow heart rate it is more commen thin you might think although it dont hurt it can get annoying after a while ! i have read alopt of places that you dont feel slow heart rate paceing but i think some do ! stacie,22a <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Thanks everyone for your help! From what I'm hearing, it sounds like everyone thinks I could be being paced for slow heart rate, though everything I read on the internet says that when you're being paced for slow heart rate you don't feel it, but when it's Cardioversion you feel a thump. This is all so confusing! I guess I'll just have to wait and see when I go in for my 3 month check, though, knowing how my luck goes, nothing will show up on the history and they'll just think it's all in my head. Also, Tink, I have the following settings on my ICD: bradycardia pacing (pacemaker setting), Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), Cardioversion (low to medium shocks), and finally Defibrillation (the big one!). I just got it in November, so it has all the bells and whistles. Thanks. a paula_butler25 <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Hello Group.I have an ICD and for the last month or so, every now and then I will get a "thump" in my chest (almost like hitting a drum) and I can tell it's coming from the ICD. It's very pronounced (though it doesn't hurt) and it normally comes on out of nowhere. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether I'm walking or just sitting down. Does this sound like Cardioversion setting on my ICD is kicking in?Thanks!a in Virginia Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 Yes, that's exactly what it feels like. Luckily it doesn't hurt! It actually woke me up last night from a dead sleep - I practically jumped out of bed at 4:00AM (I just felt really anxious, like I was late for something) and then I felt the THUMP. Not a nice way to wake up! a, 25LIghtingpaw <lightingpaw@...> wrote: i feel it like a thump or a flick in my chest everytime i'm paced for slow heart rate it is more commen thin you might think although it dont hurt it can get annoying after a while ! i have read alopt of places that you dont feel slow heart rate paceing but i think some do ! stacie,22a <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Thanks everyone for your help! From what I'm hearing, it sounds like everyone thinks I could be being paced for slow heart rate, though everything I read on the internet says that when you're being paced for slow heart rate you don't feel it, but when it's Cardioversion you feel a thump. This is all so confusing! I guess I'll just have to wait and see when I go in for my 3 month check, though, knowing how my luck goes, nothing will show up on the history and they'll just think it's all in my head. Also, Tink, I have the following settings on my ICD: bradycardia pacing (pacemaker setting), Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), Cardioversion (low to medium shocks), and finally Defibrillation (the big one!). I just got it in November, so it has all the bells and whistles. Thanks. a paula_butler25 <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Hello Group.I have an ICD and for the last month or so, every now and then I will get a "thump" in my chest (almost like hitting a drum) and I can tell it's coming from the ICD. It's very pronounced (though it doesn't hurt) and it normally comes on out of nowhere. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether I'm walking or just sitting down. Does this sound like Cardioversion setting on my ICD is kicking in?Thanks!a in Virginia Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less. Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 a, I have the same settings on my device. I brady pace about 60% of the time and have never felt a thing except defibrillation three times. It does sound like each of us have different reactions. I was also told that a defibrillation feels like a kick in the chest. I did not have that feeling at all, just a feeling of a strong electrical shock. > LIghtingpaw <lightingpaw@...> wrote: > i feel it like a thump or a flick in my chest everytime i'm paced for slow heart rate it is more commen thin you might think although it dont hurt it can get annoying after a while ! i have read alopt of places that you dont feel slow heart rate paceing but i think some do ! > > stacie,22 > >> > Also, Tink, I have the following settings on my ICD: bradycardia pacing (pacemaker setting), Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), Cardioversion (low to medium shocks), and finally Defibrillation (the big one!). I just got it in November, so it has all the bells and whistles. > > Thanks. > a > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 Hello a:Here is my settings. Anything below 50 paced for brady cardia at 60 bpm, at 145 for 10 seconds, atp(pacing )for 10 times then 5.5 j cardioversion(shock) 3 times then 14j 3 times then 31 j . Second setting is, 185 10 seconds(i think) ATP 5 times then cardioversion same settings, 3rd one is 210, vfib 31j.Is that similar to everyone??PS: My brady is low because my heartbeat is usually 55-58 and getting paced constantly bothered me so my eps doc lowered it from 60 to 50,TURKa <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Thanks everyone for your help! From what I'm hearing, it sounds like everyone thinks I could be being paced for slow heart rate, though everything I read on the internet says that when you're being paced for slow heart rate you don't feel it, but when it's Cardioversion you feel a thump. This is all so confusing! I guess I'll just have to wait and see when I go in for my 3 month check, though, knowing how my luck goes, nothing will show up on the history and they'll just think it's all in my head. Also, Tink, I have the following settings on my ICD: bradycardia pacing (pacemaker setting), Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), Cardioversion (low to medium shocks), and finally Defibrillation (the big one!). I just got it in November, so it has all the bells and whistles. Thanks. a paula_butler25 <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Hello Group.I have an ICD and for the last month or so, every now and then I will get a "thump" in my chest (almost like hitting a drum) and I can tell it's coming from the ICD. It's very pronounced (though it doesn't hurt) and it normally comes on out of nowhere. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether I'm walking or just sitting down. Does this sound like Cardioversion setting on my ICD is kicking in?Thanks!a in Virginia Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2�/min or less. Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 Hey a:There is also something called a phantom shock. When I got my icd first, i thought i used to get shock especially when i was a sleep but the eps would check it and nothing, My subconcious was playing with me. TURKa <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Yes, that's exactly what it feels like. Luckily it doesn't hurt! It actually woke me up last night from a dead sleep - I practically jumped out of bed at 4:00AM (I just felt really anxious, like I was late for something) and then I felt the THUMP. Not a nice way to wake up! a, 25LIghtingpaw <lightingpaw@...> wrote: i feel it like a thump or a flick in my chest everytime i'm paced for slow heart rate it is more commen thin you might think although it dont hurt it can get annoying after a while ! i have read alopt of places that you dont feel slow heart rate paceing but i think some do ! stacie,22a <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Thanks everyone for your help! From what I'm hearing, it sounds like everyone thinks I could be being paced for slow heart rate, though everything I read on the internet says that when you're being paced for slow heart rate you don't feel it, but when it's Cardioversion you feel a thump. This is all so confusing! I guess I'll just have to wait and see when I go in for my 3 month check, though, knowing how my luck goes, nothing will show up on the history and they'll just think it's all in my head. Also, Tink, I have the following settings on my ICD: bradycardia pacing (pacemaker setting), Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), Cardioversion (low to medium shocks), and finally Defibrillation (the big one!). I just got it in November, so it has all the bells and whistles. Thanks. a paula_butler25 <paula_butler25@...> wrote: Hello Group.I have an ICD and for the last month or so, every now and then I will get a "thump" in my chest (almost like hitting a drum) and I can tell it's coming from the ICD. It's very pronounced (though it doesn't hurt) and it normally comes on out of nowhere. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether I'm walking or just sitting down. Does this sound like Cardioversion setting on my ICD is kicking in?Thanks!a in Virginia Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2�/min or less. Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates. New Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC and save big. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 > > Hello a: > Here is my settings. Anything below 50 paced for brady cardia at 60 bpm, at 145 for 10 seconds, atp(pacing )for 10 times then 5.5 j cardioversion(shock) 3 times then 14j 3 times then 31 j . Second setting is, 185 10 seconds(i think) ATP 5 times then cardioversion same settings, 3rd one is 210, vfib 31j. > Is that similar to everyone?? > PS: My brady is low because my heartbeat is usually 55-58 and getting paced constantly bothered me so my eps doc lowered it from 60 to 50, > TURK > Turk, I really do not understand the settings on your ICD above. Could you explain your settings to someone who is not familiar with all the terms? My ICD is a Medtronics, are the settings called the same thing as with your unit? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 Sounds like you are experiencing Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), this is the pacing that slows down (Hopefully) a rapid heart rate such as V-Tac. This will give you thumps that don't hurt that are in rapid succession. Bradycardia pacing is just the opposite as ATP pacing, if your heart is beating to slowly it will " Jump start " your heart. This some persons feel (Me) and others do not feel it. The main difference is Bradycardia pacing will not give you a bunch of thumps like a drum. It will thump a bit and in a second or two will thump again. You may need med adjustments or not. If you are being taken out of a lethal arrhythmia without a shock, that is a real good thing! If the ATP does not take you out of the rapid heart beat then you will be shocked. Cardioversion or defibrillation both hurt the same in my 12 years of experience even though the Cardioversion is using much less Joules of power. I hope this helps. You should notify your Dr. about this as only they know what is acceptable for your condition. Good luck! 43 in Maine > > i feel it like a thump or a flick in my chest everytime i'm > paced for slow heart rate it is more commen thin you might think > although it dont hurt it can get annoying after a while ! i have > read alopt of places that you dont feel slow heart rate paceing > but i think some do ! > > > > stacie,22 > > > >> > > Also, Tink, I have the following settings on my ICD: bradycardia > pacing (pacemaker setting), Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), > Cardioversion (low to medium shocks), and finally Defibrillation > (the big one!). I just got it in November, so it has all the bells > and whistles. > > > > Thanks. > > a > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2006 Report Share Posted March 31, 2006 Hi again a, Actually what you are describing is the Bradycardia pacing for a slow heart beat. Sorry, I just read your original e-mail again and I guess I was not paying attention to exactly what you said you felt the first time I responded to you. My Bradycardia Pacing is set at 30 beats per minute. Originally it was set to 50 bpm and it was always kicking in whenever I was relaxed because my resting heart rate is 50-55 bpm. It is perfectly normal and understandable that any therapy you receive from your device, especially with it as new as it is for you, for you to be woken out of sleep and feel somewhat " Freaked out " over it. Unfortunitly for us younger people, we generally will feel the different therapies more intensely than a elderly person does. (I still consider myself in the young category for having an ICD anyway) I don't think your device will record when your heart goes too slow and your Bradycardia pacing kicks in. The ICD will only record fast irregular heat beats in an EKG format. At least that is how my St Jude device works. Hang in there, good luck, things will get better for you a. 43 in Maine > > > i feel it like a thump or a flick in my chest everytime i'm > > paced for slow heart rate it is more commen thin you might think > > although it dont hurt it can get annoying after a while ! i > have > > read alopt of places that you dont feel slow heart rate paceing > > but i think some do ! > > > > > > stacie,22 > > > > > >> > > > Also, Tink, I have the following settings on my ICD: > bradycardia > > pacing (pacemaker setting), Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), > > Cardioversion (low to medium shocks), and finally Defibrillation > > (the big one!). I just got it in November, so it has all the > bells > > and whistles. > > > > > > Thanks. > > > a > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Please visit the Zapper homepage at > http://www.ZapLife.org > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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