Re: Looking for coping strategies...

[Guest guest]

Hi Roxe,

I can definitely feel for you.  I have

ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins).  I

had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my

daughter).  I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years

inside me and it is a very scary situation.  But after I had my second device

in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15

minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that

the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD.  It was a very

traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you

is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body.  It’s taken me

quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear.  In your situation

however, you still don’t know if everything is ok.  Are there other

cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your

fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart).  I wish at times we

could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the

psychological effects this has on us.

Let us know how things turn out.

God Bless,

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppin

Sent: Wednesday, September 20,

2006 12:22 AM

Subject: Looking for

coping strategies...

Hi again -

I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement

in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and

in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2

hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town

at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was

repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found

out this past July that the device seems to be having the same

problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they

can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know

why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem,

but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it

starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until

Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing

is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal

concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a

couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next

recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar

problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!

- Roxe

Ottawa, Ont.

[Guest guest]

Hi Roxe,

I can definitely feel for you.  I have

ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins).  I

had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my

daughter).  I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years

inside me and it is a very scary situation.  But after I had my second device

in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15

minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that

the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD.  It was a very

traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you

is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body.  It’s taken me

quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear.  In your situation

however, you still don’t know if everything is ok.  Are there other

cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your

fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart).  I wish at times we

could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the

psychological effects this has on us.

Let us know how things turn out.

God Bless,

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppin

Sent: Wednesday, September 20,

2006 12:22 AM

Subject: Looking for

coping strategies...

Hi again -

I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement

in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and

in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2

hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town

at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was

repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found

out this past July that the device seems to be having the same

problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they

can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know

why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem,

but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it

starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until

Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing

is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal

concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a

couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next

recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar

problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!

- Roxe

Ottawa, Ont.

[Guest guest]

Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskaly@...> wrote: Hi Roxe, I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation

however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us. Let us know how things turn out. God Bless, From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20,

2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies... Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same

problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont.

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskaly@...> wrote: Hi Roxe, I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation

however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us. Let us know how things turn out. God Bless, From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20,

2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies... Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same

problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont.

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Hello ;I had my ICD for five years from 2001 feb to 2006 jan, then in Jan 2006 I got my second ICD. I has saved my life many times. I think if you think about all the ICD's being installed around the country, the malfunctions are minuscule. It happens very rare and the alternative is not the better solution, god forbid if your heart gets in to a bad rhythm what will you do if you don't have an ICD and if you are alone. Think about that, My opinion is you definitely should get an ICD. Good LuckTURK <pattimint1610@...> wrote: Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskalyindiana (DOT) edu> wrote: Hi Roxe, I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just

recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at

times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us. Let us know how things turn out. God Bless, From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject:

Looking for coping strategies... Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't

know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont. Talk is cheap.

Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

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

[Guest guest]

Hello ;I had my ICD for five years from 2001 feb to 2006 jan, then in Jan 2006 I got my second ICD. I has saved my life many times. I think if you think about all the ICD's being installed around the country, the malfunctions are minuscule. It happens very rare and the alternative is not the better solution, god forbid if your heart gets in to a bad rhythm what will you do if you don't have an ICD and if you are alone. Think about that, My opinion is you definitely should get an ICD. Good LuckTURK <pattimint1610@...> wrote: Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskalyindiana (DOT) edu> wrote: Hi Roxe, I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just

recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at

times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us. Let us know how things turn out. God Bless, From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject:

Looking for coping strategies... Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't

know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont. Talk is cheap.

Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

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

[Guest guest]

I am one who has had shocks that were not necessarily life saving at the time. When you first get these little zappers and you have some electrical problems it sometimes takes a while for the settings to be adjusted to your own heart needs. I have even gotten my first battery replaced after some shocks because I know that without it there is a possibility I could be walking down the street and just keel over without any notice and no help. I am a single parent of three and I couldn't take any chances of not being around for them. The living benefit out ways the occasional possible shock.

Hang in there and take your time to make your decision.....sometimes we decide to do this more for others in our lives than ourselves but I bet none of us in the long run is sorry we made the choice to get the ICD.

<<Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!>>

[Guest guest]

I am one who has had shocks that were not necessarily life saving at the time. When you first get these little zappers and you have some electrical problems it sometimes takes a while for the settings to be adjusted to your own heart needs. I have even gotten my first battery replaced after some shocks because I know that without it there is a possibility I could be walking down the street and just keel over without any notice and no help. I am a single parent of three and I couldn't take any chances of not being around for them. The living benefit out ways the occasional possible shock.

Hang in there and take your time to make your decision.....sometimes we decide to do this more for others in our lives than ourselves but I bet none of us in the long run is sorry we made the choice to get the ICD.

<<Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!>>

[Guest guest]

Cathleen: There are many, many ICDs that DONT malfunction. Don't let that keep you from getting one if you need it. <pattimint1610@...> wrote: Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskalyindiana (DOT) edu> wrote: Hi Roxe, I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went

to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us. Let us know how things turn out. God Bless, From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies... Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the

lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm

trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont. Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about???.

Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

[Guest guest]

Cathleen: There are many, many ICDs that DONT malfunction. Don't let that keep you from getting one if you need it. <pattimint1610@...> wrote: Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskalyindiana (DOT) edu> wrote: Hi Roxe, I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went

to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us. Let us know how things turn out. God Bless, From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies... Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the

lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm

trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont. Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about???.

Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

[Guest guest]

Sorry, Cathleen. That posting was directed at Pat. Underwood <maewestunderwood@...> wrote: Cathleen: There are many, many ICDs that DONT malfunction. Don't let that keep you from getting one if you need it. <pattimint1610 > wrote: Okay so now i'm learning

the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskalyindiana (DOT) edu> wrote: Hi Roxe, I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I

had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on

us. Let us know how things turn out. God Bless, From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies...

Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't

until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont. Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about???. Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less. What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about???.

Get your email and more, right on the new .com

[Guest guest]

Sorry, Cathleen. That posting was directed at Pat. Underwood <maewestunderwood@...> wrote: Cathleen: There are many, many ICDs that DONT malfunction. Don't let that keep you from getting one if you need it. <pattimint1610 > wrote: Okay so now i'm learning

the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskalyindiana (DOT) edu> wrote: Hi Roxe, I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I

had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on

us. Let us know how things turn out. God Bless, From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies...

Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't

until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont. Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about???. Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less. What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about???.

Get your email and more, right on the new .com

[Guest guest]

Hi Roxe,

>

> I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed

just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD

implanted back in April of '94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I

had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside

me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second

device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7

shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was

the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced

both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing

that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34

joules of electricity through your body. It's taken me quite some

time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however,

you still don't know if everything is ok. Are there other

cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to

relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on

> your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses

just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has

on us.

>

> Let us know how things turn out.

> God Bless,

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

> From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of rm_reppin

> Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM

>

> Subject: Looking for coping strategies...

>

>

> Hi again -

> I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the

replacement

> in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and

> in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2

> hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town

> at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was

> repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found

> out this past July that the device seems to be having the same

> problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they

> can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know

> why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the

problem,

> but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it

> starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until

> Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing

> is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal

> concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a

> couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the

next

> recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar

> problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!

> - Roxe

> Ottawa, Ont.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls.

Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Roxe,

>

> I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed

just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD

implanted back in April of '94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I

had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside

me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second

device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7

shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was

the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced

both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing

that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34

joules of electricity through your body. It's taken me quite some

time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however,

you still don't know if everything is ok. Are there other

cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to

relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on

> your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses

just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has

on us.

>

> Let us know how things turn out.

> God Bless,

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

> From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of rm_reppin

> Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM

>

> Subject: Looking for coping strategies...

>

>

> Hi again -

> I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the

replacement

> in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and

> in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2

> hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town

> at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was

> repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found

> out this past July that the device seems to be having the same

> problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they

> can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know

> why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the

problem,

> but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it

> starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until

> Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing

> is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal

> concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a

> couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the

next

> recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar

> problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!

> - Roxe

> Ottawa, Ont.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls.

Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Roxe,

>

> I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed

just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD

implanted back in April of '94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I

had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside

me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second

device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7

shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was

the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced

both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing

that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34

joules of electricity through your body. It's taken me quite some

time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however,

you still don't know if everything is ok. Are there other

cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to

relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on

> your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses

just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has

on us.

>

> Let us know how things turn out.

> God Bless,

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

> From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of rm_reppin

> Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM

>

> Subject: Looking for coping strategies...

>

>

> Hi again -

> I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the

replacement

> in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and

> in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2

> hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town

> at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was

> repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found

> out this past July that the device seems to be having the same

> problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they

> can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know

> why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the

problem,

> but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it

> starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until

> Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing

> is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal

> concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a

> couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the

next

> recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar

> problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!

> - Roxe

> Ottawa, Ont.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls.

Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Roxe,

>

> I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed

just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD

implanted back in April of '94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I

had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside

me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second

device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7

shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was

the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced

both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing

that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34

joules of electricity through your body. It's taken me quite some

time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however,

you still don't know if everything is ok. Are there other

cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to

relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on

> your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses

just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has

on us.

>

> Let us know how things turn out.

> God Bless,

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

> From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of rm_reppin

> Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM

>

> Subject: Looking for coping strategies...

>

>

> Hi again -

> I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the

replacement

> in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and

> in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2

> hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town

> at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was

> repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found

> out this past July that the device seems to be having the same

> problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they

> can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know

> why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the

problem,

> but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it

> starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until

> Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing

> is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal

> concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a

> couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the

next

> recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar

> problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!

> - Roxe

> Ottawa, Ont.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls.

Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

>

[Guest guest]

Like any other mechanical device, ICD's can and sometimes do malfunction/ but for every person who has an inappropriate shock...many. many more have either appropriate shocks, or are never shocked at all.... in either case, the lives saved are important to their families, friends, and causal acquaintances. Talk this over with your doctor, and find out what your chances of dropping dead without the device are vs. an inappropriate shock... then you will have to weigh your chances. But at least you are making an informed decision... Most of the folks on this list had just a couple of hours to make the get it/ don't get it decision. Good luck and good health.

Debbie, Tom's wife in Oklahoma

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 2:07 PM Subject: RE: Looking for coping strategies...

Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskalyindiana (DOT) edu> wrote:

Hi Roxe,

I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us.

Let us know how things turn out.

God Bless,

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies...

Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont.

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Like any other mechanical device, ICD's can and sometimes do malfunction/ but for every person who has an inappropriate shock...many. many more have either appropriate shocks, or are never shocked at all.... in either case, the lives saved are important to their families, friends, and causal acquaintances. Talk this over with your doctor, and find out what your chances of dropping dead without the device are vs. an inappropriate shock... then you will have to weigh your chances. But at least you are making an informed decision... Most of the folks on this list had just a couple of hours to make the get it/ don't get it decision. Good luck and good health.

Debbie, Tom's wife in Oklahoma

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 2:07 PM Subject: RE: Looking for coping strategies...

Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskalyindiana (DOT) edu> wrote:

Hi Roxe,

I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us.

Let us know how things turn out.

God Bless,

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies...

Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont.

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

, , :

Does dying scare you? Without the ICD the chances of you dying a whole lot earlier are huge. ICD's prolong life tens of years and not merely months. They provide normal life styles despite the time bombs that are inside our chests. ICD's are the single most effective mechanical devices in keeping people alive this side of those battery-operated things in the adult novelty stores.

Ask yourself one question: If someone punched you in the chest every day of your life in order for you to keep breathing and live long enough to see kids and grandkids grow up, would you do it?

This group has been-there-done-that at a very wide range of levels when it comes to what is wrong with us (You can read my posts, and tell there is something very seriously wrong with me--in addition to my cardiac stuff.) and how the ICD's have changed our lives.

Fear? We all have it. Stacie has had more shocks than any of us, and we tough guys can't imagine how we would handle it.

Scared? Dozens of us have had Sudden Cardiac Death since we have received our ICD's, and we're still here. We're scared. Scared of the ICD not going off and leaving our lifeless bodies on somebody's floor. (Martha says it's no big deal. My body was lifeless before the cardiac problems.)

ICD malfunctioning? What's it going to do? Shock you unnecessarily? It gets fixed or replaced. What else can it do? Turn your coffee maker on in the morning? Give you a pain in the chest to go with the pain in buttockal region that we husbands provide for our wives?

Shocking people? If you think the ICD is goes around unnecessarily and unexpectedly shocking people, consider something more shocking. Passing gas in church, for example. The evening news. Any music video. The list (like me) goes on and on.

Get your ICD and enjoy a long life in spite of a few bumps along the way.

From california where my sappy posts are always pro-zap posts.

Bill

RE: Looking for coping strategies...

Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskaly@...> wrote:

Hi Roxe,

I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us.

Let us know how things turn out.

God Bless,

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies...

Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May '05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont.

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

>

> , , :

>

> Does dying scare you? Without the ICD the chances of you dying a

whole lot earlier are huge.

This seems just like the perfect time to say hello to everyone.

I've been reading along here for an hour or so just to get a feel

for things before jumping in...

I'm Ann, the proud new owner of an ICD, implanted a week ago.

At this point, I'm a mass of bruises and all...and there is a

perceptible lump in my chest (no cracks about three boobs,

please...). But - the point of the whole thing is - I'm HERE.

While I was in the hospital, my heart stopped, all by itself twice.

That was in addition to the time that sent me to the hospital. It

was pretty darn clear that I was out of chances, and options.

While I'm still getting used to the idea that I'm supposed to be

depressed and scared...I'm pretty much amazed to still be alive.

So - tell me, folks: do I really HAVE to take anti-depressants? Do

I really need a shrink? Hmmm...I am darn near euphoric right now.

Just checkin' in...

mac+

(yep, I'm a priest...who evidently wasn't quite ready to see God)

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the encouraging emails! I really appreciate all of them. One day i say i'm going to get the ICD, next day i'm not sure. My doc appointment is tomorrow, so i will wait and hear his advice too. I guess for me it's a little different because 24 years ago i refused the ICD, but now i'm faced again with the decision. Was i just lucky, blessed, not my time??? I don't know, but i have done very well with just my meds. However, i'm getting older and wondering if it's time to have one. I would have never even thought about this, but my regular doctor keeps bringing it up and really pushing that i get one. I'm bad about going to the doctors, I have seen my heart doctor in almost 2 years. When my regular doctor found out, she called him while i was there and they discussed the ICD. Thanks again to everyone. Pattibillmahan

<billandmarthamahan@...> wrote: , , : Does dying scare you? Without the ICD the chances of you dying a whole lot earlier are huge. ICD's prolong life tens of years and not merely months. They provide normal life styles despite the time bombs that are inside our chests. ICD's are the single most effective mechanical

devices in keeping people alive this side of those battery-operated things in the adult novelty stores. Ask yourself one question: If someone punched you in the chest every day of your life in order for you to keep breathing and live long enough to see kids and grandkids grow up, would you do it? This group has been-there-done-that at a very wide range of levels when it comes to what is wrong with us (You can read my posts, and tell there is something very seriously wrong with me--in addition to my cardiac stuff.) and how the ICD's have changed our lives. Fear? We all have it. Stacie has

had more shocks than any of us, and we tough guys can't imagine how we would handle it. Scared? Dozens of us have had Sudden Cardiac Death since we have received our ICD's, and we're still here. We're scared. Scared of the ICD not going off and leaving our lifeless bodies on somebody's floor. (Martha says it's no big deal. My body was lifeless before the cardiac problems.) ICD malfunctioning? What's it going to do? Shock you unnecessarily? It gets fixed or replaced. What else can it do? Turn your coffee maker on in the morning? Give you a pain in the chest to go with the pain in buttockal region that we husbands provide for our wives? Shocking people? If you think the ICD is goes around unnecessarily and unexpectedly shocking people, consider something more shocking. Passing gas in church, for example. The evening news. Any music video. The list (like me) goes on and on. Get your ICD and enjoy a long life in spite of a few bumps along the way. From california where my sappy posts are always pro-zap posts. Bill RE: Looking for coping strategies... Okay so now i'm learning the ICD does apparently shock people due to malfunction. I was leaning towards getting one, but now i'm getting scared!!!!"Maskaly, Cathleen J" <cmaskalyindiana (DOT) edu> wrote: Hi Roxe, I can definitely feel for you. I have ARVD as well (diagnosed just recently through Hopkins, Dr. Caulkins). I had an ICD implanted back in April of ’94 (2 months after I had my daughter). I had two appropriate shocks with that device in its 5 ½ years inside me and it is a very scary situation. But after I had my second device in Jan. 2000 everything was fine until April and I had 7 shocks in

about 15 minutes, went to the ER and they thought it was the leads, but found out that the ICD was defective, so they replaced both the leads and ICD. It was a very traumatic experience knowing that your heart is fine, but this box inside you is sending out 34 joules of electricity through your body. It’s taken me quite some time on top of Xanax to overcome my fear. In your situation however, you still don’t know if everything is ok. Are there other cardiologists in your area that might give you a second opinion to relieve your fear and stress (two of the worst things on your heart). I wish at times we could shock the doctors or nurses just once so they could understand the psychological effects this has on us. Let us know how things turn out. God Bless, From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of rm_reppinSent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: Looking for coping strategies... Hi again -I've got ARVD, and got my first ICD back in 1996, and the replacement in May

'05. Unfortunately, the lead wasn't positioned properly and in July '05 it started to fire inappropriately over the course of 2 hours (the first 7 shocks came over 10 minutes). I was out of town at the time, and had to be airlifted back home where the lead was repositioned. I got myself more or less back to normal, but found out this past July that the device seems to be having the same problem. Mercifully it's not to the point of shocking me, but they can't tell me when or if that might happen. The doctors don't know why the device is having problems (could be the lead is the problem, but again they don't know), so they're taking a wait and see (if it starts to misfire) approach, and the next recheck isn't until Halloween. The problem I'm having is that I don't know if the thing is going to start misfiring. Of course added to that is the normal concern about it firing because it has to. I started on Zoloft a couple

of weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to hang in until the next recheck, but I've had more fun... Has anybody had a similar problem? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks!- RoxeOttawa, Ont. Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

Get your email and more, right on the new .com

[Guest guest]

> While I'm still getting used to the idea that I'm supposed to be

> depressed and scared...I'm pretty much amazed to still be alive.

>

> So - tell me, folks: do I really HAVE to take anti-depressants? Do

> I really need a shrink? Hmmm...I am darn near euphoric right now.

Nope, if you're euphoric, go with that. :) We all have different

reactions to these things!

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.

[Guest guest]

Hello Mac+ ,

No you only need anti-depressions if you need them... I know kind of circular. My husband got his ICD two years ago, and has not had any depression problems or anything like that. His heart didn't try to stop, it just ran off without him.... 240 beats per min. till they got him to the hospital and slowed it down with a bit shock. After a day of test, they decided they didn't know why it did that, but his heart looked good, no blockages or anything, so they put the ICD in. We had no time to really think about it or do any research. But I can tell you, this list has been very helpful with questions and such. Tom's device is one of the recalled Medtronics, but after lots of research and careful consideration, we won't replace it till it is closer to the end of the warranty period. That way it will still be cover by the warranty. The risk of surgery is higher than the risk of device failure at this time.

Anyway, welcome to the group.

Debbie, Tom's wife in Oklahoma

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of Ann CroisantSent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 8:04 PM Subject: Re: Looking for coping strategies...

>> , , :> > Does dying scare you? Without the ICD the chances of you dying a whole lot earlier are huge. This seems just like the perfect time to say hello to everyone. I've been reading along here for an hour or so just to get a feel for things before jumping in...I'm Ann, the proud new owner of an ICD, implanted a week ago. At this point, I'm a mass of bruises and all...and there is a perceptible lump in my chest (no cracks about three boobs, please...). But - the point of the whole thing is - I'm HERE. While I was in the hospital, my heart stopped, all by itself twice. That was in addition to the time that sent me to the hospital. It was pretty darn clear that I was out of chances, and options.While I'm still getting used to the idea that I'm supposed to be depressed and scared...I'm pretty much amazed to still be alive. So - tell me, folks: do I really HAVE to take anti-depressants? Do I really need a shrink? Hmmm...I am darn near euphoric right now. Just checkin' in...mac+(yep, I'm a priest...who evidently wasn't quite ready to see God)

[Guest guest]

Dear Lynn,

I am Dave from Maine's mom and if I were yourself time to process all that has happened. . It is wonderful that you see the value and feel it emotional to have this life saving device.

If you get depressed or anxious, trust me, you will be the first to know it and you can go from there as far as meds and therapy are concerned.

Hugs, Adele