Cardioverter Defibrillator implant

A minor victory occurred today! We went to London for a ICD check up/scan/ tune up, expecting more bad news and I was kind of down this morning.

You should have seen my face when I was told I could drive again:-)
No Highways/Freeways but heck I am able to cruise the city for chicks! LOL

I know its trivial stuff but my ego really really needed this little kick in the ass.

Regards, Iwinder

originally posted by: Iwinder
a reply to: Pardon?
Hi Pardon, If you every read this we have another question for you.
It is apparent that the clock in my device is off and needs resetting, at the moment it is fast by 1hour 20 minutes.
We are hoping its just a minor thing and we do have an appointment to get this fixed/checked out in the near future.

Would you have any ideas of why this has happened? We are assuming the clock was fine after the operation and the follow up checks.

My Cardiologist is having fits about it because when I had an episode in the hospital he assumed the time was correct and questioned me thouroghly on my activities in that time frame which turned out to be incorrect.

We are concerned that it may not just be the clock.......They are checking it in London so I am packing a bag.
I am actually hoping the remove the unit and replace it even considering the risk and pain.

Much appreciated.
Regards, Iwinder

Apologies but I've not been on here for some time.
The clock in the device can be set to any time using the programmer at clinic. It may be that they set a wrong time-zone on it.
I've seen your last post and I'm pleased your doing well.

The devices pack a bit of a punch don't they!


It's good that you've got remote monitoring on it now too, that saves so much time for both you and the clinic (and not to blow my own trumpet but I had a fair part in bringing that technology to the public almost 14 years ago. So glad to see it works as well as we hoped it would).

Again, feel free to ask questions and I'll answer what I can but I'm no replacement for either your clinic or cardiologist.

Keep on living!

It's good that you've got remote monitoring on it now too, that saves so much time for both you and the clinic (and not to blow my own trumpet but I had a fair part in bringing that technology to the public almost 14 years ago. So glad to see it works as well as we hoped it would).

a reply to: Pardon?

I want to let you know that you are more than welcome to "Blow Your Own Trumpet"! This is very hard for me to describe but your dedication and my illness crossed a path that I cannot undo nor explain in simple terms.

Your helpfulness in this thread is without a doubt the most useful information we have ever gotten from the web/net call it what you will.

As far as my clock out of whack goes it looks like it was our local hospital's scanner was out of whack not my implant.

In our small city they do have a "generic scanner" for the Medtronic Implanted ICD'S but they need a specialist to do the scan.

What I witnessed first hand after my second major issue was that when they scanned me it was a teaching session and the Nurses were learning how to do it.

Nothing wrong with that at all, but the doctor that did the scan is only available from 8 am to 4 pm and thats if he is not in surgery.
So odd's are the scanner in our local hospital was not set to the right time.

Now when we go to the emergency department we bring our own scanner so there is no chance of a FUBAR which can cost me dearly.
We will do our own scan and it goes to London and then they get right back to our Hospital here and all is good after that .......we hope....:-)

Pardon, you are very kind and patient and we want you to know that we will never ever forget how kind you have been to us on this thread.

Regards, Iwinder & YogaGinns

A minor update to the situation at hand, I received a low dose of therapy on Aug 16 of this year and I had no idea it even occurred. That is what it is supposed to do as we were told, the reason for the very minor shock was that my heart was starting to race and went over the pre set limit for my heart rate.

Now they have put me back on one of my old meds (Digoxin) and I am feeling much better but I am going to ask them to increase the dosage a bit more because the change was very profound to the positive side of things.

But maybe more is bad?????? I can only ask and see what they say.
I also no longer am suffering from the "Frozen Shoulder" due to the implant surgery so that is a big bonus:-)

Regards, Iwinder

originally posted by: Iwinder
A minor update to the situation at hand, I received a low dose of therapy on Aug 16 of this year and I had no idea it even occurred. That is what it is supposed to do as we were told, the reason for the very minor shock was that my heart was starting to race and went over the pre set limit for my heart rate.

Now they have put me back on one of my old meds (Digoxin) and I am feeling much better but I am going to ask them to increase the dosage a bit more because the change was very profound to the positive side of things.

But maybe more is bad?????? I can only ask and see what they say.
I also no longer am suffering from the "Frozen Shoulder" due to the implant surgery so that is a big bonus:-)

Regards, Iwinder

The "low dose therapy" was probably what's known as ATP therapy (ATP=anti tachycardia pacing).
That's where the device senses your heart is going faster and tries to "outrun" it by pacing your heart even faster for a very short while. It sounds like that would be counter intuitive but it can make the heart muscle "tire" long enough to break it's own fast rhythm. Most ICDs will try this first before delivering a shock.
The fact you don't feel it is one of the major benefits of it although it doesn't work for all fast rhythms.

I can't really comment on your medication apart from saying that as you know, getting them just right can take a little time. It's very much a balancing act.

Anyway it's great to hear you're doing well and long may it continue.

a reply to: Pardon?

The "low dose therapy" was probably what's known as ATP therapy (ATP=anti tachycardia pacing). That's where the device senses your heart is going faster and tries to "outrun" it by pacing your heart even faster for a very short while. It sounds like that would be counter intuitive but it can make the heart muscle "tire" long enough to break it's own fast rhythm. Most ICDs will try this first before delivering a shock. The fact you don't feel it is one of the major benefits of it although it doesn't work for all fast rhythms. I can't really comment on your medication apart from saying that as you know, getting them just right can take a little time. It's very much a balancing act. Anyway it's great to hear you're doing well and long may it continue.

Pardon, thanks for your kind words and your explanation of what probably occurred that day.
Yeah on the meds, it's been over 8 months now and they are still changing things here and there. I am not complaining at all because if I am dead I can't do so :-)
Your input is most welcome as usual.
Regards, Iwinder & YogaGins

Another update, I just had my Digixon doubled and I feel better but still I am lacking gas to really do stuff around the house.
More importantly to myself was that I was back in the Emergency department two months ago for something unrelated to this thread but the Doc that saved my life last year treated me on my last visit.

What a emotional visit that was, I thanked him at least 6 or 7 times over a one hour period, I told him I would never ever forget what he did for me that terrible morning last March. The Doc just shrugged it off as normal stuff. But after running all the tests on me for the unrelated problem he sat down and we had a very nice chat between the three of us.
Myself the wife and my life saver, man was it a good yak to say the least!

It's hard to explain but let me tell you this doctor was so cool during my dieing moments, that really stuck in my head after the fact.
I am smiling typing this because of that visit with the Emergency Doc.

Regards, Iwinder

a reply to: Iwinder

It's awesome that you were able to thank the man that saved your life !

A very emotional thing indeed.

He may have acted all 'nonchalant' about it because it's his job, but you better believe you put a smile on his face and reinforced his reasons as to why he chose to do what he does for a living.



I don't doubt that the Digoxin has you feeling more lithargic... any meds that control and slow down the heart rate will cause a drop in energy levels, plus there's always that lovely one month adjustment period that kicks the crap out of you until your body adapts to the new dosage. You'll eventually balance out though, but your energy levels will never be what they were before the meds, unfortunately.

And besides, it's a great excuse to take up the new hobby of saving the world... one crossword puzzle at a time !

originally posted by: Iwinder
Another update, I just had my Digixon doubled and I feel better but still I am lacking gas to really do stuff around the house.
More importantly to myself was that I was back in the Emergency department two months ago for something unrelated to this thread but the Doc that saved my life last year treated me on my last visit.

What a emotional visit that was, I thanked him at least 6 or 7 times over a one hour period, I told him I would never ever forget what he did for me that terrible morning last March. The Doc just shrugged it off as normal stuff. But after running all the tests on me for the unrelated problem he sat down and we had a very nice chat between the three of us.
Myself the wife and my life saver, man was it a good yak to say the least!

It's hard to explain but let me tell you this doctor was so cool during my dieing moments, that really stuck in my head after the fact.
I am smiling typing this because of that visit with the Emergency Doc.

Regards, Iwinder

Good to hear!

a reply to: Pardon?
Thanks Pardon, I agree too:-)
It was a good day in a bad way, if that makes sense at all?

Regards, Iwinder

originally posted by: CranialSponge
a reply to: Iwinder

It's awesome that you were able to thank the man that saved your life !

A very emotional thing indeed.

He may have acted all 'nonchalant' about it because it's his job, but you better believe you put a smile on his face and reinforced his reasons as to why he chose to do what he does for a living.

I don't doubt that the Digoxin has you feeling more lithargic... any meds that control and slow down the heart rate will cause a drop in energy levels, plus there's always that lovely one month adjustment period that kicks the crap out of you until your body adapts to the new dosage. You'll eventually balance out though, but your energy levels will never be what they were before the meds, unfortunately.

And besides, it's a great excuse to take up the new hobby of saving the world... one crossword puzzle at a time !

What I really remember is after the big zap he was right in my face asking how did I feel and that is when the huge "Holy F****K popped out of my mouth. Fist words I could speak in about an hour, I immediately apologized within seconds to the Doc and all the folks standing around me for my outburst of really foul language. He is still in my face and says that's ok and I was hoping for something loud to come out of your mouth....with a smile on his face.

I seem to have a lot more gas now and I think the Digoxin is the reason. I am going to ask for another increase in my dose come my next appointment with my Heart Doc. You are correct when you said changing a dose or introducing new meds takes and long time to adjust to.
Thanks for your kind post.....
Regards, Iwinder

a reply to: Iwinder

Iwinder, what is your EF? The run up of Digoxin dosing and your state of "gas" relative to it make me wonder if your are in the early stages of CHF. Arrhythmia can lead to CHF, which is a rather daunting prognosis... It is the deadliest form of heart disease, and kills far more people than heart attacks each year.

Have you had an echocardiogram?

originally posted by: Mirthful Me
a reply to: Iwinder

Iwinder, what is your EF? The run up of Digoxin dosing and your state of "gas" relative to it make me wonder if your are in the early stages of CHF. Arrhythmia can lead to CHF, which is a rather daunting prognosis... It is the deadliest form of heart disease, and kills far more people than heart attacks each year.

Have you had an echocardiogram?

Yes I do suffer from congestive heart failure as well but my diuretics seem to take care of that..The gas I mentioned above is my ability to do things around the house....IE "My get up and go" its much better now and I hope to heck it improves even more.
I do know that my heart will give up the ghost on me sooner or later and I am banking on later :-) The good news is my arteries are in excellent shape as in no build up or hardening at all.
I'll take that as a bonus.
I have had at least 10 echo cardiograms, and 2 angiograms and so many other tests and operations I can't list them all here. (cat scans, X rays, some sort of magnetic scan where you can't move for two hours)

I can tell when my congestive heart failure is kicking in, my feet look funny as in fat, and yes my breathing at night is terribly strained. It's a really bad feeling to have I can say that. But as of now my breathing is very good actually excellent and I am sleeping deep.

Thanks for your insights and your post:-)
Regards, Iwinder

originally posted by: Iwinder

originally posted by: Mirthful Me
a reply to: Iwinder

Iwinder, what is your EF? The run up of Digoxin dosing and your state of "gas" relative to it make me wonder if your are in the early stages of CHF. Arrhythmia can lead to CHF, which is a rather daunting prognosis... It is the deadliest form of heart disease, and kills far more people than heart attacks each year.

Have you had an echocardiogram?

Yes I do suffer from congestive heart failure as well but my diuretics seem to take care of that..The gas I mentioned above is my ability to do things around the house....IE "My get up and go" its much better now and I hope to heck it improves even more.
I do know that my heart will give up the ghost on me sooner or later and I am banking on later :-) The good news is my arteries are in excellent shape as in no build up or hardening at all.
I'll take that as a bonus.
I have had at least 10 echo cardiograms, and 2 angiograms and so many other tests and operations I can't list them all here. (cat scans, X rays, some sort of magnetic scan where you can't move for two hours)

I can tell when my congestive heart failure is kicking in, my feet look funny as in fat, and yes my breathing at night is terribly strained. It's a really bad feeling to have I can say that. But as of now my breathing is very good actually excellent and I am sleeping deep.

Thanks for your insights and your post:-)
Regards, Iwinder

You can keep an eye on your CHF by simply weighing yourself daily too.
And increase in weight can signify that you are decompensating and you may notice it before it makes your feet swell and hinders your breathing. (Decompensating just means your heart isn't pumping as well as it should so you're getting a back-log of fluid, edema.)
Diuretics work well to counter this but they need to be adjusted at regular intervals.

Keep on keeping on!

a reply to: Pardon?

You can keep an eye on your CHF by simply weighing yourself daily too. And increase in weight can signify that you are decompensating and you may notice it before it makes your feet swell and hinders your breathing. (Decompensating just means your heart isn't pumping as well as it should so you're getting a back-log of fluid, edema.) Diuretics work well to counter this but they need to be adjusted at regular intervals. Keep on keeping on!

Thanks for the informative post as usual Pardon. I weigh myself almost every day just for that reason you so kindly stated above. Right now when I am feeling the onset of congestive heart failure I take an extra diuretic pill (half of one) and lay down with my torso up and my feet lower, it seems to to the trick. But at the same time then I really have to watch my potassium level because the diuretic meds drop it fast. Thanks for the very kind words, I will most definitely strive to Keep on keeping on:-)

Regards, Iwinder

I hope OP is still alive.

a reply to: Jay Electronica

Well, he logged in on the 22nd, so I'm going to go ahead and say most likely he is...

That sounds dangerous. It would be likely the best weapon the government has to kill you!

originally posted by: Flanker86
That sounds dangerous. It would be likely the best weapon the government has to kill you!

That would probably go to the Ma Deuce.

If the government really has a bone to kill you, they've got lots of firearms. They're cheap, all their minions are trained to use them, and they're ubiquitous.

originally posted by: Flanker86
That sounds dangerous. It would be likely the best weapon the government has to kill you!

Oh yes, they can be dangerous, especially if they're programmed incorrectly.
But they're put in to keep people alive so not putting one in is even more dangerous.