As you can see from my member name "formydad", this is exactly what it's about...
I'm writing this on behalf of my dad, he just turned 70 and three weeks yesterday he had an ICD implanted.
He has been very depressed and seems to have a lot of anxiety. I see from some others they have had the same. How long will this feeling last?
He is not sleep well at night, and has some problem breathing. He has gone back to his dr and they say everything is fine. His ankles are also swelling up with water. He is on water pills and they are not working. On Sept 5 he will be going back to the dr for them to test the devices and adjust what they need to. They said this will be a 6 hr process. They were not able to test the ICD after the procedure because he is on comadien (not sure spelling ) and being off of it for the procedure could cause blood clots, a stoke, etc.
Is there anyone out there who can shed some light for my dad... I really want him to feel better and not be so worried.
Thank you & you are all such an insperation!!!
Sincerely,
Donna "formydad"
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What one feels after the icd....
- By formydad
- Posted August 23, 2008 at 1:28 pm · 5 replies
- In Living with an ICD
- Shared with the public
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- By Mary1
- Posted August 24, 2008 at 11:51 am
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Hi Donna,
You definitely came to the right place, and I'm glad you found it so soon. It took me almost a year after my sudden cardiac arrest to find a place to talk to other people. Your Dad is lucky to have you on his side, too!
I'm actually not really sure how to answer your question. Did your dad have a sudden cardiac arrest, and then have the ICD implanted, or was it implanted due to risk factors? Either way, it is life changing to know you have to live with the device, and count on it to save your life if need be. I have felt depressed about this off and on. Talking to a therapist helped me a lot in terms of putting the whole experience in perspective. I don't know if he would be willing to see a professional... The other thing I did was to become involved with activities such as the American Heart Association. I made a speech for their Start Heart Walk and walked with my husband and his cousins. I think the feeling of doing SOMETHING, no matter what it is, helps. I like to think talking about my experience with other people might help them, and make what I went through sort of worth it...I don't know if that makes any sense to you.
I'm guessing the procedure he has to go through to test his ICD is the one where they put you out and then cause you to go into defib? I had it done last summer and I was terrified. The whole experience ended up being fairly easy and I don't think I'd be anywhere as nervous if I have to have it done again. Maybe just having the device tested will help with your dad's anxiety...
It's hard to say how long the anxiety will last (probably always at a certain level), but let your dad know it WILL get better. Feeling that way just 3 weeks after getting the device is very normal.
Good luck to you both. I hope this helps in some small way...
Love, Mary
- By formydad
- Posted August 24, 2008 at 8:59 pm
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Mary,
Thank you so much for your reply. I'm glad your doing well.
My father had open heart surgery 4-5 yrs ago, and his heart is weak. The ICD was implanted for that reason.
My mother and the dr suggested him talking with somone, but he is stuborn and I'm sure he will not.
I have also told him to about this site, but he just sort of shrugged his shoulders about it and that was that.
But I'm glad for your reply and I feel it is helpful for ME to read about everyone how they feel/felt and how they are all doing now.
Thank you again, Mary and god bless!!!
Donna
- By Johnie
- Posted August 24, 2008 at 11:48 pm
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Dear "Formydad,"
One thing I wish people/doctors had told me after my SCA and icd is that many of the symptoms you experience are from the MEDICATIONS! Weird feelings in the chest, dizzy spells, feeling faint, breathing oddities, swelling in feet and ankles -- I had all those, and they all decreased as the medications decreased. Now all gone! I was sure there was something wrong with my heart, when all the time it was just the meds.
- By formydad
- Posted August 25, 2008 at 5:52 pm
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Thank you... I will mention the meds to my father and make sure he talks with his dr. If this was me, I would be on the phone with the dr until I felt better, but he just is waiting for his next appt.
- By Mary1
- Posted August 26, 2008 at 3:23 pm
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Donna,
Taking care of yourself will help your dad. I know that is a "pat" sounding response, but it's so true. I think the thing that stresses me the most is when I know my husband is stressed.
I'm sure your dad will feel better both physically and emotionally as time passes.
:-)
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