im 21 and getting a defibulator. im scared.

Hi,

My name is Caitlin. I am 21 an im getting a defibulator. Im really scared. I heard that when a defibulator goes off(shocks your heart) it feels like getting hit by a bus. Is that true? How much does it affect your life? If anyone can give me any information and well help me not be so scared I greatly appriciate it.

I truly understand your fear, and hope some one chimes in with some reassuring words.

I'd rather have it in me. I understand you are scared. Having a definulator is lots more better not having it. Yes, it shocks your heart, but if you think about... it shocks your heart when your heart stops working. Its a serious choice, but I'd do it at your age. You got your whole life to live. Having something to help you keep going is a great idea, and it sounds like you need it, cuz a doctor wont want you to get one if you dont need it. Its like me and chemotherapy.... you think a doctor would want me in cancer treatment if I dont need it? You are ten years my juniour, you have so much more to live for. A husband, kids, and more. You can talk to me anytime..

---

"The Walking Medical Mystery"

Too many Allergies / Too many RXs & DXs

A Rare Gem for Doctors and Guinee Pig
~Medical Caregiver and Doctors Worse Nightmare~

I do have a lot going going on... I have congestive heart failure as well, I do have two beautiful lil boys an a boyfriend who supports me an is there for me.. its still just scary.. ive never had a surgery before untill now. Its getting done feb 28th so wish me luck guys. And thank you to the both of you.

Hi Starr. Sorry to hear you're having heart problums. I was in the same boat as you 13 years ago. At 22 years old, I got an injury that left my leg full of blood clots after a sergery to fix it. One ended up in my heart and blocked off the left side completely. At 25 I had my first big heart attack and they gave me a pacemaker/defib. I'm 35 now and struggling with class 3 heart failure.

First I'd like to tell you that it's going to be ok. They'll put you to sleep, you'll wake up later not even knowing that any time passed. I actually woke up still counting down from 10 like the Dr. asked. There's a day to two of discomfort where they made the insision and you'll have to get used to having a small metal box under your skin. But after a while you wont even know it's there.

As for it shocking your heart, yes it does kinda hurt. But in the 10 years I've had one (on my second one actually) I've only been shocked twice. Once was because I tried to do too much and my heart rate got up past the limit set in the pacemaker so it thought something was wrong and started defibing me. They raised the limit after that and havent had any other problums with it.

The other time saved my life. I was at the park with my son, he wanted to fly a kite. I was standing in a field waiting for a gust of wind to let the kite go when everything went blurry, I felt like I was falling over I dropped to a knee and about that time I was defib'd once. It brought me out of it like it should have. I wouldn't be here if I didn't have one so I'm thankfull for that.

So having one isn't a bad thing. And honestly you won't even know it's there most of the time. You'll get used to having it just ike anything else. It's like wearing a watch or earrings or a body piercing. After a while you don't even know your wearing one.

I hope everything turns out ok. Take care of yourself and family. You're gona be alright.
Seth.

Well I just got told im going to be awake during the procedure, ill be sedated but its really freaking me out knowing ill be awake, but thank you seth I really apriciate it.

Ya, they told me the same thing. They said I'd be able to respond to questions and stuff. But like I said in the other post, the doc told me to start counting down from ten and when I got to 3 the nurse came in and asked me what I was doing. I said "The doc told me to cound down from ten." And she said "Oh honey, that was 4 hours ago, you're in recovery now." Heh.

I'm on my second pacemaker, they only last about 5 - 8 years depending on how much it has to work. Both times were the same. Didn't remember a thing, and couldn't even tell that any time passed at all. I'd try not to think about it if you can.
Good luck!
Seth.

Thank you so much seth. What you havve told me makes me feel better about the procedure. Thank you so much.

Thought I'd stop by and see how everything went. Hope you're doing alright Starr.
Seth.

Im ok surgery fine just having a hard time recoverying.ndr said the pain would ease upmin a week an its almost 2 weeks an the pain hasnt eased up an also the pace maker is having a hard time regulating my heart so few complications, but thank you for checking up on me seth. Means a lot.

Caitlin

It's good to hear your alright. It takes a while for them to get it set right so hang in there. I had a problum with the leads touching a nerve inside so when I would lay on my side while trying to sleep I could feel the pulse of it pacing my heart. It was like having the hickups anytime I was laying down.

The pocket they hollow out takes a while to heal and build up some strength. Think of it like playing guitar, your fingers are going to hurt till the skin on your finger tips thicken up. Hopefully soon it'll stop hurting. I had alot of trouble with pinching if I bent over or twisted. Hurt like hell. But it finaly went away after a while.

Good luck Starr. Hopefully you wont ever need it but it's nice to know that if you do it'll save your life.
Take care.

Seth.

Well I know what u mean by the hicups in the chest. I didnt know what that was an it feels so weird. Im also getting most movemments back in my arm but not all. Also if I lift my arm straight up the defibulator sticks out an looks like a bone popping out. So hopefully soon things will work out..

hey Starr i thought i was the only young person with CHF cause i cant find anyone in my city with it im 27 now they told me i had CHF at 25 due to a flu that attacked my heart and i had to get a defib back in aug. but yea you will get feeling back soon and it kinda just sinks in after a while like you wont notice it until you look at the scar they told me they've never seen a case like mine and their one of the top hosp. in the world its crazy but it will get better though

Hey sweetie, My aunt was one of the first people ever to get the Pacemaker or modern days Defibrillator. She is still alive today decades later, she was also in her twenties, now she is like 83 or something. You can live a long and healthy life with one. You just have to get the batteries replaced sometimes, and sometimes you need a new model of defibrillator but it will be all okay.

Caitlin,
I'm a new member and just read about your story. I wanted to stop by and send you my very best wishes for a speedy recovery.

x