Doc says it's time for and ICD,,

[hook]

I was hoping that after my MVR, my left ventricle would re-model and improve my EF over 35%. No such luck, I am still about 20 to 25%.:confused2: My LA did go back to normal size, but I think I will always have a bad LV. Considering I am only 3 months post opp, I feel great; only bothered by a few pesky PVCs.

The docs tell me that people with an EF under 35% have a 2% chance of sudden death; mostly caused by sudden ventricular rythms. The only insurance for this is the ICD.:eek2:

Has anyone else been awarded with one of these for this same reason? I do not like the thought of this lump in my chest.

 

[AgilityDog]

I've got an ICD. I have complete heart block after MVR and maze procedure, and got a pacemaker before i left the hospital. I had a bout of vtach the day after MVR which we believed was caused by a drug I was given.
Then 18 months later I got vtach while driving to work, got tossed in the hospital and started on sotalol, then the ICD swapped for pacemaker on Xmas eve, 3 days after hospitalization. Between the ICD and the sotalol, my pvcs have significantly decreased. I had one round of pvcs for which I had to call my EP at 1 a.m., probably caused by exposure to MSG. An extra half dose of sotalol and it quit.
I had reduced EF prior to this month's AVR, about 40-45% We'll see what happens after I recover and remodel, but I know my circulation is better already.

The ICD or pacemaker takes some tweaking to get the settings right - low range, high range, and rate of acceleration have to be set for each patient. It takes several trips to the doctor!
You'll get used to the lump. If you are not on the thin side, you may not even see it once it heals. Of course, it's a tad heavy at first, you'll get used to it. The wires can be sensitive to pressure, like the shoulder strap to the seat belt. There are devises to relieve that pressure.
You'll swell and be sore for a week or two after surgery, and will have limited arm movement and activities (no bouncing) for 4-6 weeks after implatation, to let the area and leads heal in place.
I hope you will find it comforting to have this back up system in place, rather than a burden.

 

[Greg a]

a support site if you have questions

http://icdsupportgroup.org/board/index.php

 

[tobagotwo]

Obviousy, your doctor is going to know what your situation requires.

However, don't feel discouraged about your EF. Three months doesn't tell the whole story for most people by far (more like a year), and that your LV has been remodelling is a very good sign.

Beta blockers can also dampen EF. Ask your doctor and your pharmacist about whether the prescriptions you're on may be slowing or interfering with the recovery of your ejection fraction.

Be well,

 

[hook]

I was wondering if my amioderone may have reduced my EF.