Living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

Straight talk by young patients at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford discuss what it's like to live with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Learn more at ep.stanfordchildrens.org.

[@susanabanana212]

I’m 18 and dreading this procedure, I felt like I’d be giving up a part of myself. But this video really helped.

[@williambarkenbush3915]

I got my ICD almost five weeks ago. Thank you all for sharing I am 55 and thought my life was over. After listening to you all it’s a huge help. God bless you all.🙏

[@dennislurvey3235]

What did the implant do, has it gone off yet, mine either. Are you sure they didn't do it for the 10g cash bonus ?

[@williambarkenbush3915]

@@dennislurvey3235 it has saved me once so far. 🙏

[@sailorbongwater]

Thank you so much for this video. There is not enough coverage on this topic online and it made me feel less alone. I’m 25 and got my ICD at 11.

[@angeldrawers7751]

Im getting one Im 39 I have w.p.w. s.v.t R.e..t. i.s.t.afib.vbib.v.t. and p.v.c Im so scared to get this surgery😪

[@sailorbongwater]

@Garry Ellison I’ve been married for years. Even now at 27, having an ICD that young is still incredibly lonely. Nobody my age ever has a pacemaker- and everyone who knows what one is, compares me to their grandpa who got a pacemaker in the 60s. My ICD experience robbed me of my childhood and gave me trauma and self image issues- and it continues because of how medical staff treat me. They don’t listen, they think they know your experience better than you. I’m sorry, but doctors are twisted if they really think everyone goes back to a “normal” life after this. I’m sure it’s possible, but I certainly didn’t. My experience left me pretty traumatized. And everyone discredits my symptoms because “I’m young” .. honestly I’m just over it. I wish the health system valued our mental health well enough to understand that they go hand in hand with our physical health.

[@sailorbongwater]

They need to care about us a hell of a lot more than they do. And don’t get me started on how ICDs are really inconvenient when you have breasts. I never understood the reasoning behind the shape of this junk, but I haven’t had a good nights sleep or a really good stretch in so many years LOL

[@umieomandam33]

Hello, my son is turning 16 this may 5,2022, he will undergo this procedure,as a mom i am very worried and scared the negative happened, i hope the procedure went well,,can i ask? Have you never change the icd? Your icd long last that morethan 10 years? Have you try having an electric shock when your heartbeatbis too fast? Is it very pain? I hope my son will endure the pain if ever he have this device..hope hearing from you soon.

[@kevincantu1724]

Just had my ICD put in this past Wednesday and I'm thankful for it and these amazing kids too.

[@jayss3174]

#1 don’t let it get to you. Icd saved my dads life all it does, it tracks your heart beat rhythm. My dad had a cardiac arrest once I saved his life by giving him chest compressions until the paramedics arrived. They revived him by using a defibrillator which shocked him 2 times until him came back. Until then he decided to get a icd. After he got the icd, his icd tracked a unusual rhythm and the icd kicked in to make his heart beat normal. He told me it felt like a kick in the chest. Ever since he’s been fine, he is 58 strong man, you just have to take care of yourself don’t do heavy lifting, eat healthy, don’t get mad or don’t get the person that has it and you or they should be fine. Be happy! Learn to appreciate every small thing that you have. Meditate

[@ColBalooch]

I have one installed 7 years ago, it always keep my heart rate within the limits , never feel any abnormality, until this February 2020, it's shocked me three times and brought my heart rythem normal, I was in standing position, but was realizing that my heart is not pumping rite, I was awake, no nausea or pain, I remain completely conscious, it did 3 shocks with 15 second interval, it was so quick and my mind was so relaxed on the working of my ICD, beside it was horrible, but my mind was relaxed that it's working to safe my life before even the ambulance came, so don't get anxious or anxiety for just the installation of device, just think that a whole medical Crue is with you all the time,

[@jonathongrinols283]

Did it hurt, when it shocked you?

[@ColBalooch]

@@jonathongrinols283 It happened so quick and without any Warning, even if it hurts, ( for a very little time), like a 1/10 of a second, but it gives mental relief and hope of survival

[@beefgoulash8726]

It gives me relief but I’m scared it will shock me when Im really tired lol

[@johnsampey344]

Thank you Col. I've been put on standby for an urgent ICD implant. You take a good solid view of the reality of these things.

[@johnsampey344]

Thank You Col, for putting my mind at rest.

[@uzeeyo]

Thanks a lot. I was just told an ICD may be an option for my condition and have been depressed since yesterday because I'm only 26 but these kids show me I have to be brave no matter what and it's not the end of my world

[@YaroIn4k]

Im only 16 and today i heared i had a very rare heart disease so i have to get one too i am so scared

[@TechyRodsWire]

Same I’m 38 very down and worried

[@YaroIn4k]

@@TechyRodsWire i got one and i feel safe now , just learn how to live with it and be happy u are alive

[@uzeeyo]

@@TechyRodsWire Hey so I ended up getting it 11 months ago and I did get an accidental shock but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was. I definitely don't wanna get another one but the pain literally only lasts for a second

[@TechyRodsWire]

@@uzeeyo looks like I may be getting mine in couple weeks. Nervous I asked my cardiologist can I wear life vest longer and go up on my entresto dosage and do another echocardiogram , gonna talk to her on Tuesday

[@R.A753]

I'm 29 turning 30 in July. At the age of 19 I had a random cardiac arrest and died for 48 minutes getting a ICD inserted in my chest. I'm currently at the 10 year mark and in 2 weeks it's getting replaced. I've definitely noticed the difference in my lifestyle while having to live with this. But one thing it's taught me is not to fear death but to make the most of life. I've still managed to accomplish alot in my life so it's not a life ending procedure we can live a normal life.

[@beefgoulash8726]

At 18 I went into cardiac arrest from myocarditis due to covid

[@mandarrajguru6946]

Guys , . Don’t worry at all . Icd changes nothing .after that it’s actually cool . Nervousness is there for just 2 3 months . Just keep thinking that it’s for you ,it’s for your own safety I have Icd and I do excercise comfortably for 40 50 mins . And IAm 25 .

[@hotlatino7220]

Wat kind of excercises do you do

[@mandarrajguru6946]

HotLatino 72 1. walking is regular .. 2. I have my own manufacturing related workshop so I do lift some heavy weights with help of some one 3 . light cricket 4. Badminton tossing

[@vincepurpura8905]

@@mandarrajguru6946 I've had two heart attacks, and I still go to the gym 3 times a week to lift. I won't let anything stop me from living life my way either.

[@morriskurland1091]

This video is what I needed, Thank you to all the participants.

[@wlishandzowa393]

Came here cos of Christmas Ericksen, The moment I heard that is having an ICD. God is amazing, Wishing you all healthy lives. Amen!!

[@angeliquecoleman2480]

Each and every one of your stories are beautiful 🦋 you sign beautifully! My son is profoundly deaf and wears cochlear implants! Oh and my favorite is dr pepper! I am having to give that up too! You are such an inspiration 🦋

[@Raj-ul9my]

We are just humans. If your hearts own pacemaker does not function correctly which happens no need to be upset people have cancer. Stay strong

[@emokitty_746]

I’m going to have my icd replacement soon and I feel so depressed..I really needed to see this

[@bridget2145]

Oh my God, it's well. I was so afraid initially but after some time. I have to live with it😂

[@koolpopjones6499]

Great video. Helps me learn more about my ICD

[@akguy4u29]

i just got one last week , God bless.

[@LxTxSURGE]

Omg saw triple h just got 1 of these, hope all with this are ok and live a long life,

[@hotlatino7220]

4:50 I love her spirit. Beautiful attitude. Mountain Dew. She loves Mountain Dew. Lol. I love strong positive ppl even when under fire.

[@julithegarrett7428]

Thank you for sharing your stories, I am going to have one ICD. I am sad and scare, I am a stage performer and I feel so sad that perhaps is not possible any more, no more 2 Hours shows. (They are very physical). God bless you all.❤

[@michaelschmidli1668]

I’m 42 and so scared to get one . I’m wearing a vest defibrillator for precaution and it’s so uncomfortable .. But watching and hearing your stories will get me through thank you guys so much for posting xoxo xoxo

[@hotlatino7220]

I'm wearing a vest to. How long you gotta wear it?

[@hotlatino7220]

Okay.... hope your doing well

[@hotlatino7220]

Okay. Hope your fine.

[@vincepurpura8905]

The lifevest? (Or as I called it, the life bra) I wore it for two days, too uncomfortable.

[@raghusunkara7077]

In a mth or so need to go with this as my physician preferred. My EF 20. Hoping for best.

[@adrianacamacho2984]

I got my icd 2 weeks ago and feeling great just patiently waiting to get back to work it's been a long 5 months

[@wlishandzowa393]

wishing you a happily happy life.

[@wyckofury2198]

I have a defibrilator. I had an electric storm of my heart and was shocked 4 times in less than ten minutes. It was so painful that now I am considering asking for my Defib to be turned off. I fear the horrific pain of shocks more than death right now. I am a middle aged man with three kids and a wife that cannot support me, also no life insurance because of my heart. Can you imagine how bad it was for me to consider death instead of going through multiple shocks again?

[@lockergr]

Wycko Fury This is scary to hear and my heart goes out to you. Watch some NDE videos, and make the right choice for you. I pray the path you choose is the right one for you and your family.

[@XINDO100]

I got my ICD at 13 and i am now 29, unfortunately my sister didn't had the same luck she passed away in 2006 at the age of 14 🥺

[@nkel6111]

i am 72 n just had icd job. its not too rough and these kids over emphasize other teens concerns. i urge them to be stronger as their health is more important than some ass' snickering. parents need to strongly support their kids and must teach kids when to say fukk youu...as needed

[@dennislurvey3235]

What don't say is the doctor receives a huge bonus for everyone installed. Ten grand. So are they given to patients who need them, or is it for the money. You may be surprised that doctors can con you into of getting one, or it they give you one for the money. A lot of times your heart will heal up enough to not need one anymore. For me I felt no different before the implant than after and it has never turned on, and they put the lead through my heart valve and it's causing a leak. I'm trying to find someone to remove it.

[@freeasabird5187]

Why are there so many young people needing an ICD or pacemaker🤔

[@thebionicbuchanan271]

I'm 35 and have an ICD/Pacemaker

[@Nesokralj]

me 2 34 years

[@freestyleroo7]

I have ICD and sometime I am so depress

[@mariuslives8250]

So, this helped ease me a little. I'm 33.. so older than all the individuals here. But my doc wants to put the ICD in me. I'm just afraid of not being about to do things before. For those who have the ICD, What are some things that you may or may not be able to do anymore? I'm afraid of not being able to drive anymore. Do you have to take heavy meds afterward?

[@blackhart7072k]

You can live a totally normal life. I got mine at the end of 2015. I'll be 39 this week. I've won a BJJ tournament with mine. Take it slow. Get comfortable with it. Get confident. Then... Live your life. Aside from an MRI nothing's different. Airport metal detectors will let you pass. You've got an insurance like no other going in you.

[@screwtrix]

@@blackhart7072k ANTHONY! You won a BJJ tournament after this procedure????!!!! I had to stop BJJ and all exercise 10 years ago because of my heart condition. They pushed the ICD on me at the time but I was afraid to get it and have kept my physical activity to walks and occasional snowboarding. BUUUUTT if you got the ICD and were not only able to continue BJJ but compete, i am all in! We may not have the same condition, i have hypertrophy cardiomyopathy but this is great news! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the win!

[@blackhart7072k]

@Santiago Jimenez yeah. I'm still a big guy but before I got my icd I got my EF up from 19 to 36. Cardio, diet and sleep. Passed the stress test and all. Just couldn't get my EF over 40. Got the icd and went and STARTED bjj after the icd was implanted.

[@terencespragg5708]

My wife has one I have a question if she was in town and no one knew she had one implanted and someone used a defibrillator on her what would happen.

[@user-rm3pt7jc3f]

I was wondering that too. My 30 yr old daughter got one yesterday.

[@florezestie7675]

I had mines 20 days ago and i been so depressed since then :(

[@328skidpad]

I had two heart attacks this year due to stress-my ejection fraction is now 33% and thus have to get a ICD, me excited you are alive and that we have the technology that will keep you alive, America is great and appreciate that you can actually get one. Also remember that you can talk, walk and still function, an ICD is just a "backup" move on and be excited that you will live instead of making other people depressed that you could not live, TURN YOUR Depression in to Motivation to be better, stronger and smarter..

[@florezestie7675]

Mars resident ❤️Thank you

[@victorialmiller2577]

Ive had mine for 1 month now and I feel I'm at the lowest point of life now so I now sleep 20 hours a day.. I try to get myself outside and out of this.. I'm hoping to snap out of thjs 😭

[@gerardwhite2689]

@@victorialmiller2577 how old are you ?

[@victorialmiller2577]

@@gerardwhite2689 I'm 44 but I'm feeling MUCH better than when this comment was made.. I truly felt horrible and depressed for about 3 months

[@rsstnnr76]

My dad just had this surgery.

[@emranhodza917]

And how is he now?

[@Teacupdogz]

My dad has to get it. How is your dad?

[@rsstnnr76]

@@Teacupdogz he's doing good...so far.

[@wyckofury2198]

Oh by the way Medtronic. How much money have you put into research so far to eliminate pain of defib shocks? Your CEO should get some real shocks for motivation. Doctors too. My so-called friend (a doctor) said “only 30 Joules? We used to defib at 200 and 360 Joules.” Yes that is what we have to deal with. Doctors and big pharma/ Medtronic that don’t give a F..k about the torture you have to go through. They’re saving lives right.

[@lockergr]

Wycko Fury See more people need to point things like this out. People need to understand what's really going on.

[@kick20049]

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