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Inplanted Defibrillator
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭

I recently was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy and my EF is 30. Taking meds to try to bring it up, but think I'm facing an implanted defibrillator and it freaks me out! I am wondering if people are glad about getting one or are there regrets? What are the challenges of living with one?

posted February 6, 2021
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A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

My EF is 25 and seems to stay there. When I had the Widow Maker a year and a half ago, the lower part of the L ventricle died and I was told that the EF will stay there because of that. I too have a defibrillator and thankfully it has never gone off. I went to cardio rehab and then joined a gym. Then COVID hit and I put my membership on hold, but intend to go back. I try to follow the heart diet and mostly do, but of course I cheat once in awhile. Just waking up every morning is enough incentive for me to be happy and make the best of my life as it now is. God bless you as well.

posted April 19, 2021
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

number one i think i was very fortunate that it did improve. From what I understand it's rare to boost one up when EF was 18%.
My doctor wasn't shy about prescribing lots of meds. Blood pressure, Carvidial for my heart, diaretics to keep fluids out of my lungs, on and on.
But i really do feel i embraced the lifestyle changes that i have to make.I attended a Cardio Rehab class that got me exercising regularly, watched my diet and my fluid intake.
However, i'm far from perfect with these things. I slip a lot! chocolate here, milk there...and I've been totally off the charts for the last few days. I'm going in Thursday for the results of my echo, we'll see how succesful things are going.

posted March 8, 2021
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Hi, I too survived a widow maker. I have had my pacemaker/defibrillator for 5 years now. I forget I have it! It was awkward at first, but I adjusted easily to it, and I am so thankful to have it. I agree, it gives me peace of mind.

posted March 3, 2021
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

My Cardiologist gave me a life vest. I couldn't get past 6 hours wearing it. It was painful!

posted February 23, 2021
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

I got a biventricular defibrillator and and pacemaker combo! It is about 3X3 inches and has wires everywhere but it has NOT gone off and if it did I would be grateful! My EF has gone up from 35% to 60% so I am very satisfied and happy that should I need it it will go off and save my life!

posted December 15, 2023

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