Pacemakers Support Group

A pacemaker (or artificial pacemaker) is a medical device which uses electrical impulses, delivered by electrodes contacting the heart muscles, to regulate the beating of the heart. The primary purpose of a pacemaker is to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the heart's native pacemaker is not fast enough, or there is a block in the heart's electrical...

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Heart, Blood & Circulation
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ICD

superfletch21
superfletch21

Been awhile since I have posted.  Been to the doc a lot lately and been trying lots of meds and different dosages.  Friday got the news that I will have an ICD implanted on the 29th of this month.  I have mixed emotions about this.  Health wise I am doing pretty good, some dizzy spells and shortness of breath here and there and still an EF of 29.  Feel like I don't need the ICD but I know it can save my life if needed.  Think I am more worried about life after the implant.  Scared to death of a shock, scared of being paranoid about the device all the time, scared of getting depressed, just a lot of uncertainties I guess.  At 41 years of age I guess I just keep asking over and over again why me why me.  Just a little rant here I guess....

belsheart
belsheart
That's a lot to have to deal with at 41. But I do hope you go ahead with the icd, especially with your ejection fraction. Have they talked at all about if you are a candidate for a bivent pacemaker? Cardiac resync?
Ihope u can keep your spirits up. My ejection fraction used to be very low, but I am up to 40 now. So it can happen:)
superfletch21
superfletch21
Got the ICD on the 29th of June, haven't talked about any of the other options, got to try to get healthy now and see if I can improve my EF and hopefully never need the ICD to do its job!
WK57
WK57
Curious how one can improve one's LVEF? I was at 23 (age 62) when first diagnosed with HF in September 2019. Strict adherence to diet and walking 3-6 miles a day. I had an angiogram in May of 2020 and the LVEF was still at 23. At least no blockages were found, so I was able to avoid/postpone stenting and/or bypass surgery. Would like to double my LVEF if possible. Not sure what else I need to do besides my new Medtronic ICD and a beta blocker for the HF. Moderate Stage 1 blood pressure. Still walking daily as if my life depends on it. I am asymptomatic with regards to angina, shortness of breath, anemia, and never have experienced any chest pains. Thanks!
RoboPop
RoboPop
Sorry for late reply.

So Superfletch the answer...why not you?

I know several people who've improved their Ejaculation Fraction to normal levels through various techniques. What I can tell you is it varies by the individual as to what may work or not, but I would add none of the miracles you see touted by charlatans ever helped anyone. It's working with your doctors and trial and error that will give you the best chances.

My EF ranges between 15 and 20%. And why do they call it a fraction while expressing it as a percentage? Also had a quad bypass and mitral valve overhaul.

Anyhow, I've been in end stage heart failure for well over 14 years now and never found a magic elixor. We're going to give a Mitraclip a shot later this year but I don't hold a lot of hope.

Like I said, work with your doctors and hope for the best, however should it not improve make the most of every day and don't let it get you down. Life ain't over till the dirt goes on so don't waste it.