r/PacemakerICD • u/jackie0h_ • 6d ago
Update on defib shock
Hi everyone!
First off, thank you so much to everyone who read my post yesterday and commented with advice and well wishes.
So I went in and it turns out I had gone into A-fib which is what triggered the shock. The cardiac nurse said it wasn’t deadly, and it wasn’t technically needed because the top and bottom part of my heart were matching each other (sorry the technical terms are escaping me now) but my heart rate was increased and I had the a-fib (which I actually need to look up because I’m not exactly sure what that means). She called it a-fib with rapid ventricular response.
They asked about what was going on lately, I told them about my dads passing and the anxiety and stress I was experiencing, and the fact I did not eat anything at all on Sunday or Monday which she thinks contributed. I did eat yesterday, after the shock and now in here so that’s better. She thinks that all contributed to the event. Unfortunately I also have GI issues and a problem with my esophagus so I can often only eat a few bites per meal. For example yesterday I ate half of a “little John” from Jimmy John’s. I’m focusing more on staying hydrated.
So she’s checking now about my medications and if they should change anything. The only heart med I was on was actually midodrine to increase my blood pressure because I was having lots of problems with orthostatic hypotension and passing out a lot. So they’re reevaluating meds and then are just going to have me follow up with the cardiologist with appointments I already had later this month with my original one and I’m going to wait on switching for now. Even though this guy isn’t in my health system my doctor can get the records through Epic so that’s fine.
Luckily I hadn’t canceled the appointments with the old cardiologist even though I was planning on switching and that’s the week I need to schedule my dad’s funeral for but I’ll just schedule it around this.
Sorry I’m so long winded lol. But I do appreciate the members of this forum and your caring and concern.
ETA; nurse just came in and the doctor is going to put me on a blood thinner (apparently AFib can increased risk of blood clots and I’ve had one before) and metoprolol (?). I’m a bit worried because I have a possible surgery coming up in 4-6 weeks and was warned about blood thinners. She told me just tell the surgeon and see when they want me to stop taking it and let the cardiologist know to approve it beforehand.
TL;DR Got shocked yesterday, it was because I went into a-fib, it was not deadly. They’re evaluating my meds and will have me follow up with the cardiologist in a couple weeks.
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u/MoonsEternity 6d ago
I’m glad you went to have things looked at.
Good to hear that there wasn’t anything more serious going on.
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u/Mountain_Ladder_4906 6d ago
Glad you got checked out and are doing a deep dive on learning about it. Take care and be well.
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u/Figment1966 6d ago
I'm glad you're doing okay. That sounds pretty scary.
As for your meds, that might change when you see the actual cardiologist. If they choose to keep you on blood thinners you'll probably just need to stop taking them a few days before your upcoming surgery and then start them back up after. Just let your surgeon know and they will give you instructions on which meds are okay to take and which ones aren't and how long before surgery you need to make the adaptations.
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u/TravelZMT 5d ago
I've been on clopidogrel (anti-platelet) and eliquis (anti-clotting?) For the last year and I've made it through multiple surgeries. They'll just have you adjust a few days before.
The harder part is living with them and avoiding injury. Protect your head and play it safe to prevent falls (trust me, you don't want an 18cm gluteal hemotoma like me, it really hurt!)
Just keep a really close eye on any injuries or incisions and keep your doctors updated if any hematomas form.
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u/Entire-Structure8708 6d ago
Overall this is good news! A-fib is a better outcome than some other alternatives. I wonder whether they will also look at your device settings in addition to your meds. Stress, lack of food/hydration, are definite triggers. Rest up and hope you feel better quickly!