Who has a Defibrillator?

I've had several friends Who have defibulators in them and evrytime they go off the doctors have told them it will feel like a mule has kicked you in the chest and When it does go off you need to be seen asap!! One friend who lived alone had his go off in the middle of the night and he fortunately woke up a couple of hours later and I was able to get him help. Another friends mom had hers go off multiple times and every time they called for help until the day came and she passed. You can live a normal life but if it detects a issue with your heart they will fire automatically. Also you have to watch metal detectors and MRI'S which I'm sure the Dr. Has told you. Best of luck and prayers for you

old guy wrote:
I know several people who have them and sometimes I feel the adjustment of the device is trial and error. many of them have to be taken to the hospital in the middle of the night to get adjusted.

I've never heard of this. Yes there is an initial adjustment period. But it should not be an ongoing problem.

ol' yeller wrote:
Sorry I didn't make it clearer. I'm asking about folks with an implanted defibrillator, not an AED. Sorry for the confusion.

My brother-in-law lived for many years and through multiple major surgeries (cancer) and never had any issue with the implanted defibrillator/pacemaker. Likely it's what got him through some of those surgeries.

When he was terminal, someone from the manufacturer came and turned off the defibrillator function (with sort of a remote control, somehow) so it wouldn't keep shocking him when his heart was otherwise stopping.

So yes they work and they are very reliable. You are much better off with one, than without one, if you have a condition serious enough to need it. The defibrillator is not the problem---your condition is.

I know several people who have them and sometimes I feel the adjustment of the device is trial and error. many of them have to be taken to the hospital in the middle of the night to get adjusted.

I’m sorry! It did seem a little confusing for an AED! All the more reason to get the defibrillator and enjoy life!

I have a pacemaker that is NOT the defibrillator version and darn glad I have what I have for several reasons..
I would imagine that there would not be much different in regards to travelling..

I would ask your cardiologist this very same question..

I know that if you had/have a CDL license, you would lose it if you needed the defibrillator version.. At least that is what I was told when renewing my CDL medical card

Sorry I didn't make it clearer. I'm asking about folks with an implanted defibrillator, not an AED. Sorry for the confusion.

So, without it you could be dead. CPR by itself isn’t nearly as effective as coupled with an AED. These days, AEDs are in almost all public places, and there a good number of people who know how to use them. They really are fool proof!

Buy it! Make up your own sign outlining the simple steps needed to use it. At least one would then be available if you’re not in a public place.

ol' yeller wrote:
My cardiologist is thinking I may need one. How has it affected your life and travel? I will probably be traveling alone. Would that make a difference?

traveling alone, might as well save your money, the odds of somebody who knows how to use it being immediately available are against it. we bought one for the HOA and some folks took classes.
bumpy