Who has a Defibrillator?
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?
Forum Discussion
I have had three heart attacks. I had my first of three MI's, the first in 1989, the next 1990, then one in 2008. In early March of 2015, I had the occasion to experience the working end of a Defibrillator as my heart rate had reached 163 beats per minute. In the back of an ambulance en route to the hospital they pulled over and I was hit with 50 Jewels, then a few seconds later 100 Jewels. Soon after they announced I had returned to Sinus Rhythm and I could relax. By the end of the week I had a Pacemaker/Defibrillator installed, and several new meds to adjust to. All is now good.
Jump ahead to 12 September 2018. DW wife and I were camping and preparing to leave northern Illinois for northern Missouri. I started feeling light headed, paused shortly to get my bearings. Next thing I knew DW grabbed me and pushed me against the rear of the truck just as my internal Defibrillator zapped me, She said it felt as every muscle in me tensed for an unknown amount of time. We went into the TT to decide what to do. In no time I was feeling much better, but had her to take me to the ER. They ran their tests and released me to return to Missouri. I drove the 160 miles to next CG. I contacted my cardiologist and they told me to be at the VA by 0800 next day. They hooked me to the Medtronic monitor, then ran numerous reports, then fine tuned my implant. 1st of the month I have five appointments at the VA to see what happens from there. Right now, I can not drive till March. They said this could change depending on the results of their tests. I turn 71 right after the first of the year, and pray that we can continue our camping life style for years.
Jump ahead to 12 September 2018. DW wife and I were camping and preparing to leave northern Illinois for northern Missouri. I started feeling light headed, paused shortly to get my bearings. Next thing I knew DW grabbed me and pushed me against the rear of the truck just as my internal Defibrillator zapped me, She said it felt as every muscle in me tensed for an unknown amount of time. We went into the TT to decide what to do. In no time I was feeling much better, but had her to take me to the ER. They ran their tests and released me to return to Missouri. I drove the 160 miles to next CG. I contacted my cardiologist and they told me to be at the VA by 0800 next day. They hooked me to the Medtronic monitor, then ran numerous reports, then fine tuned my implant. 1st of the month I have five appointments at the VA to see what happens from there. Right now, I can not drive till March. They said this could change depending on the results of their tests. I turn 71 right after the first of the year, and pray that we can continue our camping life style for years.
