Does anyone have an ICD (difilibrator) ?

[Xomanow]

I'm curious if anybody here in Bionicsville has both an ICD and penile implant....if so, which came first and the specifics of the procedures and living with both....

I've been planning since last December to get an implant this January (2017).....in June I was diagnosed with heart failure (a weak heart muscle) and I'm on medication along with a low sodium/sugar/carb diet and medication.....after 6 weeks I am showing a little improvement and feel great. My cardiologist wants to monitor me over 6 months....if there is not enough improvement or a regression, then I will need to get an ICD......I have not spoken with my cardiologist with regard to this (yet). I'll do that in Oct which is my next appointment. I have also not discussed this yet with Dr. Eid as I feel that it's a little early.

Thoughts, advice?

[cumstein]

I am happy to answer this one. Yes I have had an ICD for 3 years. It was due to lose of electrical conductive system from an inflammatory disease.
The ICD IMO is nothing to be concerned about . The underlying disease process is what you have to stay on top of with regular pacemaker checks and echocardiograms. I don't even know the ICD is there and other than having it checked and monitored from home, its not an issue. I joke that everyone should have one because you know you got a defibrillator built in if there is ever a problem. I recommend you check out the pacemaker club web site for more details. the one thing you need to be on top of is making sure the device clinic or your doctor adjusts the pacemaker and optimizes it for YOU. When I first got mine they treated me like I was some old man and didn't care about my activity level. I lift weights, ski, surf and bike, all at a recreational level. They had it adjusted for the guy who is sedentary. I insisted they optimize it and they would not do it so i got another doc who made a few adjustments and what a difference!!! The device reps from the various ICD companies know a lot about this so it real important you have them check you and adjust it after you get it implanted. There is a great device clinic at the university of Chicago if your doc's don't want to optimize it which I have found they are reluctant to do.

I met with Dr Eid about 2 weeks ago. The ICD was a non issue as long as my cardiologist gave me clearance.
all the best to you..........

[Xomanow]

Thanks cumstein (love the username ).......your information helps me a great deal.....