So now Dr wants me to get an implantable defibrillator

[djefferis]

So after all I went through in August - got a call yesterday to schedule consult with a specialist about getting an implanted defibrillator.

Not sure I’m 100% onboard with this thing. I’m short / it’s pretty similar in nature to a pacemaker - same basic size/surgery/concept - but instead of “shocking” your heart into rhythm - it shocks you of you begin to have a heart attack (just like having an onboard AED on a much smaller scale).

I think it’s mainly “precautionary” - I mean it’s a simple surgery - relatively safe and not nearly as major as the bypass I had. And of course the “risk” is I have a 2nd heart attack and no one’s around - vs this which jump starts my heart and alerts me.

At the same time - I’m thinking ahead - I’m 50 and hope to have 25+ years to go - do I really want an iPod mini being implanted in me and taken out/serviced every 5-10 years ? And let’s say that thing goes off and sends an alert - at that point I’m restricted from driving for 3-6 MONTHS. Not exactly something that would be enjoyable to me. Work from home now - but what if the opportunity to return to a job where I couldn’t presented itself ? Basically would put me out of work way sooner than had hoped.

Finally there’s the “accidental” shock risk of these things - it happens. Not as bad as being jolted by an AED - but not pleasant either I’m sure. Described as like a quick “kick to the chest” - not something I care to experience. Plus a lifetime of going through hand screening at security and explaining why I have an implanted device on me.

I’m right at the threshold for heart function where they would consider it - thinking hold off if I can 6 more months and hopefully it improves. They keep telling me to eliminate stress from my life (feels impossible with my work), continue to eat better (doing ok there), exercise more (pain in the ass when it’s 20 degrees out and again work) and cut out alcohol completely (never a big drinker - but still sucks not being able to have a drink at all). If something’s going to take me - I think I’d rather it happen then spend years losing my independence and being stuck at home.

 

[BMR Genie]

I don't know, but if you ask me, I think you should consider it, DJ.

What is the opinion of your wife/kids about it?

 

[sunshine11]

Only 50 yikes. If you're married do it for her. Lol

 

[jjgold]

Well, you can’t ask anybody we are all a box of rocks

You’re still very sore cause don’t they cut you?

 

[milwaukee mike]

good luck

just make sure the doctor can't "accidentally" zap you

i never want to give anyone an incentive to kill me (life insurance) or the ability to zap me

 

[Wagerallsports]

You will likely get the same answer, but always, always, ALWAYS get a second opinion on crucial medical decisions, especially if it doesn’t sound or feel right

 

[Franz555]

Sounds like a tough decision. Wager makes a good point. Either way , thoughts are with you.....Life is priceless

All the Best

 

[pocketKKings]

Good luck @djefferis no matter what you decide!

Keep us updated

Unquestionably one of the most valuable posters here

 

[Tanko]

That's a tough call Djeff.
Maybe get a 2nd opinion if already haven't.

 

[BigJay]

Damn @djefferis I wish you nothing but the best buddy.

I concur. Wouldn’t hurt to get a second opinion

 

[djefferis]

I actually am working on a 2nd opinion now.

It’s not a huge thing - like I said very similar to a pacemaker in many ways.

I mean - technically you can live without one - it’s just accepting risk - the risk that IF something happens you’ll be in a place where someone can respond and assist - vs having something implanted that might do it it automatically. Doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe - just less at risk.

But still a few things that make me concerned - work for one. Basically - my job now would be a non issue - but I could kiss any chance of going back to my prior role goodbye. Anything that would expose me to working around magnetic fields, large engines or arc welding is a no no. Driving again could be difficult - plus I’d be forever prohibited from obtaining my CDL (you know - in case I ever decided I just wanted to become a OTR truck driver).

It was mentioned the chance of accidental shocks - but it’s actually a real concern in theory. These things run on wi-fi and can be accessed. In theory - a hacker could take control and shock the shit out of you. It’s generally not enough to kill - but can’t imagine it feels great either - somewhere along lines of a low grade taser.

Surgery is simple - takes about an hour and is done under a local - they create a small incision - tuck it in a “pocket” and keep you overnight in an observation room. Every 5-10 years bring you in to change batteries and every year do a check up/scan you and make sure all ok.

Weird fact I learned today - Slash of Guns and Roses has one (has since age 35) - Lemmy from Motörhead had one too - so evidently it’s quite the rock star thing to do - trash your system with pills and booze and then need one. Still - not 100% sold.

As far as the wife - I think she’s good with whatever I do. Then again - I don’t think she knows what I’m worth dead in the life insurance (having access to it from work and learning how cheap it was to sign up before 40 when it was easy to get). No way in hell I could even qualify and if I could the cost would be prohibitive. Somehow - the thought that the moment I buy the farm some insurance company is going to to lose their ass makes me feel a little better.

 

[milwaukee mike]

dj... that's what i meant about the life insurance, keep that shit to yourself! good job

and if the hacker could shock your ass, then someone you know (doctor) could shock your ass and claim it was a hacker. oops you need another expensive thing, because that one was hackable... like asking a barber if you need a haircut

 

[flyingillini]

Praying for you whatever decision you make.

 

[jjgold]

Probably a good idea to go through with it

 

[djefferis]

Probably a good idea to go through with it

As always- I’ll fade your picks.

 

[jjgold]

It could save your life, probably the sharpest guy here

 

[Archie]

go with a transvenous ICD if that is all they work with. but check if anyone on surgical team has worked with the Aurora EV-ICD and if that might make better sense for you.

 

[jjgold]

Archie is a Dr

 

[BMR Genie]

I actually am working on a 2nd opinion now.

It’s not a huge thing - like I said very similar to a pacemaker in many ways.

I mean - technically you can live without one - it’s just accepting risk - the risk that IF something happens you’ll be in a place where someone can respond and assist - vs having something implanted that might do it it automatically. Doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe - just less at risk.

But still a few things that make me concerned - work for one. Basically - my job now would be a non issue - but I could kiss any chance of going back to my prior role goodbye. Anything that would expose me to working around magnetic fields, large engines or arc welding is a no no. Driving again could be difficult - plus I’d be forever prohibited from obtaining my CDL (you know - in case I ever decided I just wanted to become a OTR truck driver).

It was mentioned the chance of accidental shocks - but it’s actually a real concern in theory. These things run on wi-fi and can be accessed. In theory - a hacker could take control and shock the shit out of you. It’s generally not enough to kill - but can’t imagine it feels great either - somewhere along lines of a low grade taser.

Surgery is simple - takes about an hour and is done under a local - they create a small incision - tuck it in a “pocket” and keep you overnight in an observation room. Every 5-10 years bring you in to change batteries and every year do a check up/scan you and make sure all ok.

Weird fact I learned today - Slash of Guns and Roses has one (has since age 35) - Lemmy from Motörhead had one too - so evidently it’s quite the rock star thing to do - trash your system with pills and booze and then need one. Still - not 100% sold.

As far as the wife - I think she’s good with whatever I do. Then again - I don’t think she knows what I’m worth dead in the life insurance (having access to it from work and learning how cheap it was to sign up before 40 when it was easy to get). No way in hell I could even qualify and if I could the cost would be prohibitive. Somehow - the thought that the moment I buy the farm some insurance company is going to to lose their ass makes me feel a little better.

I know there are a few soccer players who suffered heart attacks who have it as well.

 

[djefferis]

I know there are a few soccer players who suffered heart attacks who have it as well.

Somehow - I feel my lifestyle choices put me more in the Lemmy category than the soccer player catergory.

Not a drinker at all these days - and never felt that I was in my 20s. Then again everyone I was friends with was probably an alcoholic or worked in the industry in some way. Hanging out in bars throughout the day and meeting with gamblers probably not the best lifestyle choice and would be nothing for me to drink 12-15 beers in a 6-8 hour period. But hey - I didn’t have a problem as the people around me could polish off a case or a bottle of Black Velvet so I wasn’t an alcoholic - they were.

Given the fact most of them died in their mid/late 50s and of those who are closer to my age now are either dead or have had kidney transplants or severe liver problems - maybe I was in fact a tad excessive in my youth too.