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Jerome M. Recipient

LVAD & ICD

I have an ICD as well as my LVAD. Can the two affect each other. I had three alarms on my control unit but I felt like I do before getting a shock. I am interested in knowing if anyone else is having this outcome ?

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Larry B.

I was zapped 3 times while still in the hospital recovering. They finally called the Medtronic rep in to shut part of my ICD off. The LVAD and the ICD do not play well together. It’s a known issue. Since my day of surgery a little over two years ago I’ve been zapped 11 times. Never prior to surgery. Only two of those were real problems that I’m thankful it actually worked. I was in a Vtac storm and had to be medvac’d to my hosp and spend another 10 days where they eventually did a cardiac ablation. I don’t blame the vad for the ablation at all. When you’ve gotta bad ticker the vad is not necessarily a cure all.

But, back to the shocks. I believe all of mine were an imbalance with my potassium and lasix levels. They weren’t giving me enough potassium considering how much lasix they had me on and when that happens, you’re going to get shocked. I’ve been shock free for 18 months now!

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In reply to by Larry B.

Jerome M.

I have had 109 shocks since 2002 and two ablations at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. I hope things get better for you. I feel lucky to still be around. I thank God for every day I get. I have been told they cannot explain why my LVAD alarm goes off. I had my last shock a couple of months ago while on the treadmill at Rehab. We just have to take one day at a time..

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In reply to by Jerome M.

Larry B.

i feel for you Jerome. Takes a super strong person to go through that many shocks plus two ablations. Shoot. I’m retired military and had some PTSD from just my 11 firings. Hope things improve for you soon.

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In reply to by Larry B.

Jerome M.

I am hoping for the same. I'm going to cardiac rehab and feeling stronger each passing week. I spent six months in the hospital and getting back my strength is too slow for me. I am following my doctors instructions and hoping for improvement. If you had eleven shocks you know what a kick they have. I try to focus on the fact they are saving and prolonging my life. Have not returned to golf as yet. Thanks for your input.

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In reply to by Larry B.

Sabrina M.

I had the same problem before and i had to keep drinking fluids and they did end up disconnecting one of my three leads. But remember everybody case is different. My heart was at 5% when I got the LVAD I had it for 8 months and then I got my heart. Trust God and know he will bring you through. 

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Tom M.

I've had my LVAD for 9 months now & also have an AICD. I did have two shocks about 3 weeks ago caused by a vtac episode which was attributed to low potassium & magnesium. Brought levels back, raised the shock theshold & put me back on adriodome. All seems normal now.

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In reply to by Tom M.

Jerome M.

Tom, I hope the meds work out for you. The fewer shocks you have to endure the better. My last shock was in October and I too am on amiodarone, 400mg a day. My system appears to be tolerating it better now. I hope things go well for you and you have a great Holiday Season. Thanks for your response.

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In reply to by Jerome M.

Tom M.

Thanks and the same to you. Gooluck.

Tom

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Bruce G.

Are you dehydrated?  Being too low on fluids leads to a suction event which feels very similar to VT.

I have only been shocked once since getting my LVAD and it was due to suction event caused by being low on fluids.

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Anonymous

My husband's defibrillator was turned off at the time of LVAD implant. Only pacemaker is on. Docs didn't want him getting shocked. Said he'd know when something was wrong and it wouldn't be life threatening.

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gilbert b.

i had low flow alarms constantly when they cat scanned me and realized that output graph

had twisted. it had everyone quite baffelled. i have a heartmate 3

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In reply to by gilbert b.

Larry B.

They should have caught it quicker in your case. The HM3 has a recall on it because of the twisting graph. Glad you’re ok.

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In reply to by gilbert b.

Jerome M.

It has been quiet for going on three weeks. It concerns me that do not know why. I too have a Heart Mate 3. I volunteered for the study and I hope this information will help us all.