ICD Questions

[Leigh]

My dx was in 12/03. In February of this year my ef was still only at 32-35%, so it was decided to put in an ICD. I was taken off the amiodarone I had been on since dx at that time. After 6 weeks, I got my first shock, assumably when the amiodarone started to wear off, and another shock a few days later. I was put on Sotalol at that time, and have received no more shocks. However, I have periodic heavy palpitations throughout the day, I don't know how else to describe them, sometimes lasting hours. Sometimes I go a day with none at all. They make me extremely nervous, and I am already terrified to do anything because of the ICD. I am not sleeping and I have what I would say is extreme anxiety over this. Is this normal? Should my dose of Sotalol or should I assume this is just anxiety and learn to live with it?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

[JAMESFETT]

Leigh, it's no surprise that you experience anxiety, almost any of us would in a similar circumstance. The palpitations are concerning, and merit careful monitoring to know just what kind of "palpitations" they are. Your cardiologist will have all the necessary information, and I am sure you will find the best way to treat this. We are finding out more and more that healing occurs in PPCM well after the first year, so I am optimistic about your potential to heal. Slow recovery may merit special testing. Prayers and best wishes for you. I would be happy to discuss this with you and your physicians.

James