Midnightmom Posted May 15, 2018 Share Posted May 15, 2018 (edited) I was curious about the differences between a pacemaker and a defibrillator, so I looked it up: Quote Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators: Summary An arrhythmia is any disorder of your heart rate or rhythm. It means that your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. Most arrhythmias result from problems in the electrical system of the heart. If your arrhythmia is serious, you may need a cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). They are devices that are implanted in your chest or abdomen. A pacemaker helps control abnormal heart rhythms. It uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. It can speed up a slow heart rhythm, control a fast heart rhythm, and coordinate the chambers of the heart. An ICD monitors heart rhythms. If it senses dangerous rhythms, it delivers shocks. This treatment is called defibrillation. An ICD can help control life-threatening arrhythmias, especially those that can cause sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Most new ICDs can act as both a pacemaker and a defibrillator. Many ICDs also record the heart's electrical patterns when there is an abnormal heartbeat. This can help the doctor plan future treatment. Getting a pacemaker or ICD requires minor surgery. You usually need to stay in the hospital for a day or two, so your doctor can make sure that the device is working well. You will probably be back to your normal activities within a few days. https://medlineplus.gov/pacemakersandimplantabledefibrillators.html Also, here is a link to a site that has a good explanation of your condition: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/brugada-syndrome/ Edited May 15, 2018 by Midnightmom Quote Link to comment
Becca_Anne Posted September 19, 2018 Author Share Posted September 19, 2018 Just to update I had my ICD placed on July 12th and am doing well. All healed up, the kids tested negative for now, but will require annual EKG's to check (tends to show up sometimes but not others so hard to capture sometimes). I am feeling almost 100% back to normal now and not stressing about it anymore. I'm going to get the fullest out of every day <3 1 Quote Link to comment
Mt_Rider Posted September 19, 2018 Share Posted September 19, 2018 Wow, Becca Anne. It is a marvel that our technology can do such things for some condtions. Glad to hear all the kids are negative...so far. Hopefully they will have missed the genes that produce this condition. MtRider Quote Link to comment
Jeepers Posted September 20, 2018 Share Posted September 20, 2018 So glad you are feeling better. I know you are beyond relieved that your children aren't being effected! You have a great attitude. No reason to think they will be later in life either. At least you know what to watch for so they (and you) can stay monitored and on top of things. Quote Link to comment
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