Loma Linda International Heart Institute

Today was a appointment with Pam to get my ICD/​PACE, read & recorded. A ICD, is a Inplanted Defibrillator Device, which I’ve named Betsy. Back in 2004 I had a full cardiac arrest here at the house. If not for the fast action of my teenage daughter & my firefighter neighbor, I wouldn’t be here now. I seem to of caught a virus in my heart that causes a lot of dangerous arrhythmias.
After my cardiac arrest, they inplanted the ICD, and am I thankful that they did. In the 12yrs, i’ve been shocked numerous times, and if I wouldn’t of had Betsy, I would of died. The device is no bigger than a small flip phone, under the skin and above the heart. There’s 2 wires that are attached to the heart so if my heart stops, it’s shocks until it’s beating on it’s own. The battery on the device usually last up to 5−7yrs.
If you or a loved one was told by any highly qualified physician that you or they need one… GET IT! Best decision my family made for me. (I was in a coma) with the medical advancements now, we really are lucky that LLUMC, is part or ahead of the options so that we can almost live a normal life.
Again I am a living today because of this Medtronic ICD device. I come in every 3 months so they can look over the device, and to check on the battery strength. Best part is that it’s set on WiFi! This device reads all my heart activities and we can discuss my options after it’s printed out… I’m Wifi! Haha
All kidding aside. This ICD was a great invention. Just think someone decided «why not shock someone’s heart alive from the inside especially if we know that person has a history of arrhythmia, and cardiac arrest.
I highly recommend the ICD! If you have medical questions, always ask your own doctor… this was my experience with a ICD/​PACE.