How do I cope with fear after a cardiac arrest?
I had a cardiac arrest March 2024. I was on a ventilator for 8 days in ICU for almost a month. During that time I was given a defibrillator. A month after my release I ended back in ICU for 2 weeks. My defibrillator went off over 40 times in the ER. Needless to say I live in constant fear especially at night and on weekends. I have CHF as well. How do you overcome the PTSD? I have a therapist and it’s helping but I don’t feel like she can truly relate to what I experienced. The fear is overwhelming. I was 49 when this happened and turned 50 days after my release the first time. . Any input or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Stay safe and thank you.
Thank you for joining the group. That is A LOT and I cannot imagine having your defibrillator go off so many times. For me, I had a sudden cardiac arrest, was on a ventilator and ended up in the cardiac ICU for a month. So in a way, I do get it. I also had a lot of PTSD. I still do, but I would say that it's become management. For me, the key was three things. 1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy instead of 'talk therapy.' 2) My heart failure team had a licensed behavioral health person that (only worked with heart failure patients) I was able to talk with for awhile, and she really truly got it. I would ask your heart failure team if they have anyone that you can talk to as you are really struggling. 3) I started an antidepressant and a anti - anxiety med. I'm on Lexapro and Bhuspar and both really rounded things out. Lastly, I would say that time and supportive people helped. I really tried hard to, even when I was scared, get out there and experience life and getting my mind off things (even just a tad) was helpful in getting me through. I hope that helps and keep on fighting! Your example is a great example for those around you too...Morgan (heart-failure.net Moderator) I have to tell you that just reading this terrified me. Are they going to fix the reason the ICD went off 40 times? Why did they allow it to continue to shock you? I feel for you and pray you get some solace.
I hear your concerns...that does sound a bit scary. Hopefully,will follow up with more details (and perhaps answer your questions).
~Doreen (Team Member)
I have a defibrillator/pacemaker. Installed a little over a year ago. Tho it hasn't shocked me it has regulated countless times. I have CHF caused initially by a leaky valve (that still leaks) along with PVCs and tachycardia. I imagine that shock, someday, is inevitable.
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Thanks for chiming in and sharing your perspective.
How are you doing since having the defibrillator/pacemaker installed?
~Doreen (Team Member)
No change. Got an appointment in a couple hours for a routine "device check". Seems that could be done remotely in today's world but, no. But, also in today's world, I see the full report before the doctor sees it.
Thanks for the well wishes! No report yet. Usually I get it on the portal, same day, late night. They switched portal providers, so who knows. The tech only said one fairly recent issue of PVCs in the 1:00AM hour, so while I was sleeping. A few issues of tachycardia, as well. "One" and "a few" is WAY way down from the last report. Other than getting out of breath easily with exertion, I feel normal. ,
Sorry to hear about the holdup on the portal...that's frustrating.
It certainly sounds like you are headed in the right direction.
Stay well, Doreen (Team Member)
