Barbara explains that her ICD helps with the electrical part of her heart function.
Transcript
A year after, they finally said, “You have heart – you have heart failure.” They thought it was left-sided, then they thought it was right-sided, they weren’t really sure, but because it happened a second time they insisted that I have an internal cardiac defibrillator implanted, called an ICD, in order to safely go home. It’s really – they felt that my – the reason why I had my heart attack was an electrical connection, not a plumbing connection. There is nothing wrong with my arteries. My arteries are quite clear. There are no blockages or anything so they felt that it was an electrical disconnect of the heart and that by putting the ICD in, if it happened again, it would at least attempt to restart my heart.
More from: Barbara 2
More content
- Coping Strategies – BarbaraBarbara learned how to use breathing to manage her symptoms and anxiety.
- Coping Strategies – BarbaraBarbara talks about journaling to identify her symptoms.
- Mental Health & Emotional Support – BarbaraOnce Barbara realized the full impact of HF, it was the sorriest day of her life.
- Finding Information & Cardiac Rehab – BarbaraBarbara talks about diet, exercise, and keeping positive.
- Finding Information & Cardiac Rehab – BarbaraBarbara found respiratory rehab to be fabulous.
- Finding Information & Cardiac Rehab – BarbaraBarbara journals her symptoms daily and then discusses with her doctor to learn.
- Reflections on Identity, Life and Death – BarbaraBarbara was sure she'd have no value if she had to quit working.
- Care Delivery – BarbaraBarbara attended virtual rehab multiple times, learning important skills to manage symptoms.
- Care Delivery – BarbaraBarbara feels the healthcare system is broken, but sees herself as lucky.
- Impact on Work, School, Finances – BarbaraBarbara felt replaced in '5 minutes'.