5

Five.  The number of percentage points my EF increased.  On March 15th, I was scheduled for a follow up echo to see what my ejection fraction was after being treated for PPCM for 3 months.  At my doctors visit prior to this one, we talked about an ICD and how I would need one if my EF was less than 35.  Well the doctor estimated that it was only 25-30 (later they changed it to 20-25) so I would need an ICD.  I don't know what I expected.  I guess I was hoping that it would be 30.  After my episode of ventricular tachycardia, I figured it my EF was still low but I hoped that because my medicine was increased, maybe it had continued to improve.

Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed.  I didn't want to write this blog anymore because I wanted to be able to share good news.  Instead my update is that now I needed an ICD.  I won't dwell on my disappointment.  Instead, I will tell you about how I traded in my lifevest for an ICD. 

My cardiologist referred me to an electrophysiologist who would implant the ICD.  He was very knowledgeable and I felt comfortable moving forward with the surgery (not like I had much of a choice).  The ICD is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator which is useful in preventing sudden death in patients.  The ICD can pace the heart if the heart rate is detected to be too slow and it can shock the heart when the heartbeat is too fast or chaotic.  The ICD is not a treatment for PPCM.  It's meant to protect against sudden death which can be a result of PPCM.

Being able to get an ICD is a blessing because I no longer need the lifevest.  The lifevest made me feel safe but it was a constant reminder that there is something wrong with my heart.  Even when I was sitting down with no symptoms, I still had to deal with the lifevest poking my side.  I hope that the ICD will not be a constant reminder like the lifevest but I know that it's not something that I get and forget about.  The ICD comes with its own set of challenges.  I have to be aware of my surroundings because not every environment is safe for ICD patients. 

I was told what to expect during the implantation surgery (procedure) as the doctor called it but I will explain why it is definitely surgery and not a procedure.  I would be sedated but awake.  They will create a pocket for the ICD in my chest and run a lead to my heart.  I would need to stay in the hospital overnight, I shouldn't drive for 2 weeks, I can't raise my arm above my shoulder, I can’t put my arm behind my back and I can't pick up more than 5-10lbs (Lovebug is about 20lbs).