I have had an ICD since 2015..It actually fired and gave me jolts about a week after I had it installed.I went to hospital by ambulance and heart rate was at 230.They gave me an IV with amodarine, and I have been on that medication ever since, and have not had an episode since then

DO NOT GET ICD!!!! Have and the leads have completely blocked my superior vena cava (SVC syndrome). HUGE vein that brings all the blood back to your heart. Left arm is huge with excess fluid and varicose veins, painful & fingers/hands go "to sleep". Fluid accumulation in the chest & neck making breathing & swallowing difficult. Hospice was recommended. Went to Mayo clinic looking for help and they are INCREDIBLE! Working to try and fix...they say definitely NO to hospice at this point despite the fact that my cardiologist tells me there is nothing more he can do.

If you are told you need a ICD you get one! Unless you are ready to die! An ICD is never offered unless you are a high risk for sudden death, it will shock you if you have a shockable rhythm and could save your life. If a Dr told you, you should have one, I can’t think of a reason why you wouldn’t ! But if it’s you time to go it still won’t help!

Well I haven't had hardly any side effects from amiodorone so far, and have been on it 4 years.I am on a relatively low dose at 200 mg per day.I know it can be a drug that causes alot of other problems, and I would rather not be on it, but it's the only drug that controls my arrhythmia, and heart rate.I like that I no longer wake up with a racing heart, or with an arrhythmia that is down right scary.I do know there is a lot of risks with that medication, but for me at least it has improved my quality of life immensely