((((((((((((((((((gwen)))))))))))))))  this day certainly was a physical and
emotional  roller coaster ride for you.  at least it felt that way to me,
while reading about it.  you must have the patience of a saint!

my neice's husband had a permanent defibrillator implanted, when he was in
his late 20s early 30s, and still has one (though a different one, because
he said he horsed around, pouring concrete, and broke one of the leads off
the old one, when in his early 40s).  for him, he said the "shocking" was
easier to handle than he thought it would be, both times and that the
implant is easy for him to deal with--of course, his wife, my neice, does
all the worrying for him.  butch and i had a friend who had ablation done
back in the 90s and he is still doing quite well.  he was very pleased with
the results.

i'm so glad you are getting some measure of relief from the tramadol and can
sleep better.  it is lousy to not feel good and not be able to sleep too.
like adelle, i want it all fixed-up for you, but like yesterday, so that you
feel much better.

kate

Glad you are back on your meds and feeling a bit better.

Doug's cousin had a permanent defibrillator implanted when he was in his mid
twenties. He said the initial shocking the heart back into rhythm was indeed
"shocking" and intense, but really helped at first. Then he developed a
slightly different issue, making the permanent defibrillator more desirable,
especially since his work involves being athletic. I also have a couple of
friend's here for whom shocking the heart didn't work permanently and they
had ablation, which worked really well for them. They are extremely happy
with the results.

So there are options out there; hope there are lots of options appropriate
for you. Just wish the docs would snap to it and help you to feel 'well.'

Adelle