"My visit to cath lab and stay in CPU"

It has taken me many months to come to a decision about having an internal cardiac defibrillator fitted. However after meeting the Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist I was able to do just that.

On admission to the cath lab early Friday morning I was met by my allocated staff nurse and shown to my bed. All the necessary paperwork and forms were completed, everything explained to me again and my mind put at rest.

I was feeling very nervous and apprehensive mainly due to a fear of the unknown.

Throughout my stay everything was explained to me as and when it happened. The team in the cath lab were fantastic as were all the staff on the unit.

The only time I experienced any discomfort was when I was taken down to x-ray in a wheelchair shortly after the ICD had been inserted and had to stand for the various x-rays to be done.

After lunch I was transferred to CPU where I stayed overnight being closely monitored as I'd had an allergic reaction shortly after returning from x-ray. The staff remained very calm and dealt with everything very efficiently.

Above all everyone made me feel at ease and took the time to talk to me and explain things I wasn't sure of and they SMILED.

I won't be scared to have the procedure done again when the batteries need changing, so well done Torbay Hospital.