Driving Issues?

Good Evening,

I'm nervously approaching the big day when a Boston Scientific CRT-D aka Biventricular PM/DEFIB will be implanted.

My EP says driving will not be a problem after a week or so. Evidently there are no state laws in Colorado restricting one's driving privileges if implanted.

Any feedback good or bad would help ease my mind.

Thanks to all for your posts.

Ron

7 Comments

Back Driving

by Mark_in_NJ - 2009-11-29 03:11:20

Hi Ron,

I got my Medtronics CRT-D on 11/12. The EP suggested two weeks without driving (if possible). I drove for the first time the other day with no problems. I did notice I preferred to keep my left hand down rather than on the steering wheel.

I had some concern about the seatbelt (not an issue for our UK friends). And I did buy a SoftTouch pad advertised in the Affiliates section of this site. Didn't need to use it. The seatbelt fit above the PM on my collarbone. Having on a heavy jacket also made the seatbelt a non-issue.

You don't want to pull on the leads so it is best to keep your arm down. You can't always do that when driving. And if you were the get into an accident it could be bad for the leads in your heart and/or your incision.

So driving is OK. Just be careful and weigh the risks.

You will do fine,
Mark

Driving after a shock

by janiejane - 2009-11-29 08:11:40

I didn't drive for 2 weeks after my ICD was implanted. That was in August 2005. I did fine, except it was sensitive, and still is, to the seat belt. But I am small, I think the more muscle you have in that area, the less discomfort you will have. Also, in winter its not an issue because I have a jacket on.

I had my first shock a few weeks ago, I think I passed out because it did not hurt, I just felt a whole bunch of buzzing and did a face plant into my keyboard. It all took less than a minute. I was sitting up by the time my co-workers came over to my cube. After calling my doctor, I went back to work for a while before my husband drove me in to the doctor. The ICD did exacty what it was supposed to do. Thanks Bruce for your encouragment.

My doctor says I need to take 6 months off of driving because I passed out, is that consistant? And do people realy take 6 months off?

CRT-D

by brucerob - 2009-11-29 09:11:08

I have a St. Jude CRT-D. I know of no laws that prevent you from having a normal driver's license but a CDL is another issue. It is my understanding that you can get a CDL with a pacemaker but not a defibrillator. It can be argued that we are better protected, and therefor safer, than someone with an undiagnosed heart condition but that's the law. I was not allowed to drive for one month after my implant so I wouldn't pull a lead loose, so be careful.

I also have been shocked, the unit did it's job and, as Zombie wrote, here I am.

Good luck and don't worry, Bruce

Driving

by ElectricFrank - 2009-11-29 10:11:29

In most states if the doctor or an ER nurse feels that there is a question about driving and they have knowledge that you intend to drive anyway, they are required to report it to the Motor Vehicle Department. They will immediately revoke your license until the issue is cleared up.

In many cases this is a good thing. It may not seem to be much if you pass out and the ICD does its job and you are "only" out for a minute. Keep in mind that at 60 mph that is a mile that you aren't in control of the car. Pulling a lead out is a minor issue compared to killing someone.

The down side is that a reported incident may take weeks to just come up for review and if some incompetent nurse or a paperwork error causes you to be reported it can leave you without driving for a long time.

frank

Driving

by janiejane - 2009-11-30 06:11:13

You are right; I am just chafing at the bit at the loss of mobility, I’ll get over it. I know that in the big scheme of things; I don’t want to hurt someone.

Driving

by mikesmom93 - 2009-12-02 08:12:46

I just got my ICD implanted two weeks ago on November 17th.

I had surgery on Tuesday, home Wednesday, and drove to work on Friday. Luckily, I only work about 10 minutes from home, easy drive, and did most of it with just my right hand.

Just take it easy and follow your doctor's instructions!

Melissa

Driving

by Bluegrass - 2010-01-06 05:01:05

The only problem about driving right after the implant is the dang implant area is sore. You don't want to have the seat belt touching you for about a week. I used a towel for about six weeks to cushion the belt. Now, 8 mos after implant I don't notice anything with the seat belt.

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