ICD

Hi,

I’m new to this and need advice or reassurance that what I’m feeling is normal.

I had my defibrillator implanted 3 weeks ago and I’m still having burning pain and trouble sleeping.  My anxiety level is on high alert wondering what this is going to feel like if it goes off.  I was told the pain would go away after two weeks, but in my case it’s not going anywhere.

I’m also still so tired.  Any advice?  Are these normal feelings?

Thank you.

3 Comments

be assured

by kiml1123 - 2012-06-26 01:06:10

Hi, I've had my I CD for 6 years and I still wonder what it would feel like when it goes off. Its normal.
Do you have a follow up appt with your Dr ? You should call Dr about the pain. Also your body just went through major surgery, give it time to heal.
Take care, keep us posted. :-)

Its normal

by msmel873 - 2012-06-26 01:06:44

Hi. I got my ICD on May 18, 2012 and it took about 4 weeks before the swelling and pain went away. It still hurts some on the collar bone and where the scar is because its healing. My trouble sleeping was fixed by a small travel pillow I got from bed bath and beyond. If I turn I hold it against my chest and it turns with me. Anxiety and depression are normal with ICD and the say with time it should pass. I had anger and some depression the fist couple weeks. Its now to almost nothing now. More like its just really annoying. The pain I had with mine was the worst pain ever and I never take pain medication and I was taking it every four hours. Then after about 3 weeks I didn't use my left arm for like 2 days and the pain go really low after that. Good luck....stay positive.

Melissa

normal

by Tracey_E - 2012-06-26 07:06:26

The anxiety is very normal. Telling you the pain would be gone in two weeks was not good. For some, it is gone by then, but for others it lingers longer. We all heal at different rates.

How are you sleeping? If you are sleeping on your side that could be aggravating it. My problem is I start on my back but always roll to my side. I found sleeping with a pillow hugged to my left side helps, keeps the pressure off the sore side and keeps me from rolling on it.

Good luck! This too shall pass. Really :o)

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