Upcoming implant

I am 37 years old and I have recently been told that I require a defibrillator (ICD). My surgery is scheduled for September 5th and I am very nervous about the procedure and the major life change. I am looking forward to reading some of the posts on this site to help me cope with this upcoming event. I am also interested to see how folks' lives change or don't change with this implant. I worry that I will not be able to keep up with my boys after this event. Any storries or words of wisdom/comfort are greatly apprecaited.

5 Comments

Upcoming implant

by msculver - 2012-08-23 03:08:59

I don't know what condition you have that requires an ICD. I had mine put in 3 yrs ago at 45. I was very concerned and nervous prior. The surgery went great and I was worried for nothing. I have little kids and I have no problem keeping up with them. I also go to the gym at 5am. Nothing has really changed for me. Best of luck!

Be patient

by ohiolaura - 2012-08-23 09:08:43

I am 49,got my PM the beginning of July this year,not planned,happened really fast,so I had no time to prepare.
Lucky you have time to let it sink in I think.And get a ton of info,here.Wish I could have might have helped alot with what was to come.
I have 2 in College,and even though I consider myself strong,its a big thing to digest when you have kids,no matter what age.
I am almost 8 weeks post surgery,and will say the beginning for me wasnt easy,I got alot of help here,especially from donr.
I really turned a positive corner at 6 weeks,and can feel better almost daily,but that 6 wk mark was like night and day,dont know if thats typical,but thats how its been for me.I cant say I feel 100% all the time,but hope to soon.
Be easy on yourself,its a big thing to go thru,no matter what I think.Mentally as well as physically,stay on here,vent and ask questions when you need to.I'm telling you,this site has made it bearable for me,and gave me so much info,that I did not have from the medical professionals.
Good luck and keep asking for knowledge.It's here.
Laura

I love my ICD

by growler9 - 2012-08-23 10:08:05

I have a defib/pacer. It does little for my hearts performance but has saved my life twice.

Without knowing your Dx and your symptoms and knowing whether your getting a defib or defib/pacer or Bi-V it would be hard to speculate on what it will do for you.

Once you are healed after surgery, if your like me, you won't even know it's there. Just tell the kids not to beat on the hump or pull on it. Once it becomes fully attached to you it will take a lot of abuse.

You should be able to do anything that you do now. Having an ICD shouldn't be life changing but more of a comfort knowing you carry around your own EMT. Most people with a defib never get shocked but it's nice to know it's there.

Best wishes. Alan

39 with ICD

by cendmat - 2012-08-24 12:08:10

I got my actual (and first) ICD last January, for V tach. The surgery went really well, I was making jokes with the staff while the EP was implanting the ICD in me. I was admited at 7 AM and 'kicked out' at 1 PM the same day! I found that surgery to be less annoying/painful than a coronarography or a MIBI stress test.

During the first week, I had to be helped for some things such as grinding fresh pepper! and was feeling a bit of a pain because of the 'pressure bandages' (it's such a relief to take them off!), but nothing more than that.

Like growler9 said, don't let the kids (or the strong huggers!) get too close to your defib. because that area stays sensible, and the device should not change anything in your life but just make you feel reassured that if needed, it will save your life.

Cendmat

around the same age

by Godincontrol - 2012-08-29 10:08:52

Hi, I just was diagnosed in May. I got my ICD August 11th. I was scared as well, but the docs were awsome. It does take about a week for recover, but just remember not to use that arm. They told me to pretend that I was broke. They also gave me a sling to wear, just so I would not use that arm. Im 32, and a mom of a 9 yr old and 6 yr old. I was misdiagnosed sence 2006. I was told it was Mirto-Valve prolapse, so I never thought anything about it. Now my EF is 15% and has not changed sence May. In 6 months I will be on a heart transplant list. Looking for someone my age that is going thru simular things to talk with.

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Member Quotes

I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.