First ICD Clinic appointment

I went in for my first ICD checkup today. The Dr. answered my questions, however, I would love to hear the thoughts from the people on this site. I truly value your opinion and while I have only been here about two weeks, you have all been so helpful.

My ICD is located very close to under my arm. This makes it diffcult to move my left arm over to my right side. The Dr. said that yes it was a little more to than left than he would like, it would require another operation which would have a high risk of infection and that since they would have to implant under the muscle, it would be more difficult when it came time to change the battery. Has anyone had their ICD relocated and what were the results?

I am currently on Amiodarone (now only 200mg per day). There are some serious side effects to this drug and I can't wait to get off it, however, the Dr. did say that when I do, I am more likely to get shocked. Has anyone stayed on Amiodarone (or taken it in the past). Was your ICD more active?

On the funny side, I did mention to the Dr. that the corner and side of the ICD were easily felt and some times very tender especially after sleeping on my stomach. He told me I was too thin and that if I had more fat it would probably be easier for me. I responded that my Cardiologist would probably not be happy about me gaining weight. We both had a bit of a chuckle over that.

One more month and I get my drivers licence back. Yeah!!!

2 Comments

Sub Pec

by PacerRep - 2013-08-23 08:08:23

Don't go under the muscle if your young. Change out's are a pain in the butt both for you and the doctor. It doesn't need to go under the muscle to be more medial. The doctor should have positioned it better and tied the device down so it didn't migrate into your armpit.

My next will be sub-pectoral

by turboz24 - 2013-08-24 09:08:30

My ICD is due for replacement within the year and I'm getting it relocated. My doc indicated it will hurt for about a week.

I'm doing it for the following reasons..
1. If you are thin or fit, under the skin looks horrible.
2. It's a constant reminder of your heart problems.
3. It hurts, and is very painful if you ever get hit there (dog has scratched mine, seat belt clasp hit it, all hurt enough to make me cry).
4. You do have a higher risk of errosion. I've been told to keep what fat I do have to prevent that possibility.

It's really only more difficult for the actual doctor, not the patient. I'd rather have a doctor who was more concerned about the patient than if the procedure would take him/her a little longer to perform. Mine is secured in place and has not migrated, though. I will need reconstruction, since the EP who implanted mine removed tissue to get it to fit in the first place, so I will end up with a depression where the device was when it's relocated.

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

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