Newbie with ICD

Hi. I am a newbie and wll probably be asking a lot of questions.
Background---54 yrs old. Had open heart with 2 bypasses and mitral valve repaired in January of this yr. just had an ICD implanted bout 1.5 weeks ago. Have low ejection fraction 20.
Please give me some helpful advise. Right now it seems so uncomfortable and seems like I have a deep pain.
Will all this go away as I learn to live with this? Will I ever be able to sleep on my stomach? Will there ever come a day when having this device doesn't seem so uncomfortable? Thanks in advance for any helpful advice😊

3 Comments

Yes it does get better

by rustynak - 2014-05-12 04:05:49

Had mine put in back in march im 47. Had heart attack back in November. Luckily didn't have to go threw the open heart part. Took a while but am able to sleep on my stomach no problem. Im pretty slim guy so mine sticks out pretty good. About the only thing I have noticed to really bother me is the shoulder strap on seat belts but where I live its not like I can drive very far anyway so not a big deal. Don't know if you ever get to where you don't notice it being there but have returned to doing everything I did before getting it.

Agree it gets better

by Marie12 - 2014-05-12 06:05:45

As Dizzy said, it takes about six to eight months. I sleep on my stomach and I start out with a small pillow right under my left shoulder. That seems to stop the "dragging and pulling" feeling. I also have a low EF and CHF and you need to understand you are dealing with more than just a little thing. You've had major surgery and recovery will take a while. I know that at two weeks I thought I would go out of my mind.

I feel my ICD all the time and with every movement but you get use to that. I promise.

As to comment by rustynak regarding seatbelts, I bought a pad that goes around the seat belt. Not that it is perfect but it does help.

Also agree with Cardio Rehab clinic. If you get a good one, it can save your life. Certainly did mine.

Keep in touch here. Believe me it will help you tremendously. Not sure I would have made it without this site.

Thanks

by Lyn4477 - 2014-05-12 11:05:35

Thank everyone who came to my aid. Appreciate your help. ❤

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