Just got my ICD implanted 4 days ago

Hi everyone,
My name is erin and I'm 25 years old. I just got my ICD implanted a few days ago and am a but uneasy with this new addition to my life. Can anyone give me some experiences they had after getting it implanted? What were your emotions like? Did you feel anxious, uneasy, depressed? I've noticed that I have a lot of fear having this device so any advice on coping solutions would be wonderful.
Thank you in advance!

6 Comments

Normal reaction

by glenn.cakemaster@gmail.com - 2015-08-10 03:08:06

Hi,
Your reactions seem appropriate.
I am 65 and have had 2 defibrillators and now a crt-d.
My experience has been great.
Your anxious moments I expect will be a distant memory soon:-)
Regards,
Glenn

Yes, normal

by BetsyQ - 2015-08-11 02:08:20

Hi Erin, I'm Betsy and I reacieved a pacemaker almost five weeks ago. I experienced all of those emotions and feelings. I still have some of them, including not wanting to be alone at night, but they are all slowly getting better. Be kind to yourself. Rest when you need too and don't think you are going to be able to do everything immediately. At least for me, I'm still in the recovery process. I have learned I need to not compare myself to others and accept what my own body is telling me. Relax and take a deep breath and you'll soon be feeling much better.

Coping

by AnaLena - 2015-08-12 03:08:55

Hi Erin,
I'm lot older than you are (74), and I've had my pacemaker for 1 1/2 years now. I experienced euphoria first because I felt so good (I was in congestive heart failure by the time I had my implant). Then I noticed I was somewhat depressed, acutely aware of my own mortality, and struggling with shortness of breath with regular exercise. Plus all the tickles and twinges, etc. at the implant site. Several checkups and tweaks of the settings solved the SOB; time took care of the depression, and a pacemaker tech and cardiologist who listen helped a lot. Now I'm doing everything I want to do, including increasing my overall conditioning. I hardly notice or think about my pacemaker, except to feel grateful. My scar has faded to almost invisible.

Be active, pay attention to your body, ask questions, and collect hugs whenever you can (including from your self).
AnaLena

Think of it in another way....

by Lurch - 2015-08-12 07:08:19

You have something that a lot of folks don't have, an implanted device to help you live if your heart decides to stop!

I was three days shy of my 61st birthday when I got mine, but I have learned to appreciate the fact that it will save my bacon! I have experienced two episodes of V-Tach and been paced out of it, but, fortunately, have not received the full shock yet.

Good luck and give it time.

Also feel the same

by Taugehg - 2015-08-19 07:08:36

Hi I'm 32. And I had my ICD a month ago. The wound is healing n Able to move my left arm as per normal. I had felt the signals several times ,felt like twitches , mostly at night when I'm resting. Previously the first few times it happened , I was having cold sweats n thought I would get a shock. But it didn't. Slowly I began to trust God, pray n try to get to sleep. Because not getting to sleep isn't good either- don't want it to set off ! Lol...
Takes time to regain confidence, did we made the right decision to have the ICD? My husband says, hey at least you know your device is working and he has less worries too.
I tried joining first few days it happen, but there was a technical problem. But I'm glad there is a global support group.

How is it going?

by JLK - 2015-10-02 05:10:14

Erin, I am interested in hearing how you are Progressing?

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

Member Quotes

I consider my device to be so reliable, that I never think about a failure.