ICD is in, 3 days ago

Okay, everything went pretty well I think.  I find the site quite painful and it has a very deep itch. I am managing with the tylenol for pain though. I had two really crazy dizzy spells and I took my fitbit off (I don't know why I thought I needed it on) for now, at least until I get settled in.

I do feel a kind of comfort knowing that If I do get some "funny" spells like I do, then my ICD is my friend.

Thank you for everyone who has helped me.  I would appreciate some comments on how long this site pain lasts. I think I am on track though, wearing baggy tops and not lifting my arm above my head, no shower until the site is healed. If anyone has tips during this period I would really appreciate hearing from you.

BC

7 Comments

Got a Brick in Your Chest?

by Lurch - 2017-04-16 15:02:37

You are probably reaching up to catch that brick in your chest every time you bend over.  Don't worry, it won't fall out!

As for the FitBit, I doubt it is causing any issues.  I wore a FitBit for over a year with my ICD and never had any issues.  Currently wearing an Apple Watch and no issues with it either.  

Hang in there, you life will return to normal....

Thank you Robin1

by Bearclaw - 2017-04-16 15:04:15

I appreciate the comments. I don't know why they would not tell me these things at the hospital.

I will use all of your suggestions. Thank you so much,

BC

Thank you Lurch

by Bearclaw - 2017-04-16 15:08:12

Why yes, it does feel like that, my chest is so swollen though that it is hard to differentiate the actual device.

I am going to try the fit bit again in a few days. I am sure I will be back to normal as soon as I can.

I appreciate the comments.

Hi

by FitMomma - 2017-04-17 09:31:12

Hi-

I am 3.5 weeks post op and you can wear your Fitbit. When I sleep at night I have a pillow under my head and then one on either side of me. I kept my left arm under the pillow on that side as I fell asleep and then sometime during the night I found I slept really well if I turned on my right side and snuggled into the pillow at my back. My doctor had me sleep in a sling for 3 weeks. He also had me wear a sling for the first 4 days. I was told not to raise my arm about should height for 3 weeks but encouraged to move my arms. Each doctor will tell you something different. My site is still pretty tender but I managed the pain with Tylenol from the time I left the hospital. I rarely take the tylenol now.

I hope you heal quickly! I love this website! Knowing I am not alone with my questions and feelings and concerns with my PM has helped me more than you know.

Be good to yourself,

Cathy

correction

by FitMomma - 2017-04-17 09:33:27

It looks like I wrote thirty five weeks post op but its only been 3-1/2 weeks.

Cathy

Ice!

by apv1994 - 2017-04-17 17:42:55

Ice is your friend! I iced my site for about 2 weeks. Not directly on your skin. It helped a lot!  I'm 5 weeks out. I got a dvt in my upper left arm about 5 days out. Not painful but achy and my arm and hand swelled so keep an eye out! On Coumadin for 3 months.Out of work 3 weeks then worked 2 and off for a week as I work at a school and it's vacation. The past few days have been the best since I had it donen. Pacemaker site still a little tender but Tylenol in the morning and bedtime take care of it. In fact played toss with my 4 year old granddaughter this afternoon! Rest and heal! Good luck! 

Itch

by Bernie65 - 2017-05-28 13:46:11

Get used to the itch.  No pain to speak of, but mine itched like crazy for over six months.

You know you're wired when...

You know the difference between hardware and software.

Member Quotes

I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.