New defibrillator

ICD

by AgentX86 - 2020-12-30 22:03:01

A lot depends on you.  Can you walk three miles today? If so, you should be able to walk three miles the day after surgery.  I did, and a lot more.  The only problem I had was the weight of my arm and movement caused pain in my shoulder.  I mitiaged that with a sling that I used only for walking.  Do not use a sling during the day.  Other than a full reach (your EP will go over the dos and don'ts), you need to use that arm.

You will be limited to lifting five pounds for about four weeks after surgery.  After that, have at it.

Pain?  Well, we're all different and surgeons have different skills.  Some, like me, have a trivial amount of pain and needed no pain meds (but got them), to severe pain (with no pain meds given).  There is no way of knowing which end of the continuum you'll fall on.  Most will get away with over the counter pain meds and ice.  I'd talk to my doctors about pain meds before, so you don't have any surprises after.

Expectations

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2020-12-30 22:06:48

It is hard to answer your questions because we are all unique.

Regardless, find out where it will be placed, which side (why that side), and above or below the muscle?  Expect to be in the hospital for no more than 1.5 days.  You may get an arm sling so use it and a baby pillow helps sleep positioning.  Light pain killers and ice will be your best friends for awhile.  DO exercise your arm because you do not want frozen shoulder.  I walked while recovering - do what feels comfortable.  My cardiologist/EP gave me a sheet of paper on what I could and could not do after surgery.  Ask about weight lifting.  In my case, light weight lifting was OK as soon as I could tolerate it, BUT my EP did NOT want me to do rowing (a boat) or chin-ups.  I needed a cushion over my car seat belt.   Over time, I got back into a normal workout routine at the gym, hiking, biking and enjoying life.  It's temporary and be thankful you will have a device that can save you life.

Jimmy

Post-implant recovery

by Persephone - 2020-12-30 22:12:46

Hi atom - it's great that you have time to prepare for your surgery and anticipate your return to your everyday activities. A lot is going to depend on the advice your doctor gives you and how you feel. In my case, for example, I was told not to drive for x number of days, but since I had a mid sized sedan with doors that I could easily close with my opposite arm and power steering, I felt ok driving after a few days. If I had a humvee or a farm truck, driving would have been out of reach for longer.  I was walking a good cumulative amt (not 3 mi at a time) and doing a fair amt of stair climbing by about day 7 post PM implant. It was wonderful to be able to do these everyday activities again, without getting SOB. Your schedule for returning to weights is something you'll have to consult with your doc about, and of course always consider how you're feeling.

Additional thoughts

by Persephone - 2020-12-31 10:59:35

Atom - since you have lead time prior to surgery, you may want to consider preparing for how you'll get the post-op rest and sleep that are so very key to a prompt recovery.  Additional pillows to prop up your upper body and possibly a recliner as an alternative place to sleep could help relieve any initial discomfort for the first few days, so you can get the rest you need to enable a return to your routine as quickly as possible.