Dealing with this new ICD

I got my Biotronic ICD put in June 14th, and physically am doing well. I work a a produce clerk at a grocery store and do allot of lifting and moving around. When I spoke to my cardiologist before surgery she said I would be out close to 3 months due to the type of work I do which I have no problem with. 

 But before I went out I told everyone at work I was going out to have surgery, but told no one what I was having done. I am not sure why I didn't want anyone to know. It is my business and I know I don't have to tell anyone but I know it will get out anyway. I'm just not sure how I feel about having this ICD. I think in the beginning I thought I was kinda on the young side to be getting the ICD but after joining and reading this groups posts and a few from Facebook, I realized that there are allot of people younger than me getting implants. My kids and family are helping me while I recover but I am still kind of lost in the feelings. It has helped to join this group and read that others have felt the same way and it will get better, but it is still a lot to deal with. Thanks for letting me vent, Kyle

6 Comments

Welcome Kyle

by Gemita - 2023-06-21 09:08:58

Kyle, it is okay not to want anyone to know until you are ready.  It is important that you come to terms with your ICD first.  By the time you return to work you may feel differently and be able to speak freely about your device, especially if you give it a name?  

Long term, I think it might be best if someone you can trust where you work knows about your device, so that if you ever needed support, they can get it quickly for you.

In the meantime, welcome to the Pacemaker Club.  I hope you will have a good rest now and build up your strength for the journey ahead.  With an ICD to keep you safe you should be able to live a normal life for many years to come.  From a brief search I see that the Rivacor 7 DR Biotronik ICD is a smaller device, lasting up to 15 years and should be able to give good service/therapy if and when you need it.

I send you my very best wishes for a speedy recovery 

dealing with your icd

by new to pace.... - 2023-06-21 10:35:05

Maybe you can speak with your boss and explain why you are out and is there someplace else you can work until you heal. Maybe part time?  So as not to use your left arm lifting. if that is the side of your implant.  Of course you should wait until your stitches heal. 

new to pace

Understand how you feel

by Penguin - 2023-06-21 12:46:24

Hi Kyle and Welcome from me too. 

I recognise those feelings - not wanting people to know. I felt the same for quite some time about my pacemaker.  I didn't want to answer questions or be highlighted as 'different' and I needed to get my own feelings in order.  The issue of feeling 'too young' comes up a lot. I felt that too.

New to Pace's suggestion re: telling your boss might be a good call at work but only once you feel ready. I don't have an ICD and I'm not sure how it feels when they 'go off'.  If that worries you it may be helpful to know that there's someone at work who understands any concerns you may have and will back you up if you want to absent yourself for a short while or use some other agreed strategy whilst you gather yourself.  

Take your time and get a few lines prepared which bat away the gossip. 'It was a cardiac issue but I'm fine now and putting it behind me' delivered briskly and firmly usually makes the point.

Hi Kyle!

by Lavender - 2023-06-21 12:57:53

Welcome aboard.  My suspicion is that your coworkers already know about your device. Even if you tell just one trusted person about it, while you were out having surgery-it's likely the word got out. 
 

I didn't want folks to think I was weak.  But I did want folks to know about my pacemaker so they could learn. I've told anyone who knows me. Only two guys really zeroed in and always ask me more about why I have it and how it works. I have had this two years and one guy still asks questions about it. I'm happy to explain. Maybe he fears getting one himself and he can see how I am handling it. 🤪

I'm making this more normal by just living my life. I'm sure lots of my friends no longer think about it and a few have already told me that they forget that I have a pacemaker. I have a CRT-P. I don't have an ICD. I do think it's helpful to let a few folks know at work what you have and how it works. 

Good luck Kyle!

by Boltman92124 - 2023-06-21 17:38:12

I got my ICD when I was 59. Just turned 60. I feel so much better this past year after getting it. I hope the same for you!! I noticed improvement the first day after!

 

As for telling people, they knew I had heart problems anyway so I was excited to let them know I got mine and what a great difference it has made. I even like to pull the shirt down and let them feel the bump if they want to! So hopefully you can talk about it when ready. It's all very interesting actually! And good to spread the word as well if somebody thinks they might have a problem but are ignoring it.

Best wishes!! Jim VD.

Welcome Kyle

by AgentX86 - 2023-06-21 23:17:52

I'm with the others.  "Secrets" like this, are almost impossible to keep for very long.  Being out three months (that sounds like an excessively long time) will pique your coworkers interest.  They'll find someone who will at least drop a huge hint. I wasn't out that long for my bypass surgery, though I flew a desk and computer. I was out 48hrs for my pacemaker.

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Do feel free to contact the manufacturer of your device. I have found them to be quite helpful when I have had questions and concerns.