ICD and driving

Driving restrictions following an ICD

by Gemita - 2023-11-08 09:05:48

Hello jpj, it would be helpful if you told us why you needed your ICD implant, if indeed you have one?  After any electrophysiology study, they should give you a diagnosis and confirm whether you need an ICD?  For example do you have heart failure, a dangerous ventricular arrhythmia, or have you had a heart attack?  Depending on why you might need an ICD, will determine when it will be safe for you to drive.

You need to talk to your cardiac team about your specific driving restrictions should you need an ICD.  I see you are in the States.  You might like to scroll down to Driving restrictions in the attached Mayo Clinic link which you should copy and paste into your browser to open for additional advice:-

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillators/about/pac-20384692

Whether or not and when you can safely drive an RV (Recreational Vehicle/Motorhome), you will need to discuss with your licencing centre in your particular State, once you have been advised by your cardiac team of any driving restrictions for your condition.  I attach another link that might be helpful:

https://www.rvezy.com/blog/rv-drivers-license-requirements-usa

Good luck and stay safe

DRIVING

by docklock - 2023-11-08 10:28:18

You also may want to check with your insurance carrier. Some states require that you advise your vehicle insurance carrier of any "electronics" attached to your heart. 

Driving

by JPJ404 - 2023-11-08 13:03:41

Thanks for your comments here is little more back ground.

I am scheduled to have a EP study and either a loop recorder or an ICD implant depending on the study.

I had a cardiac arrest 12 years ago and it was determined not to be an electrical problem LAD blocked. Before my cardiac arrest I was a avid runner and after my cardiac arrest I am still an avid runner just not as many miles.  6 months ago I had an very brief incident where I went out for a few secounds while i was sitting and that is why they are ordering the EP study. I am scheduled to leave on Dec 15th for our retirement trip in out rv that has been planned for years. I have had a stress test , wore a monitor for several days and no issues.

Driving

by doublehorn48 - 2023-11-08 13:09:47

If the RV is too large you have to have a commercial license. You can't get a commercial license with an ICD. You need to talk to your state DOT. Some states won't let you drive any vehicle with an ICD or so I'm told.

ICD and driving

by Julros - 2023-11-08 13:12:40

Most states restrict driving for 6 months after an ICD firing, or recieving a shock for a Vfib/Vtach arrest. You won't be restricted unless your ICD fires, unless your doctor recommends otherwise. 

There are a lot of us driving with ICDs without issue. 

That sounds promising

by Gemita - 2023-11-08 13:17:31

JPJ:  You have had a stress test, worn a monitor and no issues.  It may be that they will opt for a loop recorder instead of an ICD.  With a Loop recorder implant there wouldn't be a problem.  It of course depends on what they find.  If they do decide an ICD is more appropriate, I am not sure that you would be able to travel by 15th December.  When is your EP Study?  

Have you discussed any of this with your cardiac team?  I am assuming your LAD artery has been stented and you have no other blockages?  I think it sounds promising and I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Driving

by JPJ404 - 2023-11-08 17:33:36

Pennsylvania requires non commercial license for over 26000 lbs which I tested and have.

Ep study

by JPJ404 - 2023-11-08 17:34:44

Ep study is Dec 6th

ICD

by JPJ404 - 2023-11-08 17:38:50

Is there a protocol for requiring an ICD or can a Dr be over cautious and do it because wants to error on the safe side?

6th December oh that won't leave much time to fully recover if they put in an ICD

by Gemita - 2023-11-08 18:30:16

Sometimes a doctor may be over cautious.  An ICD would normally be indicated if someone is at risk of developing a potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia, if they had survived a cardiac arrest or if they had a very low ejection fraction (heart failure) which could make them more susceptible to developing a dangerous arrhythmia.  A faint, to my knowledge would not on its own be an indication for an ICD, but the cause might be, which is why you are having an EP Study and perhaps other investigations.

What will be will be, but I would always err on the side of caution.  Is there someone else who could do the driving?  If you have a loop recorder implanted, there would be no problem.  You could go away immediately with the Reveal Linq loop recorder but it is only a monitor and would not be able to help you (shock you back into rhythm) if you got into trouble at any time.  But the loop recorder would certainly tell your doctors whether you had a dangerous arrhythmia or pick up a fainting spell.  

If an ICD is implanted on 6th December, that wouldn't leave much time to fully recover, to get used to pacing and perhaps to have that first clinic check/revision of your wound and of your settings.   For me it would be too close for comfort, so depends what the EP Study finds.  Also after an EP Study we may be aware of more in the way of palpitations for a short period since the whole aim of the EP Study is to try to trigger an arrhythmia/find the cause of your symptoms.

I had an EP Study done.  The EP Study procedure caused some discomfort/bruising as a result of femoral artery/vein catheter access but the loop recorder monitor insertion (which was a separate procedure for me) caused no discomfort.  There was only the usual wound care afterwards.  

We can chat again tomorrow if you wish, goodnight