WONDERING

nyway. I get my defib next week im turn 45 in 2 weeks...anyone have sugestions or recomendations???????/

4 Comments

Just relax

by gmnordy - 2008-02-27 10:02:39

That is all the suggestions I have. The surgery is not that bad, and you may have some discomfort in the next few weeks, feel tired, be in denial and question how you got to the point of needing an ICD.
But you will more than likely feel better and come around to thinking you are very lucky that your condition will be under control.
Good luck, and keep us informed as to how it went!
Debbi

I don't have an ICD, but

by bambi - 2008-02-27 11:02:27

whether it's a pacemaker or an ICD, the surgeries are similar, as well as the issues surrounding them. I was also 45 when I had my first pacemaker installed and it has been a bit of a wild ride. Everyone is so different in their recoveries and coping skills that it's hard to make generalizations. In my case I developed a rare complication of my superior vena cava blocking 95%. This happens less than 5% of the time, and yet when you're one of the 5%, then you must deal with it. But hey, life's all about dealing with what we're given! I think it's wrong to paint a rosy picture and pat someone on the head and say everything will be alright, but the majority of the people have no complications and do just fine! I hope you keep us informed and share your thoughts and fears. This is really what this forum is all about! Good luck, and know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Bambi

things to consider

by turboz24 - 2008-02-27 11:02:32

I would consider where you want it placed.

Are you left handed? or right handed?

Some people prefer it to be located on the chest opposite to their dominant hand, since it will affect how much you can move a little (not to mention the no lifting thing for 2 or more weeks).

Also, you should consider if it will bother you in the traditional under the skin install. You can have the ICD placed under just the skin or between the pectoral major and minor. The sub-muscular implant does hurt a ltitle more on initial implantation, but it does protect the implant more and it less obvious. If arn't worried about damaging or hitting the implant and don't mind a 2.25" diameter or so .5" thick disc sticking out from under the skin, it is an "easier" location.

I wish I had checked into it more and realized how large the ICD was, because I would have choosen the sub-muscular implant.

thanks

by fuzzbuster - 2008-03-10 02:03:48

thanks for the advice that helps but imkinda wondering now what???? seems like im not supposed to be around the things im allways around...lol

You know you're wired when...

Your favorite poem is “Ode to a Cardiac Node”.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker was installed in 1998 and I have not felt better. The mental part is the toughest.