how it feels

i am suppose to have a defibiulator surgery on april 11,2008 can anyone tell me what to expect or if i have anything to worry about.

3 Comments

What it is like...

by Swedeheart - 2008-03-27 08:03:55

Hello,

I do not know if you are being "upgraded" to a defib from a pacemaker, or if this is an entirely new procedure for you. A great deal of what you can expect will be determined by your age and overall health condition. I had a pacemaker implanted (first time) 4 weeks ago. I am a senior citizen ~ and it has taken me most of the 4 weeks to begin to feel better. With that said, many folks are doing great soon after!

The defib can be implanted in several places, a common choice is under the left collarbone. You will have a little "bump" there afterwards. The incision will only be a couple inches likely. You will have some restrictions on the side of your implant for awhile, like lifting, etc.

Here is a link to a description at a reputable site:

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/tests/procedures/icd.htm

On the left of this forum is a menu with red clickable links. Read through the ICDs and some of the postings or use the little search feature for some of your questions at the top right. If you want specific questions answered, or any others just post again!

Hopefully someone who has a ICD will be able to respond and give you more detailed information.

ICD

by turboz24 - 2008-03-28 10:03:15

"The defib can be implanted in several places, a common choice is under the left collarbone."

Actually, the usual places for the Defib is on your left chest, below the collar bone, but not "under" it. The Defib is around the size of a pack of cards, or around 2-2.5" x 3". They usually place it just under the skin, but it will protrude a good deal if you don't have a lot of body fat. You can ask to have it placed under the breast for a woman or under the pectoral muscle for a man or woman.

I had no real discomfort from the actual implantation, but I do occassionally have discomfort from the shear size of the implant (it get's in the way and pokes me here and there). When/If I have to get mine replaced, I'm definately going for the sub-pectoral implant.

Sleeping

by notnomalteen - 2008-04-03 08:04:50

I recommend if u sleep on the side you are getting it inplanted on, you should sleep with a pillow in between your arm. The def. could be a size of a beaper so it will feel kinda funky for a while. Also, while driving you should buy a soft shoulder strap cover, come the time when you wear no coats, the seat belt will rub againt it. Hope this helps. I know what is feels... I am only 18.

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

Member Quotes

Hang in there; it does get better every day!