CRT D and driving vs public transport

[sandoval22]

I read that after crt d (on waiting list) you cant drive for up to 6 months but if I am using buses & trains there is more chance of my arm being above shoulder simply to stop falling over. Haven't seen it mentioned before but it would seem safer to drive than use public transport.

[BobD Volunteer]

My understanding is that you may not drive with a defibillating device (ICD or CRT-D) for six months to ensure that it does not activate. If at any time it activates then another six months may be needed. At least I believe that to be the case here in UK. Normal pacemaker delay is one week for private drivers and six for PSV or HGVs I think but you can always check with DVLA.

[sandoval22 in reply to BobD]

I've never lived without a car. I doubt if I could. I realise being alive is better than the alternative but QOL is everything.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to sandoval22]

Just think what might happen if your ICD shocked you as you were driving past a school. Quite apart from who you may kill you would really be tken to the cleaners. Yes I'v e been a driver for 58 years but part of my training was/is to check myself for suitablilty to be in charge of a car and yes there have been days when I decided I wasn't.

[sandoval22]

With respect ectopic1, you obviously don't need a car if you never missed it. I can't remember going more than 48 hrs without it. Weekly shopping, golf , gym, visiting friends, days out, family taxi (only driver) etc etc. Basically loss of independance. Not sure I could live like that and annoyed doc never mentioned such a big deal.

[sandoval22]

In the last 48 hrs i've been to the dump with carpet and old furniture, post office to post items for an ebay business, golf range on last day before lockdown etc etc. No car, no CRT D . Bike/train/walking doesn't work for me.

[sandoval22]

I've had HF for 20 yrs from Heart attack but carried on doing most things until a year ago I had Atrial flutter several times and each time I had to go to A&E with heart rate around 160 which stopped me in my tracks . In March I had an ablation and so far i've had no more episodes. The EP suggested a CRT D to help with EF and resyncronisation because I mentioned I was more breathless on the treadmill when I tried to power walk to the point where I don't power walk anymore. I don't think I need a defibrillator but I guess it comes with it.

I was simply told I'm on a waiting list and it will help me but no explanation of lifestyle adjustments were mentioned. I'm a single parent with no extended family so there is no one to look after me if i'm rendered incapable. I could maybe go 1 month but 6 months is ridiculous.