ICD

[alexgilbert]

Hi, I'm new to this site. I have just been told that I am having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted, I don't mind admiting that I am a wee bit nervous at the prospect. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has undergone this procedure.

[Wodney1966]

Nothing to it I had one fitted last Jan for heart failure 6 weeks off work than back to normal 👍👍👍👍👍

[alexgilbert in reply to Wodney1966]

Thanks for this!

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Hi, I have one too and it's all good, will send you a link to some threads about it tomorrow when I have a bit more time

[AlaninSpain]

I had one fitted in October 2016, and now live virtually a normal life, I'm not allowed to go hill walking anymore, but still run 3 walking groups. You won't have this problem, but I live in Southern Spain and drive a left hand drive car and the seatbelt goes right over the ICD, that was uncomfortable for quite a while but sometimes you just have to adapt.

[DaveTR]

I had one fitted on the 21 December. I was home in time for tea. 6 weeks on I have a neat scar, back at work full time, back swimming and with the knowledge that if anything should happen The ICD will kick in. A really clever device.

[alexgilbert in reply to DaveTR]

Thanks!

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Hi again. As promised, below are the links to some previous posts about ICDs as well as a link to the BHF page on ICDs. As the replies to your own post suggest, most people who have a device fitted end up loving it and feeling very positive about the whole thing, but I think we were all apprehensive in the beginning. Feel free to message me at any point if you think I can help you with anything

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

healthunlocked.com/api/redi...

[gal4God]

I’ve had this surgery recently and it’s not nice still feeling awefull and got pains thruout my body. Been told it’s a 6 week recovering period. It’s deffo worth it though.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to gal4God]

Definitely worth it. Took me a bit longer than six weeks to fully recover, I think, and longer still to get my head round it all, but now I don't have anything negative to say about it. The only impact my device has is to reassure me. Good luck with the recovery

[alexgilbert in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Thanks for this laura_dropstitch, I'll post after my procedure as I begin my race to full recovery.

[gal4God]

I’ve been there wiv other heart ops.

[Spatz76]

Hey

As someone who was very (very!) scared of getting an ICD I want to offer my reassurance that it's not as scary as it seems. You may not be able to imagine it right now but it really does give you the piece of mind you need to get on with your life and/or to build your confidence back after the fright of heart problems. Try not to worry, you'll be forgetting it's even there in no time at all.

Spatz76 x

[alexgilbert in reply to Spatz76]

Thanks very much for your comments, you have helped put my mind at rest.

[sheridanh]

my icd has saved my life several times.

I hope all goes well for you.

take care

[Heartlady1]

Hi Alex.... I had mine fitted in September. Before the op I so didn't want to go down this route.... however so glad I did. I am feeling better than I have for years.... and I am now getting on with life ... planning outings and holidays. It not only helps us feel better... but can also halt any deterioration. I went back to work after 2 weeks.... however I now recognise that was too soon. Most people seem to go back after 6 and you should have a staged back to work plan.

All the Best with your op..... and you can the look forward to great quality of life 😁.

[alexgilbert in reply to Heartlady1]

Thanks for your comments Heartlady, I'm on my way to Golden Jubilee for final tests before my procedure. I can't make up my mind whether I'll be upset or relieved if they tell me I'm not suited to receive ICD.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to alexgilbert]

Golden Jubilee is where I received my device. Whatever they decide, you can be confident that you're in good hands. Let us know what they say. Good luck!

[PaulEgypt]

Hi Alex..

Well I was Mr walking advert for health and fitnes...62 years old.. never drank..never smoked..regular at the gym for 35 years..healthy food and had a bodybuilding photoshoot done on my 60th birthday... then out one day with friends on my second day on holiday in Egypt and bang.. the lights just went out as we were walking in the street and I had an instant death cradiac arrest.. That was me done.. the lads managed to get me in to the car and drive me to the nearest hospital which fortunately was 7minutes away as this was 7 minutes already dead.

Straight away they strarted CPR and electric defiibrillator and over 2 hours mu heart started and stopped 7 times..My organs started to go in to shut down as they were about to pronounce me dead..The cardiologist.. exhausted decided one last attempt with electric rods down my throat to my heart and BOOM we were off.. 3 days in a coma to bring my organs back to stable.. 2 weeks and then transferred 6 hours to Cairo for my ICD insertion..The day before my operation I had another cardiac arrest.. was rushed straight to theatre and the ICD was fitted.

Its now been 4 month.. I am not aware that it is even there.. the only problem I have is in my head.. carrying the thought that if i go through what I just went through.. this little wonder machine is supposed to save my life.. now I can not have a practise run with this ICD..I just have to believe what they tell me will in fact happen..I read all the books that came with it and it reall is an amazing piece of kit.. but I do not want to be one of those kids on Christmas morning who opens his battery pack toy and finds it does not work because the battery connections are faulty.

At six months I will go back for a follow up so they can check everything is working.

But so far..so good but remember..icd is a prevention.. not a cure..