Living with an ICD

[Cruiserlady62]

I am new to this forum and have just had an ICD (defibrillator) implanted 2 days ago and would like to know what people felt physically after having the implant apart from soreness whilst the wound heals. I am experiencing some tingling in my chin, left wrist and middle of my shoulder blades and wondering if this is normal?

[RamblingAl]

I had an ICD fitted on October 2016 and apart from the slight soreness that you mention I can't recall having any if the other feelings. I did however have a nasty infection in the site a few weeks after the implant, with the possibility of rejection, but was cleared up with antibiotics and everything was fine.

It take a bit of getting used to and I was told that it would take 6 to 12 months, but now I forget that I have it apart from being sensible with my excersizing as that is what causes my arrhythmia.

Even after over 2 years I am still conscious of not knocking it as there is only a thin layer of flesh covering it.

I was only able to sleep on my back for a while, but with time I was able to sleep on my right side and now it makes no difference.

Time is a great healer and just accept it, get used to it and live with it, it may save your life one day!

[Cruiserlady62 in reply to RamblingAl]

Thank you

[sturon]

My partner had an S-ICD implanted 14 months ago. It took a few months to get him to forget it was there but now it is just part of him; There if he needs it.

If these unusual symptoms continue for a few more days I would suggest you give the cardiology department a ring and get them to check you out.

Good luck.

[Cruiserlady62 in reply to sturon]

Thanks I will

[Driver11]

Had mine fitted on Sept 24th and like the others I couldn't sleep on my right side for a while but now it's ok. Was lucky had Jo soreness but very careful what I did with my left arm for a while. Now back gardening and playing golf. You do forget that it is there

[Cruiserlady62 in reply to Driver11]

Thanks

[Alison_L]

Hi Cruiserlady. I agree with Sturon - contact the cardiology dept if these tinglings continue. I didn't have anything like that with mine. xx

[Cruiserlady62 in reply to Alison_L]

Thank you I will