ICD insertion site pain.

[ToffeeT]

I had an ICD fitted 18th March. All though the insertionwound looks clean and healed it still hurts inside. I can also feel a lump, almost like a fatty lump, next to the ICD. Should I still feel pain so far post op. I feel really quite good apart from that.

[bantam12]

Depends how painful it is really, I had my pacemaker mid Feb and it took a good 6-8 weeks to settle but I still get the occasional stabbing pain and I have definite lump where the implant is.

You should get it checked just in case you have infection brewing.

[ToffeeT in reply to bantam12]

I think you are right. My doctor retired 3 years ago and the replacement doctors do not inspire me. Still on Monday I will make an appointment. Thanks.

[Hidden]

I had an ICD 6 months ago with widespread bruising across chest and left arm for a month. I still get pain at the site and across chest like pricking but cardiac rehab nurse & pace technician said could take a year to settle down. As pacing tech said, it is metal lump so what else can I expect. I call it the Alien.

I get the impression people differ in reaction and I was told to take paracetamol

[Hannah-Hay in reply to Hidden]

Ha ha I started to call mine the alien then changed it to Angel as it’s my guardian angel watching out for me.

[Hidden in reply to Hannah-Hay]

Still the painful alien to me especially as the HF nurse said I have been receiving the wrong treatment for last 18 months. The

I was awake must of last night due to referred pain. When my father had a VT and collapsed in the street he was given medication and it kept him going for another 10 years until he died due to a hospital caught infection.

I had hoped for the same, medication not the hospital infection as I had one of those years ago after an operation.

The Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner I have been talking to due to the almost nightly nightmares of the operation has referred me to a trauma specialist so perhaps the alien will eventually be renamed.

[Hannah-Hay in reply to Hidden]

Don’t blame you for calling it the alien! I was under general anaesthetic so knew nothing about what was going on. I guess you had the local with sedation so if you felt the tugging & pushing going on if only slightly I imagine that could give you nightmares. Sorry to hear that.

[Hidden in reply to Hannah-Hay]

I didn't have sedition as I wasn't offered any and didn't realise it was an option. He cut into me twice straight after the local which caused me to call out. I think he was in a hurry as he only worked one day a week for the NHS and wanted to catch a plane home.

The nightmare is I am on the table and they are cutting into me without pain relief and I wake up sweating in pain around the wound.

I was kept in two days as he nicked something he shouldn't have a sprayed blood - mine that is.

[Hannah-Hay in reply to Hidden]

OMG that’s torture & he not very caring. Poor you what an experience

[Mukum]

Hi, as other comments suggest everyone is different and heals differently at different times. I had my fitted last March and it took months until it stopped niggling me don’t forget it’s a new part for your brain to get used to being there. But I can say that after a year now i sometimes forget its there when I attempt to do certain things and have to stop myself lol. It’s doesn’t seem to stick out as much maybe I’ve built a bit of fat around it I don’t know but you’ll soon be back to normal. Stay safe and all the best

[hf54 in reply to Mukum]

Hello there. As I may have to have an ICD fitted in the near future, can you tell me what things “you have to stop yourself doing” now you’ve had the ICD fitted for over a year.

[Mukum in reply to hf54]

Hi yes. It all depends on your lifestyle tbh, I’m a chef so i can no longer use an induction hob, home microwaves are ok as long as they are modern. You won’t be able to drive for 6months providing everything is ok. My hobbie is golf I couldn’t play for around 6months until properly healed but I left it longer and slowly built my confidence back up to take full swings and I can happily say that’s fine now if anything I’m swinging better lol, I like my workshop tools also told not to use my welder as this can interfere but checking on forums people said to twist the leads and I have used it and been ok but I wouldn’t recommend that would have to be a decision for yourself. If you like the gym then certain things wouldn’t be advisable like rowing machines or heavy lifting like bench press etc is a no no. Airport security the wand could interfere and shop doorways it’s advised to not linger and get past them as quick as you can. I can’t think of anything more off top of my head but tbh the benefits will always outweigh any negatives and once it’s healed and you no longer notice it your life will be back to normal. It took me some time, it takes people no time at all so my advice is embrace that guardian angel and it’s ability to save your life. I hope this helps

[Driver11]

Hi mine was fitted just over 18 months ago and after the initial shock I've not had any pain. It is advisable to follow the hospitals advice regarding raising your arm etc. I didn't sleep on my left side for months , you do get used to it and most of the time you forget it's there. Don't forget it's your insurance

Good luck

[Alison_L]

Hi Toffee. Sorry if you've already considered this, but the "fatty lump" isn't where the wires come out, is it?

[ToffeeT in reply to Alison_L]

I had not considered it, my problem there is I don't actualy know what it looks like, I will look it up now, thanks too all.

[EMBoy]

I had my PM fitted last August and it took a month or so for the pain to go away, but I still get the odd twinge. The most important thing to do is keep your arm moving - I was told to make circular motions with my shoulder, but not do anything too strenuous. This will prevent 'frozen shoulder' which I have heard is very painful. An ICD is quite a large piece of kit (larger than a normal pacemaker), so there is bound to be a lump. It will always be with you, but eventually you'll learn to ignore it.

If you're worried, then a trip to your GP won't hurt.

Best wishes.

[ToffeeT in reply to EMBoy]

I can feel the ICD, the lump I'm referring to is right next to it. I do agree that if my arm is active it goes away.

[ToffeeT]

I'm now 6 months in and things are much, much better. I can even sleep on my left side.

[captscott]

hi toffet

I've been advised to havean icd fittedn, primary prevention ,and worrying a lot about side effects etc. todays worry is long term shoulder pain and restricted use of arm. as well sleeping issues

how is your experience going? i do hope your icd has settled in now and you're not experiencing any of the above