S-ICD

[AV93]

New to this so still trying to figure out some things, will be 4 months post S-ICD implant and still trying to process everything, feeling slightly lost, anxiety is setting in about the future.

I am young, I was fairly active, any one else in the same position? what's everyone's experience? were you able to go back to 'normal' routine after?

[MEW123]

Hello, I am an active 45 year old male, had an S-ICD implanted in May 2019, no shocks yet as I would expect and hope. I would say that I do not really even know it is there, but that I am always aware of my situation. I use most power tools, the induction hob and have a fully electric car, and my general view would be live your life, but do it sensibly. I find it comforting to know that I can go to bed at night and should something happen, I should have some protection. They gave me a Latitude home monitor from which I do a data upload to the hospital every week. Best of luck.

[AV93 in reply to MEW123]

Hello,

I do take comfort knowing its there if I do ever need it. I guess it will just take some time getting used to it and gradually get back into things.

Thank you. All the best for you too.

[Driver11]

Hi ICD fitted 3 yrs ago. It does take a while to come to terms with what you have in your chest and that you can't necessarily do everything you did before at the same rate. Your body will tell you when it has had enough - listen to it. There is no reason why you can't get back to a normal lifestyle, good luck

[AV93 in reply to Driver11]

Thank you! Wishing you all the best too!

[Enonykasper]

Hi ya Like you in new to this

I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

I Annie 65

But have never ha issues always been fit and healthy

This last couple of years I showed some eptopic heart beats

24,900 a day extra heart beats

I was giving beta blockers and all was well

But after a routine holster monitor reading I got an unexpected phone call saying they had found a rhythm that’s contributed towards sudden death so I needed an CRTD that was in March 2021 it was fitted three weeks later on the 26th April 2021 like you I’m wondering what life will be like now

I used to walk into town and do my tread mill every day

I got a call from my nurse about two weeks after it was fitted and she urged me to get back to the things I was doing before

And I’m going to the Brompton 24th September to have echo ,ecg , treadmill test

So I’m trying to do a bit more

My daughter tells me she had a young friend who has twins who had one fitted and she absolutely fine so I’m taking strength from that

I think I’m just scared case it goes off but each day I’m gaining confidence

Planning to walk into town tomorrow

Takes about 1hour

I almost forget it’s there apart from a bit of discomfort and a achey muscle in my arm

I explained to the doctor when he said he I needed one that my two cousins have an Icd as they two have the same illness as me but they are younger than me

And he said they usually offer them to younger people as they get most benefits

But they did not consider me old as I’m extremely fit

So I think we will be fine

😃😃😃

Just carry on is the motto

Being careful of course all those big magnets 🤣🤣🤣

Stay safe

[AV93 in reply to Enonykasper]

Thank you for speaking of your experience! We've got this! Feeling more positive reading posts and learning from everyone's experience!

Like they said we can do what we can but definitely listen to our body. Of course avoid those magnets 😂 xx

Be safe

[Enonykasper]

Well done 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[Curlyman83]

I had a cardiac arrest in December playing football and had an ICD fitted in January. I’m 38 and played football 4 times a week - and was probably fitter than I ever was at that point.

My specialists still don’t know the cause of my arrest and so for the time being, I’m not allowed to undertake even “moderate” exercise such as riding a bike (I’m also now classed as having “severe heart failure” - great news before I’ve even turned 40). I am, however, allowed to play golf which has been a god send. I’ll never play football again which is a little depressing but it’s a small price to pay for being alive (thank his for defibs).

I started back at work in June and most days, I completely forget my ICD is there. It was a little uncomfortable at first but it’s now become a part of me…thankfully, I live in northern England so the climate here means I’m not usually inclined to go topless - the box is rather unsightly under my skin but to be honest, I wear it like a badge of honour.

All in all…I’m pretty much back to normal. Hope this helps.