Date for ICD

[Bunb]

Hi I’ve had my date for implantation of ICD and reality has set in. I am really anxious about how it could affect my life having just returned from holiday swimming and body boarding and long coastal walks! Not bad for a 64 year old. I had been relatively fit until 5 years ago when I started with AF this has now developed into HF . I’m worried I won’t be able to do all the things I am used to,swimming, gym ,badminton , travel abroad and driving . I’d love to hear of others experiences and maybe reassurance that life will be as normal as possible .

[gilreid1]

I think it could probably prolong your life. Is that not more important than leisure. And having and ICD will not disable you. But I am no expert

[bantam12]

Compare the possible consequences of not having the ICD against having it, at least with it you are likely in a safer position to carry on with your hobbies.You will have to take a break from sport after implant to recover and may have to modify certain activities permanently but you should still be in a better place than without the ICD.

[Ads568]

Hi Bunb,

Of the hobbies you mention, I would think you should be able to continue with them all. As has been said, there will be a period of healing & getting used to your new tech, and swimming especially will have to wait till your wound is fully healed to avoid infection. However once you’re fully healed & able to raise your arms normally again, which took me several months tbh but we’re all different, you’ll hopefully be better than ever, and with an on-board safety device!

Go you!

[Lezzers]

My husband had his first ICD implanted in 2012 & he's just had his 2nd one fitted. He's been able to do all those activities except badminton but only because he doesn't play it!! Once the device is bedded in there's no reason why you can't live a normal life, I do believe there's a Danish footballer who's still playing at international level & he has an ICD. However, whether or not you can still do those activities due to your medical condition is a different issue & that's something you would need to ask your medical team about.

[Bunb in reply to Lezzers]

So reassuring Thankyou x

[RufusScamp]

You should be able to do more after it is fitted. I would say, don't rush things, and follow advice.

[Hidden]

Totally understandable emotions and questions . My husband ,unexpectedly had an ICD fitted last July 2020 following complications after his mitral valve repair surgery - he suffered two cardiac arrests a week apart post surgery and was left with AF. We had one day to prepare , well I was 250 miles away due to covid restrictions. You will need to notify DVLA and insurance - car and travel , your car insurance can not go up , they cannot penalise you by law for health but if it’s undeclared and your ICD goes off when driving and you crash into someone else you won’t be covered. Travelling abroad is no worries - you have a card to show security so they don’t put the scanner near your ICD. You need to stay 6 inches away from induction hobs and microwave and don’t put mobile phone in pocket near your ICD. After a few weeks my husband stopped thinking about it , chances of surviving a cardiac arrest are slim, even in a hospital so see your ICD as your own life saver. My husbands is remotely monitored by his ICD team 130 miles away, any changes that concern them in his readings they pick up and GP would be contacted straight away. My husband is driving and doesn’t feel any discomfort from his ICD, some hobbies might need tweaking - my husband is now classed as living with heart failure - but please view it as a positive . All the best

[Bunb in reply to Hidden]

Thank you hope your husbands recovery continues x

[Curlyman83]

Had an ICD fitted in January after an out of hospital cardiac arrest (I died on the football pitch).

Was told that contact sports were now a “no-no” so that’s good bye to football, but I still play plenty of golf and enjoy swimming. Recently went to Cornwall and did some body-boarding. The device is not limiting in any way - most days, I completely forget it’s there.

I’m still undergoing investigations into the cause of my CA, so my exercise regime is currently being limited - for instance, I’m not allowed to run or cycle, but that’s all to do with my specific condition and nothing to do with my ICD. I still walk at least three miles a day.

In my opinion, you’d be foolish not to have the device implanted- it is literally a life saver.

[Bunb in reply to Curlyman83]

Played football for Villa ladies back in the 80s but retired due to not being very good, Thankyou for your reassurance x

[Curlyman83 in reply to Bunb]

I wasn’t very good either 😂

Would be even worse now!

Still loved it though!

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I had an icd for a few years, after it settled down I never noticed it much, no probs swimming or going abroad except for the price of travel insurance, and as someone else said you will get ID so that you don't go through the scanner, I lost mine and it caused lots of hassle getting a new one, I would photocopy it just in case, driving was no bother but mine did fire, I never noticed, the hospital called, I lost my licence for 6 months but better to be safe than sorry, I am not sporty but I am sure you will be fine they will give you guidance on it, I hope it all goes well take care char

[Bunb in reply to Thanksnhs]

Thank you for your advice xx

[Callista in reply to Bunb]

I have had 2 ICD ‘s implanted over the past 6 years. No problems with most activities but when the ICD kicked in when I had a cardiac arrest I lost consciousness for a minute and that led to a 2 year driving ban which was 2.5 years by the time the DVLA gave my licence back. That was really what limited my life as I live in remote countryside and was isolated.

[Bunb in reply to Callista]

I am sorry to hear that. I’m having it fitted as a precaution and haven’t had a HA , do I inform Dvla and how long can’t I drive for ?

[Denise2011 in reply to Bunb]

Mine was 8th July and was fitted as a precaution as well. I had a telephone appointment with the Arrhythmia Nurse ... a very lengthy one before hand. She actually completed the form for me and it was signed by her/the Consultant. I then had to add the date it was completed and sign it. She sent it through the post, together with contact numbers should it go off whether accidentally or not. I don't think there was anything else. Might I suggest you ask if they will do this for you? Also, keep a copy just in case you need it?

[Callista]

Re losing licence to drive I think it is 6 months if you do not lose consciousness and 2 years if you do which I was not told when it was fitted. I informed my insurance company and the DVLA.

[KentFox]

Hi there, I too am 64 and had my ICD fitted in February. I too had a very active life full of exercise. After taking it easy for the first couple of months I am back to where I was. I was told I may never need it but for me it is an insurance policy so if the worst happens I will have a much better chance of surviving. Good luck!