It's been nearly six weeks since I've had my ICD fitted. I have my check on December 13th which will make it 8 weeks post op. I have had a few issues since it's been fitted.
Just wondering if anyone felt anxious about getting back behind the wheel of their car. I'm terrified as worried about getting shocked while driving especially as I have my children in the car with me most the time. They are 7 and 2. I only had to stop driving for 4 weeks as my device was fitted as a primary prevention thing. I'm anxious about getting back into work as well.
Any advice or tips would be gratefully appreciated.
Written by
Cherrelleford
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I was told not to drive for 1 week. In fact, because of lockdown it was several weeks before I drove. The DVLA made no problems about my licence, and the insurance company were not bothered. There should be no problem - perhaps do one or two short drives before you take your children anywhere.
Thank you for your reply. I will give it a try. I was told DVLA says no driving for 4 weeks and the nurses said not to drive until I have my first device check.
But thanks again
I had an ICD implanted in february, also as a precautionary measure, and as soon as I had my check up at 7 weeks post op and my cardiologist gave me the all clear to drive, I was back at the wheel. I haven't had any problems. My only problem has been as a passenger. Because of the placement of my ICD, I find the seat belt uncomfortable. Most of the time I forget I have it. I understand your concern about having a shock delivered when you're driving, but as you say it was a primary prevention measure, and if the doctor has ok'd you to drive, I wouldn't worry too much. Maybe you could go for short drives on your own to regain your confidence before taking your children out with you.
Not been given the all clear yet as still got another 2 weeks til I have my device check and I don't see my consultant until the new year I think and then back to see the transplant team.I'm probably stress myself out over nothing, it's been a crazy 7months.
You can get a pad to fit over seatbelt so it won’t be uncomfortable. My wife has made several of these as in summer she finds seatbelts rub when wearing sleeveless low neck dresses and tops.
Thanks, I already made a couple of soft pads which helped. It's not often I'm in the passenger seat, but I had someone taking me to appointments and shopping for the first few weeks after my op.
Yes, it is very stressful when you find yourself in and out of hospital and doctors are telling you stuff you don't really understand to begin with. Then they tell you not to worry! Sometimes I think the doctors are so used to dealing with these problems every day, they forget that it's all very new and scary to us patients. I hope all goes well with your device check. Ask them at the clinic about driving. If your results don't show anything unusual, you should be fine. Good luck.
Hi, don’t worry. The alternative is much worse if you are driving and it’s needed and not there, you have a built in defibrillator, 200 years in the future all humans will have them fitted as standard as it’s such a great idea.
I have a standard pacemaker and I just think of it in a similar way to my spectacles: they are both simply aids for me to lead a more active and normal life.
It is understandable that you feel nervous but a. Cardiac arrest at the wheel would be far worse. I have had an ICD for several years and need to drive because I live in a remote area with no public transport. I imagine life would be very hard for you if you could not drive with small children to ferry around. I have had several shocks and the worst thing was the 6 month automatic driving ban. One occurred when I was answering the phone at home and I managed to tell the person on the other end wthat I was unwell and must ring off. Hopefully I could also have brought the car to a stop safely.
I wish you the best of luck. After a while you will find forget you have an ICD and get on with life. I do avoid long drives as I tire easily.
Good morning.I had my ICD on April, all was OK until I got a shock walking home one day a cpl of months later.
WoW... It was literally a shock. I was half way across a road, thankfully no cars. Didn't have a clue what had happened for a few minutes then..... Oh OK.
Then the beginning of October was just stood in kitchen n had another. Lay on the bed, called my 13 Yr old daughter. She rushed in and witnessed me have 4 MORE in less that a minute. Absolutely terrifying for me and her.
Now I must add, I don't drive so I don't have that decision but I do have kids so I'm speaking to you from that perspective.
We don't know when the de fib will kick in. No warning.
Yes it's better than a HA but would I be driving, knowing what I know, with my precious angel in the car?? No, I'm sorry but no.
I expect some ppl go years without a single shock but you just DON'T KNOW.
I'm off to the mainland to have my ICD looked at this morning. The journey is making me feel physically sick with worry so maybe I'm in the right frame of mind to give an opinion today. I just felt I needed to.
Thank you so much.Yes this is my worry as its just me and my 2 year old most the time. My 7 year old is very bright and knows what to do and who to contact if I'm ill etc.
It's nice to hear from someone that has been shocked, I mean that in the nicest way possible as I'm constantly told by nurses and doctors about the number of people that don't get them.
Thank you again for replying. I hope the check and journey goes well xx
I' suspect you would feel strange immediately before and have time to do an emergency stop. YOu could ask that at the clinic but also put a message clearly on your dashboard along with who to contact.
I can relate to your position entirely, the first time out was like getting in the car again the first time, the only thing I would say is like that has been advised go on a couple of short drives first at a time (just plan them a route beforehand) and when there is much less traffic about. (I started off with 10 mins then gradually built it up from their).
You shouldn't have any problems whatsoever. Just a case of building your confidence back up. And try not to worry about it so much. Just like riding a bike. You never forget. Just take it a bit more steady to start and you're confidence will soon be back. We do things like driving on automatic pilot so to speak
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Driving after a pacemaker
ICD and driving restrictions
2 weeks post icd op - new symptoms?! 
Knowing when I am ready to drive again post-op
Back pain after ICD fitted.
