ICD and how it changes your life

[Hashh123]

I’ve been told to have an ICD fitted as it’s a good insurance policy to have in case my heart rhythm start to dis align.

I’d like to how has life changed since having it fitted. I read on the BHF about keeping mobile 6 inches apart and not going through metal detectors etc. What happens if I do end up taking a phone nearby?

Does it mean I need to be really careful once it’s fitted? I’m 33 and never had any health issues before this

Am I just over thinking it all??

[Hidden]

I've had an ICD for just under a year and I don't even think about it now. I use my phone on my right side instead of the left, or on loudspeaker if I can, without disturbing anyone. I have a printed card which I show at the airport and I do not have to use the bodyscanners. I don't have an induction hob, but I believe that can be a problem as you have to keep about 60cms away from it. There's a lot of info on here about what to do or avoid. Check out ICD dos and don'ts. And don't worry. It's not the end of life as we know it. Take care.

[RufusScamp]

I had one 14 months ago, and don't really think about it. Keep the phone on your right, and beware of airport scanners. It is a minor inconvenience compared with the benefits.

[Bluemoon47]

I had my ICD in June 2021. I feel so lucky to have had it fitted and have had no problems so far. Suggest you speak with your cardio nurse or Doctor if you are unsure.

[Pikaia]

I've had my ICD for 3.5 years. It's wonderful. To be honest, I forget it's there, until my toddler accidentally whacks it. There are some lifestyle changes, such as no serious contact sports, just being a bit careful at times etc., but in day to day life I haven't noticed any issues. I don't notice which hand I have my phone in, for example, and I just wave my card when we get to airport scanners etc., The only real change is that I've stopped wearing my headphones round my neck (that's starts its own disco in my chest) and I'm more delicate about lifting heavy objects above head height. I'm still experimenting with sport. I'm desperate to get back to 5-a-side, for example, but I'm trying to find a game which is competitive, yet safe enough that I'm unlikely to damage the ICD. I think I'm probably being over-protective, and over-cautious, but I don't think that's a bad thing. All things considered, I feel very lucky to have an ICD, and it's a no brainer (for me at least) in terms of cost-benefit.

[Hashh123]

Thanks all For the reply. Just a bit nervous about getting it to be honest, although appreciate it’s for the best.

Have an angiogram tomorrow morning and then they will give me a date for ICD

[dazzac]

Had mine fitted 7 years ago carried on as normal cycling walking etc never really thought about it,this xmas time had my first ever large shocks due to my heart going into vt storm I was told if I hadn't had my shocks I would have had a cardiac arrest and likely have died, I was soo glad I had mine or I may not be writing this now, they help save your life

[Hashh123 in reply to dazzac]

Thanks for sharing. Hope you are feeling better now.

Can I ask how long did the recovery take when you first had it fitted?

[dazzac in reply to Hashh123]

I have had 2 fitted it's the first 3 weeks that is sore due to cut after that just need to be careful on first 1 not to over do things with left shoulder like lifting I was back on my bike after a month ,you soon forget about it till you need it,due to my problems I have always had a lot of small pacing which don't feel much different to the heart palpation that I have to cause it to work, after a while it gets reassuring its there doing it's job and you do forget it there.

[Curlyman83]

I’d just like to echo what’s been already said - don’t have your phone in your top pocket and beware of banging your chest…other than that, I hardly even notice it.

Flew to Germany late last year, had absolutely no problem getting through security…went through a body scanner rather than a metal detector and was patted down afterwards. Simple.