Hi Folks, first post so be gentle eh!I was told on Friday that I might get an ICD as my heart is only pumping 36%
My question is what is it like living with one?
I managed to walk the Seven Sisters a few weeks ago so am relatively fit.
My worry is about driving and riding, specifically what my reaction to it changing my heart rythmn while I am in charge of a motorbike or car. Worse still if it defibs me!
Do you still drive with one fitted?
Kind Regards
Nige
Information on government website regarding driving here
gov.uk/guidance/cardiovascu...
If I've read that properly, there's no driving for 6 months once it's fitted.
Many thanks, very useful link 😁
Welcome to the forum sprinty.
I have no experience of ICDs but wanted to mention that, once you post, the title you use will bring up similar posts in the 'related posts' section - might be worth a read whilst you wait for others to add their replies on your post. This one for example
healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...
All the best on your journey to improve your current health.
Thank you for pointing that out, really useful
Hi I had an ICD fitted over 2 years ago. I was really worried about it and delayed it a couple of times. However my experience was not that bad. It felt a bit uncomfortable but the the pacing team were amazing. They knew I was nervous and really put my mind at ease beforehand. During the procedure they all chatted with me and even played my favourite music.You will have to be careful for a few weeks after and follow instructions, and don't use anything with a strong magnet.
As for driving it's not a 6 month ban for all. I notified the DVLA and they told me not to drive for a month, and it was ok after. But each case is different.
I can't comment on riding a bike. There might be a different rule for that.
Hope this helps.
Thank you so much
My husband has had an ICD since 2012, he's currently on his 2nd one! If it's purely an ICD, not a CRT-d or something similar, then it won't improve your health it's there purely to correct any abnormal heart rhythms & if it's not able to do so it will deliver a therapy shock to try & restore s normal rhythm.
In most cases it will not affect you going about your daily life, you will be given instructions on what not to do while the leads are bedding in etc. Once bedded in exercise is good, my husband used to go to the gym 2/3 times a week but weights were a no no.
With regards to driving, the initial no driving time will depend on why you're having the ICD fitted. If it's being fitted as a precaution then it's 4 weeks no driving, if it's being fitted due to a heart event then it's up to 6 months no driving. Should your ICD deliver an appropriate shock therapy then it's 6 months no driving which is on a rolling period, i.e. my husbands current no driving time is 8 months, this is because 2 months into his initial no driving period his ICD shocked him again so the 6 months restarts. There are different driving rules if you're a lorry driver or passenger vehicle driver.
With regards to receiving a shock when driving, I know this has happened to people, the DVLA are aware this can happen, take this into consideration & certain precautions are put in place. However there are hundreds if not thousands of instances of accidents/deaths caused by people taking poorly whilst at the wheel, having an ICD, which will hopefully correct any heart rhythm problems actually makes you a safer risk.
Sorry long message but hope it helps
Thank you, much appreciated
Dear Spinty_Nige
A warm welcome to the forum and you first post and interesting questions that you raise.
At 36% lets hope that the drugs that they are trying you on help to improve that, its hard to comment as the Ejection fraction score is only a part of why they may fit you with an ICD and at the moment we don't know what is wrong with your heart.
I have a CRT-d fitted and yes it took a little while for me to get used to it and now it lives with me and not me with it.
I had to stop driving because I have SDS, sudden death syndrome but with you I believe as long as everything else is ok you can drive after a certain period of time { in which you have to tell the DVLA }
Please give us some more information and others maybe able to help more.
But I look at the unit as my own private paramedic and it gives me the chance to survive another heart attack should it be survivable.
Pacemaker uk has some good information as well as the BHF site
Take care and looking forward to hearing about your journey, you are not alone and we are here to help.
Thank you
Hi, my husband was offered an ICD when his EF was 25% but he declined as he didn’t feel comfort with having an electronic device implanted. He’s a driver and biker and the thought of not being able to ride his bike for 6 months if it went off absolutely terrified him. He would have become very depressed very quickly. Riding is a meditation to him and does him the power of good. As it turned out, a year later his EF was up to 43% so he longer qualified for one.
Its really up to you, taking due note of what your cardiologist tells you about your condition, your health etc.
Best wishes to you and your loved ones.
Thank you so much for your comments
Sorry to hear about your work, I really appreciate the reply
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