Hi folks,I now have a date in October for a subcutaneous icd. The one with the lead not going in to the heart.
As it is being implanted a year after my heart attack I presume I will be barred from driving for a month, not six months post op?
Anyone had any problems after this procedure?
I know I won't be able to put my mobile in my shirt pocket, any bits of advice around living with the implant?
TIA
Nige
I might be wrong but i'm pretty sure just the mention of an ICD to DVLA means 6 months no driving. I've just cleared my 6 month check up only to be told that because i'm due surgery soon they won't return mine just yet. The rules just seem weird, full OH surgery and you don't need to return your licence, just not drive for a month or until approved OK by your doctor.
As for living with it, I looked up all the possible things that could interfere and the only ones i've stuck with are avoiding the induction hob when on full and no longer using my body fat scales. Use of mobiles, headphones etc no change to how I used before.
For the actual op i'd say practice sleeping on your back! I've been a side sleeper all my life and it took me a while to get used to not sleeping that way, I can do it now but it's not 100% comfortable as you can feel the device dig in sometimes.
Other than that good luck!
Hi I have an ICD with leads to the heart so not sure if there are different rules. I've been advised not to go near anything with a strong magnetic field, which includes induction hobs, traveleters, and airport security, and to use my right hand side for the mobile phone.As for DVLA they just said not to drive for a month and cleared me after that.
I think the answer is check with your surgeon as there seems to be differing results depending on reason for insertion gov.uk/guidance/cardiovascu...
Had one fitted in January this year apart from the wife driving me home after the op and having to sit behind her while she drove me home the day went well more grey hair
For a few days you are a bit sore nothing major mind it’s just getting use to it being there after a month you forget about it I check my phone every day because I have the app which connects to it and other than that I ensure the wife those not leave her phone on my chest at night hahaha 🤪 I get your anxious but it’s a nick and a easy op which when you think about it you have your own paramedic on call which will keep restarting your hart until you get to hospital so it’s a good thing plus you don’t have to drive for a month but you do need tell dvla and then chase them after but all said and done it’s worth it good luck
Hello Nige
I used to sleep left side. Now, with practise, right side is OK.
No problems with procedure. No pain just a lot of pushing and shoving presumably to get the thing into place. I think the medicals forget that this is the first time for us so ask questions to put your mind at rest.
My ICD - two leads internal - was fitted in April and I'm still getting used to it. You'll have to tell the DVLA and car insurance company.
Maybe only one month re driving? Mine is a defib as well. If that operates I'm off the road for two years.
Hope all goes well
Keder
ICD
ICD 
Icd 
Risk of ICDs and living with an ICD
