Back to work after icd fitted

[Lodgers]

Hi. My husband suffers from AF and 7 years ago, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. Has an ef of 25%. He is a groundworker/machine driver by trade. His Dr has said he will be unable to return to his work as he would need a fit to work medical, which he would fail. It seems most driving jobs, plant machinery or otherwise, are classed as high risk. He feels great, and his consultant is very pleased with his progress. But mentally and physically, he needs to return to some sort of work...has an yone else in a similar position had the same problem regarding a medical? Thankyou

[Beany71]

hello Lodgers. I have a ICD fitted back in March i had a heart attack around 12 months before that which put me into heart failure and a EF 29%. I was a HGV driver for 30yrs before all this happened and now can’t do the job I loved ever again. It’s hard mentally I’m not gonna lie I still struggle with the thought of it because physically feel fine. I was lucky my work place has a lot of warehouse work so I got out into a warehouse position then was also put through several different forklift licenses. The wage gap is huge which is the downside but I’m working and not sat in the house so can’t complain too much. I’m sure you husband will find something to get him up and working once again.

[Lodgers in reply to Beany71]

That's so sad to hear. But at least you have something which keeps you going, not ideal but it's better than nothing . My husband didn't have a heart attack, but he did collapse last July due to AF. He has an EF if 25%. Fine in himself, but mentally, its not good, especially after 40 odd years if groundwork, and all tickets for every plant machine as a driver. He feels worthless and won't pass a medical. He is 64yrs....I'm hoping we will find something. Wish you well and thanks for the reply

[Beany71 in reply to Lodgers]

I totally understand the feeling worthless thing I’m 53yrs old I also used to play football once a week it helped to clear my head. But since my ICD placement I’m not allowed to play contact sport so I’ve also lost that aswell now so I now have nothing to replace that either.

[FrankWillbe in reply to Beany71]

Have you tried walking football? If there isn't one near you then like me you could start one up. It keeps you active and is non contact.

[Lodgers in reply to FrankWillbe]

We have 2 horses which keep him active twice a day every day...I'm thankful we have then to be honest, it keeps him busy

[Lodgers in reply to Beany71]

I'm so sorry to hear that at such a young age. It's just awful. We have 2 horses, so when I'm at work, my husband sorts all the stable jobs out which is something. They are costly, but I'm grateful we have them as it gets him out every day twice a day. Keeping active is the key I believe

[56dick19]

hi I have got dilated cardiomyopathy and have a ICD for about the same time as your husband. I was a site manager my employer suggested an applied for medical retirement. Which I did but I got turned down because I wasn’t on maximum dose of medication. Things got worse i passed out at work a few time and had to go on the Maximum dose so I reapplied and was told I never be fit for work and I was medically retired at 60

[Lodgers]

Hi that is something we haven't looked in to. It must be mind blowing as 60 is no age. I think its important to stay active, physically and mentally as much as our bodies allow us. I don't want him going in to depression. It's very worrying, we still have a mortgage, it's hard. Thankyou for your reply and I wish you well.

[FrankWillbe]

Thankfully our critical illness cover cleared our mortgage after my heart attack (stents, bypass & now ICD).I work in the community and it was hard not being able to drive to work. Thankfully they have been very supportive and understand what I now cannot do. I am blessed in that I can still do what I love doing. My thoughts and prayers are with those who can no longer do the jobs they loved doing. The journey to a new way of being is challenging to physical and mental health.