Mrs Ben

[A246]

Hi, I am having an ICD fitted for heart failure. Could anyone please advise on how it works and how they feel about having the device. Does it affect your driving. Thank you.

[Etzel]

I'm a year into my one, it apparently works by sending a shock to the heart if it gets too fast (that's for me anyway), it also paces if it gets too slow.

How I feel about it now, it's a minor irritation in that as a side sleeper I can't always use the left side but other than that no big deal now. First few weeks will be a pain, use button up shirts not t-shirts, I resumed WFH after 2 weeks but had frequent breaks due to typing creating a dull ache.

I'm kind of guessing that yours is a precautionary op in which case it is normally 1 month no driving and retain your licence, if you have had a shock at any point it's 6 months and surrender your licence. Clear for 6 months and they return it. Group 2 bus/lorry is normally but not always removed permanently.

[A246 in reply to Etzel]

Thank you Etzel, much appreciated.

[RufusScamp in reply to Etzel]

It depends on exactly what device you are having fitted, I was given a detailed list of what to door avoid. You should be told about driving restrictions. Mine was one week. You must inform the DVLA.

The site was a bit painful for two or three days, but has been no bother since. It is monitored every six months with a remote monitor. Most of the time I forget I.ve got it.

[A246 in reply to RufusScamp]

Dear RufusScamp thank you very for your kind reply very much appreciated.

[FrankWillbe]

Ethel has explained it very well, I would just add that the reason for the button or zip up clothes is that you are not allowed to lift you left arm (side of the ICD) directly up over shoulder height.My consultant would not clear me to drive until after the ICD check which was 8 weeks after my op. My insurance wouldn't cover me until I was medically cleared!

[A246 in reply to FrankWillbe]

Dear ThankWillbe, thank you so very much for your reply, it is very much appreciated. Best wishes, Lynn