ICD,s

[MarieMarie1]

Hi Everyone!My partner has recently been fitted with an ICD in rather a fast manner following a call to attend A& E when this Heart Loop Recorder noted a 10 second Ventricular Standstill. He was unaware of this until his heart monitor team called but down the line he was fitted with an ICD that day.

I would be grateful of any advice fellow ICD holders could give.

He is physically doing well apart from alot of bruising as he was on blood thinners following a Heart Attack Jan lastpass year. He feels it is rather a large lump but hoping it may reduce slightly, and emotionally he is concerned of random shocks and being shocked in general,me too on that one!

[FrankWillbe]

Hi. It is good that they have picked up any conditions and acting fast in deciding to fit an ICD means that he needed it either to control things or, as with mine, it is an insurance if the heart goes to fast or slow.The lump is a reasonable size and at first you feel it all the time, but after a few weeks you only notice it when you lie on it or certain movements. I had mine fitted last Oct and don't notice it most of the time.

When I went in for a check on the ICD (about 8-10weeks after fitting) they reassured us (my wife and myself) that there will not be any random shocks and that if shecwas holding my hand she would not feel any shock. The device was configured for my heart stats, which had been recorded on the device. (Interesting info if you like to know about what your heart has been doing!)

I hope that offers some support and reassurance.

[MarieMarie1 in reply to FrankWillbe]

Hi Frank, Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. Reassurance taken.We are going for first devicescheck up in a couple of weeks so I think that will help. I find all the status etc most interesting so will totally be paying attention to get more of an idea what has been going on.

One itger thing my partner has mentioned a couple of times is that the skin over the implant and around which appears to have been considerably stretched stings, painful almost burns?

[FrankWillbe in reply to MarieMarie1]

When you go in make sure you also mention about the stinging. I am sure it will be nerves that have been damaged or are under pressure, I hadcsomething similar in my leg after a bypass op.It slowly decreased and I hope it will be the same. I gently rub over the area and have used various creams. Aloe Vera was good, especially on the wound.

[Etzel]

I had mine fitted a year ago and yes the lump seemed significant, nowadays though I barely notice it, I can even sleep on my left side again. Because I was shocked while inserting the ICD the thought of further was a worry for a couple of days but it soon goes away, mine is now just a part of me!