Oocha and icd placement.

[zoecat21]

10 weeks ago I had a witnessed out of hospital cardiac arrest, I was given cpr. I ended up going to a wonderful hospital where I eventually was fitted with an ICD, and discovered that I have myocarditis. Unfortunately 2.5 weeks later i was back in because the atrial wires were not in the correct place. But the issue I'm still having is I still don't feel well, I gave been to and from the hospital, bothering them because of random pains and aches. But everything is on track. Is this normal after having an ICD fitted and having received CPR. How long does it take for the recovery of all this. I do keep asking but I don't feel like I've had any answers to make me realise all this I'm going through and feeling is normal.

[Lilbandit88]

oh no, hope your feeling better soon. Hopefully we aren’t in the same boat but I had to have my ICD out after a few months as it gave me nothing but trouble. I think it took me about 5 months to fully recover and then have an alternative treatment.

[zoecat21 in reply to Lilbandit88]

Thank you fir your reply. I hope you are well on the road to recovery. When I had to go back in and have my icd readjusted I felt like it was the end but it obviously wasn't lol, it's just everything else afterwards.

[sturon]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

What you are going through is 'normal' after such a life changing event. My hubby had an S-ICD implant 6 years ago and I recall him having many issues similar to yours. After having CPR and an implant it will take time for your body to recover and perhaps the ribs to heal if you were given CPR for any amount of time. You also need time to 'heal' mentally to the adjustment and knowledge that your life was in the balance. It took my husband months to recover, but now we live life to the full again. Give it time.

If you need to talk to someone why not give the BHF nurses a call, they are always there to listen and offer advise.

Good luck.

[zoecat21 in reply to sturon]

Thank you so much, I thought I was being over dramatic, imagining things. That has given me peace of mind.

[sturon in reply to zoecat21]

You are definitely not being 'over dramatic'. Not many people get to experience having CPR and being a survivor. My husband has long QT syndrome and has had two cardiac arrests, fortunately I was with him both times and as a cardiac nurse knew what to do. I fractured his ribs both times. Now he has his own paramedic implanted so it gives us peace of mind that his heart is continually monitored and should he have another 'event' then it will treat him.

We are 6 years on and live life normally. We travel extensively and the only time we think of 'sparky', as we call his implant, is at the airport when he gets to bypass security.

You will settle and adjust given time.

[zoecat21 in reply to sturon]

Sparky lol, that's a good name to give it. I say the incident and thing. I will give mine a name. Thank you for your kind words and support.

[Cocoadonkey]

hi there

My husband had a cardiac arrest 2 years ago in our local A&E. had 13 minutes of cpr and 4 shocks. Then had a stent put in but it took him probably 4 to 5 months for his ribs and chest to heal so think it is pretty normal.

I am sure you will feel better soon. You have to give yourself time.

[zoecat21 in reply to Cocoadonkey]

Thank you

[Drawforaliving]

Hi Zoecat21, I had and ICD fitted after surviving a cardiac arrest while swimming. I think your problems may be compounded a little here so it may be difficult to tell what the problem is. My ICD implant went well and my heart works fine but I have electrical disturbances that can be fatal regularly. After my implant and within 2 weeks I was feeling stronger and well enough to walk the dog and do yoga. (I don't push further than that on doctors orders). I am currently suffering with pericarditis which has some similarities to myocarditis. I didn't get peri till a full year after my implant so hard to say if the trauma is connected... but pericarditis has made for the single most miserable 6 months of my life, and is still isn't gone completely. Shoulder pain, back pains, not being able to breathe properly, absolute inability to do anything physical.....it has just been horrific. You may need to dig in for a long recovery. I know that's not what you wanted to hear.

[zoecat21 in reply to Drawforaliving]

Oh no, to get pericarditis after all of that. Thank you, my symptoms are like yours. And I'm so glad that I came to this forum it's giving me hope and clarity and knowing that what is happening is normal and I will get better. But as with all that have a cardiac arrests it came completely out if the blue and I thought I was just lacking in minerals the 2 weeks beforehand. I hope you get over your pericarditis quickly and get back to normal soon. Thank you again.

[Driver11]

Very normal. CpR takes time to recover from On top of that you have a new piece of kit in your chest and a scar to mend

It took me many weeks to recover and months to feel recovered

Hang on it does get better

[Drawforaliving]

you've already been though a hell of a lot, more than most people survive. Be kind to yourself and slow down. The down turn in physical activity was really tough for me as I have always been an active person but with myo & peri you must rest. They really need you to slow down to a snail's pace as these 2 vile things can become recurring if you don't let them heal. Best of luck and don't worry too much about your icd. I know there are horror stories but for the most part your ICD will be you guardian, your friend and your insurance policy.