having an icd fitted

[Kazz72]

hi I’m 52 years old, I’m having an icd fitted on Wednesday I’m terrified any advice please

[Lezzers]

Hi Kazz

My husband was 57 when he had his first ICD fitted, he's now 69 & on his 2nd one.

What is it that's terrifying you about having it fitted? Is it the op itself, if so it's actually quite a minor op that usually only takes about an hour & normally you go home the same day. You shouldn't feel any pain, just a bit of pulling while they fit the device, usually just below your left shoulder, if you're uncomfortable just let the Dr know & they'll increase the pain management. You'll be given a list of what not to do in the first few weeks until the leads have bedded in, after which you can usually go back to your normal activities. You may need some pain management for a week or 2 afterwards, but a lot of people have said that after a while you actually forget you have one.

[Kazz72 in reply to Lezzers]

hi thank you for the reply, I suffer with really bad anxiety and suffer ptsd after having a cardiac arrest I think it’s the whole thing worrying me probably more the open it’s self

[Lezzers in reply to Kazz72]

My husband also had a cardiac arrest, though that was years before, he was 42 at the time. PTSD is very common after having had or witnessed a cardiac arrest, it's a very traumatic experience. Have you been offered counselling?

[Kazz72 in reply to Lezzers]

yeah I have it has helped a lot I just think I’m an over thinker

[Lezzers in reply to Kazz72]

Not at all, you're going through & have gone through a lot of trauma. If you're on Facebook I can highly recommend the support groups below, lots of people who've gone through what you're going through & will understand your anxiety. One is an ICD group, the other is a sudden cardiac arrest group, both groups are incredibly supportive & hopefully will be of help you to you.

facebook.com/groups/7879967...

facebook.com/groups/SuddenC...

[JCDBARBRIDGE in reply to Kazz72]

Hi, I can empathise. Had ICD fitted 24 April 2024, was very nervous and worried but post procedure I began to wonder why ? Perhaps mind tricks and the unknown played a part. Whilst I don’t know what played with my head what I do know is the procedure was straightforward, the team carrying out the procedure were super good and communicative and involved me in my process. Recovery was good and I went home later that day. Since the procedure , it has taken time to adjust and accept I have an ICD fitted, on occasions it’s uncomfortable but 3 months on I feel more secure and recent tests results have been positive, in fact I am having more tests tomorrow. Hope this helps

[Hanibil]

Hi had one implanted 2019, Nothing to it the only thing you will feel is a bit of pushing and shoving as they position it.

[sturon]

Hi Kazz and welcome to the forum.

It is natural to have fear of the type you are experiencing. This, like any operation, isn't something you do every day and it is a new experience so naturally you feel apprehensive.

My husband had an S-ICD implant 6 years ago. This followed a cardiac arrest due to long QT syndrome. At first he was nervous about going out in case someone accidently bumped into him and he had a fear of crowded places. This quickly passed.

We are now 6 years on and he lives life normally. He has no restrictions in what he can do except for two things. He can't use the induction hob in our kitchen (he didn't use it much before). The second thing is he gets the 'royal treatment' at airport security as he has to bypass the scanning machine. We have just returned from a tour which we visited 7 countries and 5 capital cities in Europe. So as you can tell we don't let the ICD restrict us in any way.

You may find it helpful to attend a ICD / Pacemaker support group, if your hospital runs one. You can also talk to the BHF nurses who can support you.

Once you get over the surgery and the wound has healed you will quickly adjust and remember having an ICD is like having your very own paramedic with you 24/7.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Giant68]

I had mine implanted a year ago. I was 58. It's ok. As already said, it doesn't take long and you will feel a bit of tugging while they create the pocket for it to fit in. Do as you are told regarding aftercare. Relax, you'll be ok.

Giant68

[Driver11]

Hi mine was fitted 6yrs ago. It's not a problem although you'll be a little tender for a few days whilst the wound heals. Don't forget it's your insurance policy so think positively

[Bruce67]

Had mum end of April, as others have said the op is quick and simple and I was home within 6 hours of arriving at hospital ( I live hours drive away) . I am very skinny so have had some ongoing occasional pain..but the unit itself has caused no issues. Bottom line it's peace of mind knowing it's there to save me, if it needs to!

[Bingo88]

Good morning Kazz72. As everyone has said previously. There's nothing to worry about. I was offered sedation to make me drowsy. But decided I would rather be fully awake instead of Half asleep. I too am an over thinker. Wondering if this or that happened. But if it was that painful a procedure they would put you to sleep. They will numb all your shoulder up. And you never feel them making the cut. To implant your pacemaker into the pocket. I would prefer to have a pacemaker fitted instead of going to the dentist. Please try to stay calm. You will be well looked after. Brian

[BeeBee79]

I got one fitted almost 2 years ago at age 43 after a cardiac arrest. My heart just went into a dangerous rhythm and had my husband not changed his routine that day, I wouldn’t be here now.

This left me with extreme anxiety which I don’t think I could have overcome without my ICD. You will be sedated but if it feels uncomfortable, let them know and they will give you more. Not gonna lie, it was really painful afterwards and felt like how I would imagine being shot in the chest would feel like.

I’m guessing your ICD is needed for a similar reason mine was so I know you will grow to love it like I do. The safety and security is worth it all. My daughter calls it Bob and I couldn’t be without him 😆

[RubyGal in reply to BeeBee79]

I love this answer! It's truthful and more helpful than "oh just don't worry" which isn't constructive when you suffer from overwhelming, crushing anxiety. Naming your device is a great idea and proactive. Thank you for your reply. 👍🏻

[BeeBee79 in reply to RubyGal]

Ahhh you're more than welcome. Let me know if you need anything else

[Pjjmhaa]

Hi hope you are doing ok! I had a ICD fitted two years ago at the age of 61 and what a difference it has made to my life. I like you were ill at the thought it is really nothing like you expect the doctors are amazing! I was awake during my procedure and trust me I don’t even watch casualty 😂 please don’t be afraid as I say it’s won’t you will be amazed 👍🏻 goodluck! Keep us all posted 👍🏻

[Pauldoherty]

hi had my ICD fitted 6 months ago it only took about half an hour to fit it and didn’t feel nothing had a bit of discomfort for a few days and that was it most of the time don’t know it’s there you will be fine

[Gfin]

had one fitted 7+ years ago, no problem

[Kwagmire]

had mine fitted 5 years ago I was also scared but Thers no need to be you will be absolutely fine godbless

[Kazz72]

thank you for all your messages means a lot x

[lindainglis]

hi my husband had his done 3 years age after suffering 3 heart attacks ,he has never look back feels better than ever

[polenta]

Very easy procedure and well worth a little pain that comes along with it for peace of mind that you will have added protection incase of a SCA. Take care

[Qualipop]

Ring the department and tell them you have PTSD. They will understand and will probably arrange sedation for you. When I had a second angiogram I was absolutely petrified. I;d already had one after my heart attack which didn't bother me in the least so I've no idea why it happened but the nurses were absolutely fantastic. They see hundreds of patients with the same problem.

[Mercury-Advance]

Hi Kazz.

I had a CRT-D fitted in November 23.It took 2.5 hours in the cath lab but it was not an unpleasant experience.I could hear the team talking and feal some pulling but did not feal any pain during the op. It was a bit painfull when drugs wore off but not that bad.

I am 7-8 months in from the implant and I feel great. Would I have had this done knowing what I know now. YES. Best of luck for the future.

[macmeonce]

Had one fitted in April, I was nervous but honestly it's a breeze, in/out 1 hour, back home same day. My shoulder was sore for about a week after but other than that 👍

[Thumper76]

Hi, you’ve been through a lot. The icd may take some getting used to but you will get used to it and you will be ok 👍👍 X

[A246]

Hello my dear, please please don't be afraid. It is uncomfortable at times during procedure, you shouldn't feel pain, it is a bit of tugging and pulling. I was terrified too, but I knew it was necessary to save my life with heart failure. Now I am so grateful I had because it is there to save my life if needed. I promise u will feel the same. It is normal to fear the unknown. But I promise you I would do it all again without fear. I am a older lady in my late fifties. I now feel greatxx

[A246]

Yes sedation was good I had two shots of it. I really chilled me out and I fell asleep xx

[David_A]

I had one fitted in 2020 - 3 days after my 50th birthday, had it fitted Friday around lunch time and was discharged from hospital 5 hours later. It's a 2.5 inch cut they make above your ;left pec. I was awake and spent most of the time talking to the supervising cardiologist during the op.

It takes about 30 mins, and it's done under local anesthetic. I had a little pain the following day (but that was my fault as i said i didn't feel any painkillers when asked but that was mainly because the anesthetic was still working) and you're advised not to raise you arm above your shoulder for seven days to ensure the leads stay in place.

Relax, there's really no need to worry.

[Kazz72]

hello everyone thank you for all the advice I had it done this morning about 10am I’m hopeful going home at 4pm it wasn’t as bad as I was thinking x

[Lezzers in reply to Kazz72]

I'm so glad it's over & done with & that it wasn't as bad as you feared, it's the unknown that makes us fear so much.

Make sure you get some pain relief to take home with you, if your hospital doesn't supply it contact your GP asap & ask for some. Sometimes paracetamol is enough, sometimes you need something a bit stronger but any pain usually starts easing within a couple of days. Also ask the hospital about a home monitor.

Good luck, remember your ICD is now looking after you 24/7.