Hi everyone
I am new here and looking for some advice. I am currently seeing the doctor for possible ICD fitted. I am very nervous and scared that it will stop he doing things I enjoy. One main worry is that I won’t be able to drive. I have been told that this is being put in as a precaution. Does anyone have any info/advice they can give to me re recovery, living with it etc? Thanks
Hi Smudge1994
I dont personally have heart issues but my ex-husband was fitted with an ICD when he was in his mid 30s, around 5 years ago. He still plays football, works as a builder and continues to do pretty much everything he was doing before. He also still drives. I believe he had to notify DVLA and insurers about the ICD. I hope that helps.
Thanks for your reply. Do you remember how long he had to wait until he could drive again once he got it fitted? Feeling nervous about it all.
I don't remember exactly but it wasn't a very long time. Something like 4/6 weeks. He was told when he was able to move and do an emergency stop, then he's ok to drive. Understandable you're feeling nervous. I hope it all goes smoothly for you.
Hey I had my icd fitted on October 2021, it was put in as a preventative. I couldn't drive for one month and notified dvla and insurance. I didn't get back in my car for 6 weeks though as I struggled with dizzy spells quite bad. My procedure went well and I was petrified but was reassured by all the staff. Went home the same day. It can be uncomfortable to sleep with but you soon get used to it. I still do life as normal and I have 2 children to chase after. A lot of people call it a little guardian angel in your chest. I have the transvenous icd. Hope this helps xx
Did you ever find out what was causing the dizziness?
My dizzy spells were because of high blood pressure and fast heart rate along with irregular heart rhythms. Well that's what my cardiologist says. It's taken 3 years to control it as my body like to reject medication for some unknown reason
Firstly a driving ban. 6 months, is only relevant if your ICD fires.Living with an ICD is like anything else, a knee replacement, filling etc, you get used to it and it becomes part of you
There is a little discomfort to start but remember it is your get out of jail card free, so go for it and enjoy life
Hi Smudge,
I hope you are well. I was fitted with an icd 4 years ago. It was fitted as a precaution. I was not able to drive for six months as I had had a collapse prior to the icd being fitted and I couldn't lift things for a while but I live a full an active life. I teach full time, do yoga weekly walk the dog 3-5k every day. Last summer my husband and I went interrailing. I have an annual check up at the hospital and download every week. I love having it as I know I am safe and can live life to the full. I was so scared about having it fitted but now I realise how silly I was and how lucky I am!! Hope this helps.
hi,
I had my ICD put in 2 years ago age 43 after an idiopathic cardiac arrest. I was sedated for the procedure but honestly it was a bit uncomfortable at times during this.
Afterwards, it felt like I had been shot in the chest - I had to sleep with a v-cushion pillow (highly recommend getting one beforehand). Slowly I was returning back to normal but I felt that the hospital underplayed how painful it was afterwards. It’s strange getting used to the extra “weight” in your chest too but I’d say that all of this was more than worth it for the peace of mind the ICD brings. I couldn’t drive for 6 months after the arrest but have been fine since. You will be able to drive as yours is a precaution - mine was secondary.
My AF is controlled with drugs whilst I await heart surgery after 4 failed ablations but I’m doing everything I did before. Spin classes 4 times a week, daily dog walks, holidays etc.
Hope this helps 😁
hi
I was fitted with an ICD 6 weeks ago as a precaution. Like yourself I was worried about the impact on driving. My device was implanted under my muscle.
The first 3-4 weeks I didn’t even think about driving, it wasn’t until last week I got in my car due to recovery and pain (I think this was due to the under muscle placement). In the recovery time I contacted DVLA who replied pretty quickly to advise 4 weeks post implant no driving and then fine to drive afterwards. I’ve also contacted insurers who have made a note but there has been no impact on cost etc.
Pre op, I was really concerned about the driving impact. Since it’s in, my mindset has really shifted. I’m not totally sure why, other than I do feel like it’s a safety measure that I’m lucky to have, and if it does have to save my life, in that situation 6 months of no driving might be a small price to pay. I think I was also worried about employment (I drive to work daily, which is a bit of a distance and public transport isn’t great to get there), so I spoke with my Manager who gave me a lot of reassurance and discussed what and how they would support me if I wasn’t able to drive to work for a period of time.
Six weeks has only been a short time since my op, but I’m now just starting to not think about it being there so much, and just carry on like others have said, which I really didn’t believe would happen.
I’m a woman, 40yrs old and was fitted with a prophylactic ICD at the age of 37 when I was found to have inherited a gene that causes heart issues. I do everything with my ICD in that I did before, and actually feel better than I did before as my heart rate was actually very slow, so the ICD picked up my pace which has given me more energy.
My ICD is likely to go off at some stage in my future due to the gene I’ve inherited, and it will likely save my life. I wish an ICD would have been available to my mother and other relatives that have died because of sudden cardiac arrest.
I’m monitored by cardiologists every 6 months, and my device is monitored every 3 months, so at the first sign that my heart is misbehaving I will be prescribed anti arrhythmia drugs to prevent my ICD firing.
What reason have the cardiologists given for your prophylactic ICD?
I had one fitted back 4 yrs ago with no problems don’t worry unnecessary it is a procedure that’s done if I remember under local anaesthetic .you will be fine .
I had one fitted in May 2019 after an out of hospital cardiac arrest and have had no problems since then. It was fitted as a precaution in case of further problems. I don't remember them fitting it as was under light sedation. For the first couple of months a little uncomfortable until the bruising cleared but very little pain. Now it is checked twice a year remotely for anything out of the ordinary. Since then have had a triple bypass and Aortic valve replaced again with no issues. I was able to drive after six months and it has not stopped me from doing anything I did before. Please make sure that you tell the DVLA and Insurance Company about it though.
Don't worry unnecessarily it may save your life and remember to follow the guidance from your consultant.
Hi Smudge I am also thinking about the Difib device. And have the worries as you. Especially as my hubby had a stroke 3 years . And I am the only driver. But what my family and friends has pointed out is if I am dead I won't be able to drive of do anything anyway.
I have an ICD implanted a year ago after I had a Ventricular Tachycardia of a few seconds. I could not drive for 2 weeks and since then I live a normal life including everyday walking and exercising at 75 years. Be positive as an ICD is a life saver in case of a Ventricular Tachycardia and a cardiac arrest. Hope for you all goes fine.
Hello. I had one fitted in February of this year because I had bradycardia slow heart rate. Please do not be afraid or worried about having one fitted. I have a normal life still, working still after about 5 months. I also do gym work, exercise classes, swimming and lots of walking plus everyday things too. It will take time to get used to it and come to terms with having one fitted. Now I even forget it's there.Wishing you well
Hi Smudge. I had mine fitted as a precaution after my heart attack and subsequent tachycardia. My driving licence was revoked for 6 months, and it was another 3 months before I got a new licence. On the positive side, it's never fired in 6 years, either rightly or wrongly, but it's a comfort to know it's there "just in case".
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