ICD 2025: Hi thereI just had an ICD... - British Heart Fou...

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ICD 2025

Heartsy profile image
5 Replies

Hi thereI just had an ICD procedure three weeks ago. The sedation did not work well enough during the procedure and i could literally feel everything. I was crying and kicking my feet but i knew it had to be done cos i had collapsed three weeks before the procedure and spent it all in CCU. Dr did explain to me that he felt he couldn't stop mid procedure because the risk of infection would be too high. I understand that and im glad he didn't. By now i think i should be much better but i dont feel great,the site has closed up well i must say but im still in pain like 3/10 . I wonder if that is normal. I must say that im wondering if it is normal to not be able to feel my heart beat or like hear it. I really cant. It is making me feel very different like something inside me has changed. So for those who have ICDs can you share with me if you feel your heartbeat 🤦‍♀️

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Heartsy
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SuddenShock profile image
SuddenShock

This sounds pretty dreadful. I don't have an ICD but didn't like the idea that you have not had a reply. I think many of the problems that are raised here are down to either a lack of information or being given information that we do not understand - very frightening.

When I originally had my first diagnosis I stummbled on the bhf helpline where you can text / talk to qualified cardiac nurses who may well be able to reassure or help you - they certainly helped me. You might have to wait until tomorrow at 9am, but give it a go. Try this link: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Good luck, hope this helps.

Heartsy profile image
Heartsy in reply toSuddenShock

Aww thank you. I appreciate 🙏

Chinkoflight profile image
Chinkoflight

No, I don't feel my heart beat, completely unaware of it hence no warning of a SCA or a stroke likely caused by Afib. An implanted loop recorder (ECG) detected paroxysmal in investigations after my stroke. The ILR was still in when I had my SCA and detected a long left ventricular tachycardia. I have an ICD after the SCA, which I am aware of it occasionally pulsing in my heart which I am told is the device doing a self check.

After 12 months I am acutely aware of my ICD, it was very uncomfortable particularly sleeping for weeks after fitting. It is still uncomfortable now for sleeping if I turn onto my left side.

If you follow these pages you will become aware of the large number of people who struggle because they feel their heart beat, palpitations, ectopics, tachycardia etc. On balance I think I'm glad I don't have this distraction. However, I would love to know if I was about to go I to meltdown because of stress it strain, so I could take a rest!!! I do however feel my pulse because I don't feel my heart and I then am aware of my ectopics and bradycardia.

All the usual heart stuff, problems with the cardiovascular system don't apply to me. Echocardiogram, angiogram, scans show my heart and pipes to be reasonable for my age although some unknown event has left scarring on my heart which would have led to the LVT and keeps me at risk.

My heart issues started three years ago and as I've learnt stuff I guess I monitor myself even more, ie I'm not getting used to it!!

Blackknight57 profile image
Blackknight57

well I hope they sedate me far enough so I am not in pain, 14 days to go.

Chinkoflight profile image
Chinkoflight in reply toBlackknight57

I had no sedation and only felt discomfort which is to be expected as they manipulate you. On a second lead revision procedure which required lead removal I had declined sedation but the cardiologist asked me to have a small amount to reduce any involuntary movement on my part which seemed sensible. I was never out, preferring to be aware of what was happening. The procedure is surprisingly quick and all the discomfort as such is in the surgical pouch area where the ICD sits. Hope this helps.

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