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 🤦♀️
ICD 2025: Hi thereI just had an ICD... - British Heart Fou...
ICD 2025
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.
Aww thank you. I appreciate 🙏
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!!
Hi there, I read your post and i can feel the stress you are under. I feel that there is alot us on here that are getting help with heart issues but not geting any other support emotionally at home..i feel this is a real concern for people. Iam struggling 😪 myself and I know it's getting worse day by day. I have aneurysm of the Arotic root and ascending but is being monitored, but 24 months has passed and I had a growth rate of 8mm..iam emotionally drain and I don't think I can go on with my life being like this, I go to the asking for help, but they just up the medication to help with chronic Anxiety that I have, that not the answer. What is needed is support at home to get though day to day living. I had heart palpitations issues for the last 4 days now with no help, chest tightness and pains which then sends Anxiety and panic attacks into out of control situation, today I haven't been feeling myself since 530am this morning, I can not relax, I keep on getting this fun feeling in my chest,like a cold feeling, then my chest starts to go tight, then I start to cry. Because I don't understand what's going on. Sorry I go on abit, crying 😢 out for help but not being heard
Hi JayJay, I completely get it and you're absolutely right, the stress can completely take over. For the most part I can get through the lows, by talking to myself so to speak! Much of the anxiety, no all of the anxiety, comes from the uncertainty of my condition and all the unknowns. It leaves me feeling out of control, not a happy condition! But I know , the head stuff, that there are still big chunks of my day to day life that I still have control of, do carry on and don't have to be totally disabled because of this faulty equipment! I have tried to help myself by improving aspects of my health after the stroke but then had the SCA during exercise. The LVT is my ticking bomb, I guess that your aneurysm feels the same way for you. On the outside I look okay. Here's a confession that doesn't make me feel good. A couple on public transport who were shall I say younger than me both were walking with crutches. Apart from the crutches, even their mobility looked okay. But their totems enabled them to get a mass of public sympathy which they welcomed!!!! Perhaps they were going to a hip replacement therapy class! Sarcasm and cynicism are really bad virtues!
I see the BHF support staff being referred to frequently on these pages and I am aware there may be a time I might give them a call.
Do look for the things that still define you other than the physical things inside you, and try to bring them to the fore when you are feeling low.
Keep in touch if it helps and thank you for recognising and supporting me through your post.
#chinkoflight (I look for chinks of light)
well I hope they sedate me far enough so I am not in pain, 14 days to go.
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.
Feeling a lot lot better!!
Follow up appointments. 
Travel insurance with ICD
Where do I start? ……… VT and ICD newbie
