ICD surgery

Hi! new here,glad your there-Going in Monday for ICD implant,will it feel similar to a heart cath? I am getting nervous, it is not for pacing problem but for sudden death events. Thanx

[stevie_wonder]

Hi,
I don't know what a heart cath feels like but I can tell you a bit about an ICD implant. Most people have little or no recollection of the procedure. If you do wake up during the implant you can feel pressure but no pain. The sedation medication that you will be given makes it hard to remember much.

After the implant you will feel pain around the implant site. The pain level depends entirely on the postioning of the ICD and whether or not it is placed under the muscle or just under the skin. The pain can be well managed by medication. I took nothing more than Tylenol and Advil after the surgery and within a couple weeks it was no longer needed. Some people do need a stronger medication at first though. There is no need to suffer so make sure you ask your doctor for a prescription if you are in pain!

You will have to make sure that you do not, for any reason, lift your arm above shoulder height on the implant side for at least 6 weeks. You can start to use your arm (but keep it low!) when you feel up to it but just don't lift anything heavy over about 8-10 pounds for the 6 week period as well. Try to follow the instructions that you are given because what you do in the first few weeks can determine how well your leads stick in place and that there is no unnecessary movement on the leads while they are healing in place.

Don't spend too much time worrying about it, it really is a piece of cake!

Good luck tomorrow and take care,

[Jerry_NJ]

Well, it is "Monday" and I hope all went well and you are well on your way to recovery when you read this.

Let us know what you think, hope you too "..have no recollection.." because it went so easily.  

Wishing too that it help and does even better than hoped.

[Mom2four85]

sorry I just saw this - my PM/ICD implant felt nothing like my Cardiac Cath did

let us know how yours went and what you think, hopefully this finds you well and on your way to recovery; just remember - wear your sling as your dr recommends and follow what they tell you about keeping your arm below your shoulder; no heavy lifting etc etc

[bubbles54]

Thank you all for your concern .The ICD inplant was easier than the Cardiac cath...I wished i had not put this off for the last year...It has given me some security ..but I am sore,  using icepacks still, and sensitive to every thump hoping it is not going to go off...it is hard to keep my arm down, especially because i am feeling better.The sling needs to be on to remind me. I go back on the 30th for followup. I had complete recollection except when they test fired.The dr. talked through each step he was doing and kept asking if I wanted more drugs.I am thankful I had family to help me the first couple of days.

[Mom2four85]

that is fabulous; glad to hear things went well and you're on your way to recovery

keep the arm down :P you don't want to stretch your site and have an icky scar from not properly healing like I have -  I didn't keep mine down as much as I should have and stretched my site :(

[sian333]

Glad it went well and that you're feeling OK!

Rest up and take care of yourself =]