When you have an ICD implanted, there are always questions arising that you think about when you get home & wished you had asked. We try & cover all eventualities when we discuss the implications of having an ICD before & after the implant. Common questions & answers are outlined below:-

When can I return to work?

Usually we recommend that everybody who has just had an ICD implanted takes time off work. The exact amount required needs to be discussed with your Cardiologist as it may be affected by your underlying condition & the speed with which you heal. Taking time to recover is important in order to allow the ICD & newly implanted leads to settle down. It is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise & limit your exercise levels to that which doesn’t involve arm exercise/movement. The reason for this is to allow the leads to settle into place & avoid any stress on the system that may cause the leads to displace themselves from their original position. There is a small but real risk of the leads moving until they have had a chance to form tissue growth around them which usually takes between four & six weeks [hence the timing of the first device check]. Do not restrict all movement but try & avoid any sudden or jerky movements as this may affect the leads in the early healing period. It is very important to keep some mobility, to prevent your shoulder becoming stiff or ‘frozen’.

When can I get back to normal?

If your ICD Clinic states that your device is functioning properly at your post-implant check [which is usually carried out within a 4 – 6 week period], you should be able to return to a normal lifestyle. Questions regarding fitness to fly should be directed to your Cardiologist. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that you get on with your way of life as you did before you had your ICD implanted. In our experience, many patients & the people that they live with are naturally worried about “how far” they can live a normal life style & “push” themselves on the exercise front. If exercise such as walking the dog or attending the gym are bothering you, be sure to discuss your concerns when you come for your device check – we can reassure you that you will not cause your ICD to trigger whilst doing the activities you once enjoyed before your ICD was implanted. Many of our patients carry out regular exercise & have no problems in doing so. There are plenty of ICD patients who play sport. If your underlying cardiac condition restricted your exercise level prior to your implant, the ICD will make no difference to this limitation. But if you have any concerns, check it out with your ICD Clinic.

Can I resume a normal sex life?

Yes!! If it was OK before you had your ICD implanted, it will be OK after. Again, we recommend that you do nothing too vigorous for the first month, but after that – no limits!!

What happens if anyone is touching me when I receive a shock from my ICD?

The worst experience that anyone can have in such a situation is that they might feel a slight tingle. You may see the  individual with the ICD have a physical “jump”. No harm can come to anyone touching a patient with an ICD when a shock occurs. Many patients who have young children or grand-children have often expressed such fears. Remember, there is no need to worry, it can never harm anyone.

How quickly will my wound heal?

The rate that a wound heals always depends upon the person involved. In a typical situation, the wound should show signs of healing within 4 – 6 weeks. However, it is not uncommon for a patient to feel “pins & needles” or even short sharp twinges for several months as the tissue underneath heals. As with all wounds, itchy wounds are a sign that it is healing. If your wound ever shows signs of turning “green & pussy” or “red & angry”, you should immediately contact your GP and/or ICD Clinic.

Will I be able to travel?

If you feel fit, well, & have no medical reason why you shouldn’t travel, then your ICD is not going to prevent you from going wherever you wish. But before making your final decision, please check our travel information leaflet [which is available at your ICD Clinic] for any recommendations concerning any precautions that you may have to take. Questions about “fitness to fly” and/or travel abroad should be raised with your Cardiologist.

Will I always be aware of my ICD?

All patients will react differently to this question. It will be dependent upon the individual patient concerned & their own “anxiety” level. Patients with a thinner physique have less cover over where the ICD has been implanted. In turn, this will result in them seeing more easily the outline of the ICD under their skin. It takes time to get used to the presence of the ICD, but it will not prevent the patient from being able to continue most of their daily activities in exactly the same way as they did before having their ICD implanted. If, after 6 – 8 weeks, the patient is still concerned, they should contact their ICD Clinic. Some patients report a “saggy box” where they can feel their device move around under their skin, especially when they lie on their side. Normally this will not cause a problem but if you fall into this category then do mention it to your Cardiologist & the Pacemaker Clinic when you come for your next appointment.

If you feel unwell, your first point of contact should be your GP.

If you feel that you have any heart related symptoms such as signs of dizziness, feeling faint, palpitations or receive a shock from your ICD – you must immediately contact your ICD Clinic. If it should occur “out of hours” & the shock has made you feel unwell, you should attend your local A &E department. To assist the medical staff wherever you report to, you must always remember to carry your ICD card so that the necessary data it contains can be used by them.

If it occurs “out of hours” & you feel well, then as long as you believe that you have only had one shock, you may wish to wait until morning to get in touch with your local ICD Clinic. If you get more than one shock, you must always report to your local A&E. Remember, that if you think or know that you have had a shock, you must never drive yourself to any location.

Can I stop taking my pills now that I have and ICD implanted?

Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without first discussing it with your Cardiologist or GP. The reason why you were prescribed with the pills was dependent upon your underlying medical condition. The ICD does not stop you from getting heart rhythm disturbances. It only stops them when they occur. Some of the pills that you have been prescribed may reduce the frequency of experiencing “rhythm disturbances” or “arrhythmias”. In such a case, you may therefore need to keep taking them as the ICD is there only as a back-up in the event that your pills didn’t work. You may also be taking pills for other related reasons such as helping the heart muscles pump more efficiently or to reduce the fluid levels & help your kidneys excrete fluids more efficiently. You may not be able to stop taking any of these.