upcoming implant

Hey all!
I'm signed up to have a BiV ICD implanted in one week. Anyone out there have any words of wisdom? I'm still a bit apprehensive about the whole thing and need advice, guidance, and support. Thanks ahead of time! George in Washington

4 Comments

Free Advice

by ElectricFrank - 2012-03-23 01:03:51

And worth every cent you pay for it!

One of the most helpful suggestions for sleeping after the implant is to sleep on the side opposite the pacer with a pillow in front of you to support the upper pacer side arm. This keeps you from squeezing the incision which can be painful. This is only for the first week or so until the incision and pocket heals.

Using this I've had a good nights sleep both after my original implant and for my replacement.

I don't have any experience with the ICD's so will let some of the others offer their suggestions.

best wishes,

frank

More advice :)

by Heidiglassmeyer - 2012-03-23 02:03:47

A fellow member suggested a pillow to hug on the drive home. Best advice ever, was far more comfortable the second time around. PM implant as well so hopefully someone with an ICD will reply.

Take care,
Heidi

ICD

by Hope - 2012-03-23 04:03:49

Hi! George, Have had an ICD since 2004, second 2009, original 2 leads. Think how we take care of ourselves post op is very important to our long term comfort and success. Retired last year, but after a 6 wk. leave of absence after fist implant hn 2004, went back to teaching young children. Please start a mind set for yourself pre op to follow directions about bathing, raising implant side arm, weight lifting restriction, bending over, etc. for the time frame you are given. Slept/rested almost totally on my back(slightly propped up) for first few weeks, not easy, but it keeps pressure off site during healing. process. Always, avoid direct blows to ICD area, becomes an instinct. Gradually, return to all aspects of your life knowing your ICD is there to back you up. Will be thinking of you. Hopeful Heart

I love my Biventricular Pacemaker!!

by ADalsmom - 2012-04-11 01:04:46

Hi George....By now, you've probably gotten your implant. Hope that you're adjusting to it well. I remember when I got my first pacemaker, it took some time to get used to. Feel like it was ready to fall out of my chest.....that was about 6 yrs ago. 5 years ago, I got my BiV pacemaker for extreme chronic a-fib after an AV node ablation (where they cut off all the electrical in your heart).....is was like a God-send! My heart now has a steady beat (in spite of being in a-fib all the time)....they had considered giving me a defribulator too but didn't. Now 6 yrs later, I can hardly tell that I have a pacemaker in my chest....I had the EP place the Biv pacemaker deeper in my chest so it's not just under my skin as the other was. It's given me a new lease on life and the meds I need is Pradaxa, the blood thinner. I don't regret my decision.....
Good luck! Claudia

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