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Help and Advice Please
Hello everyone, my name is Lina. My boyfriend is 22 years old and is suppose to have an ICD surgery soon. I was hoping to speak with someone who already has an ICD. I have a few concerns and worries about the surgery and recovery after the surgery. I would like to give him encouraging words and be supportive, but I am very scared for him.
9 Comments
Thanks
by Lina - 2013-09-30 03:09:01
Thank you HurtHeart and Donr,
He has had heart failure since and other health problems since he was a baby. He has been going to the doctors almost every week to have blood drawn and is on several meds. I know he is a strong guy with a lot of energy, but I'm just worry about his emotional state and physical state after the surgery. I think he is more so scared of the surgery, after surgery pain and change.
Again Thank you both for the advice!
He needs ...
by donr - 2013-09-30 03:09:41
...moral support before, during & after this little adventure.
Like I said above, he is authorized to be scared. So are you - but you'd better NOT show it. He needs a supporter who is not flapping in the breeze. Sounds like it is YOU.
Have you read the reference I sent you for Newbies? He needs to know that, as should you. Knowledge is power in these situations, especially for when he is post-op.
Don
Surgery
by Marie12 - 2013-09-30 06:09:01
The surgery itself is not very invasive. While it differs for everyone, I was awake for the whole thing with the exception of when they tested the ICD. The only discomfort I felt was when the Dr. told me I would feel some pressure as he inserted the ICD. The happy juice they give you is very effective to keep you calm.
The pressure bandage they put on for the first day is uncomfortable but manageable. Some stay in the hospital overnight and some go home same day. Pain from the surgery was not significant for me. He might need to make some adjustments in his sleeping position. Most important is to ensure the left arm is not raised above the shoulder for the first four weeks. Other than that, please assure him that the thought of surgery is worse than the actual surgery.
A reference to Sparrow's ...
by donr - 2013-09-30 10:09:28
GREAT advice,
Go to the SEARCH button, top right corner of page.
Click on it & search for "Some Tough Love for Newbies." If you are going to copy & paste into the search box, don't copy the quotation marks!
Read it & ponder it. I am the author, so I highly recommend it for your reading - AND HIS! He's part of this little pas de deux you are doing.
Wish him the best from all of us. Look, we were all scared /worried/concerned BEFORE this happens. Two quotes to ponder, also:
The first attributable to Marion Morrison, of Iowa (you might know him as John Wayne) : "Courage is being afraid, but saddling up & riding out anyway." (or words to that effect)
The second to Gen Patton & exact, "âEvery man is scared in his first battle. If he says he s not he s a liar. ... The real hero is the man who fights even though he is scared. "
Don
...so how's he doing?
by IdyGal - 2013-10-13 05:10:08
I had mine put in on the same date so I'm wondering how he's doing. I felt better almost immediately and I hope the same has happened for him. Didn't realize how limited my life had become.
Check back in and let us know how it went!
(BTW...you should be commended on taking the time and making the effort to learn as much as you can. That's awesome!)
Help and advice>>>>
by katbrad1 - 2013-10-22 11:10:08
I just had mine placed on Oct 3. The meds they gave me made me sleep thru the whole thing...i felt good when I woke up! I had some discomfort in my shoulder and ICD site, but it went away quickly. I still have tenderness at the ICD site, The hardest thing for me was (and still is) not raising my left arm over my head! Evidently, I really like to stretch!
My husband was a great support...he helped me, but didnt baby me. Encourage him... and be there for him. Keep food that is easy to prepare, or warm up. I am almost 3 weeks out and I feel really good!!
ICD haematoma
by dinanagy - 2013-10-26 05:10:12
Mine placed on 3/9/2013. After implantation of my ICD i got a blood accumulation sac on my insirtion site. My dr. Adviced me to take antibiotic (tavonic 500mg), and heat pads . But i see no progress.
Is it more helpful to use ice pads.
Please advice me i'm worried about the consequences.
Just be there
by mtaylor - 2013-12-08 01:12:28
I had my ICD implanted when I was 19, more than anything just having somebody there is huge. They give you a good little book to read, and questions can be directed to this group, or the doctor.
You know you're wired when...
You fondly named your implanted buddy.
Member Quotes
Pacemakers are very reliable devices.
Thanks
by Lina - 2013-09-30 03:09:01
Thank you HurtHeart and Donr,
He has had heart failure since and other health problems since he was a baby. He has been going to the doctors almost every week to have blood drawn and is on several meds. I know he is a strong guy with a lot of energy, but I'm just worry about his emotional state and physical state after the surgery. I think he is more so scared of the surgery, after surgery pain and change.
Again Thank you both for the advice!