ICD Implant

Hi All, 39 year old very athletic female here. Found to have RV Dysplasia which was causing syncope and recently a heart rate of 250 which landed me in the ER. Having an ICD implant Friday. I have not run a lick in two weeks, how long did it take you to get back on your feet and running and exercising? Did you notice a difference? Are you able to run hard? Obviously I need to keep and take things down a notch, perhaps getting a heart rate monitor to keep things in check (anyone suggest one?). Thanks for the support! Crazy stuff, did not see this one coming at all!

Natasha

3 Comments

Wait & See

by NiceNiecey - 2014-04-22 06:04:50

Welcome to our Club - Members Only!

I am not at all familiar with RV Dysplasia. You are, however, young and have been actively engaged in serious running for quite some time so I suspect you'll be back at it quite soon.

As mentioned above by Jay4, everyone's recovery is different. I only have a 2-lead PM from Second Degree Heart Block Type 2. I am a 55 y/o female in pretty good shape and my recovery was a bit difficult. I am an avid walker and I continued my walking hours after the PM was implanted, circling the nurses' station over and over. Even in frigid temps this winter, I donned my snow pants and walked outside, too, but I felt lousy. Now, 4 months after my surprise PM, I am walking without feeling rotten!

Listen to your doctor but mostly, listen to your own body. I was told I had NO restrictions, other than the arm stuff. I really tried to convince myself that everything was just ducky and that I was being a baby about my recovery if I didn't feel 100%. Worse yet, I was of the impression that I should now feel even BETTER than 100% since my heart was now working properly. My husband heard the doctor say I could do anything and everything. Had I listened to that advice, I would have been in deep doo doo.

I was exhausted, but I pushed myself. I came to my senses immediately and refused an international trip I was scheduled to make 2 weeks after the PM. During that window of time, I developed aFib (which you have already) and then a blood clot.

Most people sail right through their procedures but there are a few exceptions (me :--{ being one of those). Given your age and fitness level, I suspect you'll do very, very well. Just don't beat yourself up if it takes you a bit longer to get back to full steam.

And be aware that you incision will probably irritate you under your bra strap. You'll have to experiment for a few days to see what feels most comfortable. Ask your doctors, too, if they're worried about too much bouncing around in the first few days or weeks post PM since your leads won't be firmly imbedded until that time.

Please post again and let us know how you make out. Prayers for your procedure this Friday and your running around afterwards.
Niecey

HR Monitors

by Grateful Heart - 2014-04-22 08:04:05

I use a Polar HR monitor, FT2 model. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles but it's fine for me.

They have much more advanced models as well. It recorded my HR of over 200 (confirmed by a device check in the Doctor's office) during an intense workout class so I think it's pretty accurate. I tried another brand before Polar and it didn't work well.

Someone else will come along and address your exercise questions regarding running.

Good luck Friday.

Grateful Heart

Good Luck

by Jay4 - 2014-04-22 11:04:07

Everyone’s recovery is different. My advice is to take the advice of your doctor. I am very athletic and was a member of the military, so I ran every day. After my surgery, I was told to wait 4 weeks and then could go back to lite workouts and running. With the exception of the layoff I did not feel any different and was back to running at about 80% within 2 months. I no longer push myself as I used to (6.5 miles as opposed to 7.5 – 8 miles a day). With the advice of your doctor and their recommendation, you should have no problem getting back to your old self as long as you control the ICD and do not let it control you. Good luck on Friday and see you on the track soon.
J

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Try to concentrate on how you’re able to be active again and feel normal, rather than on having a machine stuck in your body.