I'm PRE-OP for an ICD

Thank you for allowing me to join the group. I'm scared about my cardiologist recommendation to implant an ICD. I have also met my EP.

My story...
54 year old Caucasian male, left handed
1st MI on 7/4/15 due to 100% blockage LAD and 70% blockage LCX
EF on 7/5, 7/7, and 10/1 = 30% to 35%
I've worn a LifeVest for 100 days with 3 one-time alarms and zero shocks

I mention my handedness because during the consult the doctor and his nurse repeatedly said the ICD would be located in my upper left chest. I am very left-handed. I am a DIY-er so I am all the time using a hammer, level, using power tools, etc. I enjoy shooting sports. (The EP's nurse said I will not be able to shoot a rifle or shotgun again from my left shoulder.). I really want to retain full range of motion with my left arm. Can they implant my ICD on the right side of my chest?

I have to make several decisions over the next few days and weeks (surgery scheduled for 11/19) and I'm not completely sure I know all of them, nor the questions I should be asking as a patient.

I'd really like to know what PRE-OP questions to ask?

Also, what was your biggest disappointment or surprise after one month POST-OP?

3 Comments

Some questions I had...

by Lurch - 2015-10-19 04:10:11

I made a list of questions to ask my EP during my initial meeting with him (had been dealing with my Cardiologist prior).

How long does the implantation take?
What restrictions will I have following the procedure?
How long will these restrictions be in place?
What type of ICD will you implant?
Why this type (advantages, benefits, etc.)?
How many issues (recalls, identified problems, etc) has this device manufacturer had in the past?
How long does the typical ICD last (battery)?
Will you be implanting any "extra" leads?
What leads will you be using? (there had been some recalls of leads just prior to my implantation)
How many ICDs have you implanted in the past 12 months?
How many of those procedures experienced complications?
What type of complications were experienced?

I really don't recall any disappointments or surprises post-op. I did a ton of research on ICD's prior to my procedure. It really helped me as I knew what to expect, and, for me, more importantly, what I could face if I decided not to get the device.

I became assimilated in May, 2014. In January, 2015 I experienced V-Tach which my device brought me out of (fortunately for me it was able to do it through pacing, not a full shock), Same thing in May of 2015. So, in the first year it saved my bacon twice. I think I made the right decision!

Look around the site, you will find a ton of information. Somewhere here I did a report of what the day of implantation was like (if you can't find it and are interested, let me know and I will send it to you).

Good luck and if you have more questions, make sure you ask!

Insist on right-hand-side implant

by LondonAndy - 2015-10-19 06:10:43

I agree with Cabg Patch - whilst they clearly prefer the left side (I am left handed but don't do the relevant activities that could cause a problem, so they still implanted it on the left), the right is also a reasonable option.

My biggest surprise post-op was how little I thought about the Pacemaker, though I had open heart surgery for a replacement heart valve and the PM was a result of surgical complications, so there was plenty else to distract from it!

And frankly I still don't think about it much - it can cause discomfort when sleeping on my left side, but not badly so. Otherwise it responds to activity levels well, and I have not felt breathless since the implant.

Whilst this is not a recommendation to put on weight, from what I have heard I think those of us of larger build (yes, I am fat, but losing well!) may provide a little more space within the body for them to rummage around and stick the thing than our fitter friends.

Insist on the right

by dmryanAGNP - 2015-10-20 02:10:33

You have a quality of life issue, there's no reason that they cannot implant on the right. This way you can continue on with the things that you love. I've even heard of an abdominal approach, which is more difficult, but possible. It's about YOU not what the EP doc wants.

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