ICD battery replacement

I had my ICD impanted in 2008. My battery is dying and they have scheduled my surgery to have it replaced in November. I am nervous about the surgery and looking for feedback from anyone that has had their ICD battery replaced. My implant surgery was very painful and took several weeks to feel "normal" again. Though it was a long time ago, I remember being very sore for quite awhile. I kept my arm in a sling for a week or 2 and longer at night- to help support it. Will my shoulder be just as sore after this surgery? I plan to use my sling again and have my husband drive me to work.

Any feedback appreciated!

2 Comments

night and day

by Tracey_E - 2017-10-06 13:44:30

9 years on an ICD is excellent! I have a pacemaker rather than icd, but I'm on #5. The worst thing about replacements is the anticipation of #2, after that you know it's easy and nothing to worry about. If I get an early appointment, I'm home fixing my own lunch. When I got my newest last year, we hit a drive through for lunch on the way home because I was starving, came home took a nap then worked for a few hours.  A few tylenol at night and regular ice was plenty to manage the pain.

Most of the restrictions after the first one are waiting for new leads to settle. Most of the pain the first time is from creating the pocket. Now after so many years, that pocket is tough with scar tissue and leads generally last through several devices. They usualy go in the same place. They'll take out the old one, test the leads, put the new one in, close. Fast and easy. The only thing we have to do is be careful of the incision until it heals.

Thank you!

by mrsfen - 2017-10-06 13:48:57

Good to know... sounds pretty easy! Thank you Tracey!

You know you're wired when...

Your ICD has a better memory than you.

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