How will the ICD Affect My Lifestyle?

Your doctor will want you to limit your activities for the first few weeks so that you will heal well. Then you can slowly go back to your normal lifestyle. Depending on your condition and local laws, your doctor will tell you if you will be able to drive your car. You should be back to normal after a month.

You will need to stay away from machines that could interfere with your ICD. You shouldn't work near strong magnetic or electric fields. The ICD is built to be protected from most home shop tools and electric appliances, including microwave ovens. However, you need to be certain that all electric items are properly grounded and in good repair. Your doctor will help you understand what to avoid.

How Will I Look and Feel with My ICD?

To most people you will look exactly the same. Your partner or family will be aware of the implant. The ICD's pulse generator is smaller than a deck of cards, but you may see a small bulge under your skin. You may have one or two incisions, and will have a scar at each incision. The scars will be less visible as time goes by.

If you have an abdominally implanted ICD you may feel a slight tingling if you lean on a counter or other hard surface. Leaning on a counter does not harm the ICD. The tingling will not hurt you. You may also feel the weight of the pulse generator in some activities such as bowling, golfing or hunting. This will become less noticeable as time goes by.

Your regular clothing should be comfortable for you to wear. Men can wear suspenders or a belt depending on the implant site. Women can wear a loose belt, or skirts and pants with a loose waistband. For pectoral (upper chest) implants, comfortable bras should be worn.

How long it takes to adjust to your ICD varies with each person. As you adjust to your ICD, you will begin to feel more comfortable. You have experienced many changed because of your tachyarrhythmia and ICD implant. It is normal to have many emotions including relief, comfort, anxiety, fear and anger to come and go over the course of many months.

Talk about your concerns and feelings, it will make it easier for you to adjust. Talk to someone you trust- your doctor, another ICD patient, or a friend. Join a support group like the Zapper Club. The goal is for you to lead a normal life as soon as possible!