New with a ICD Cardioverter/Defibulator 3 wire

So I've had CHF for close to 5 years but my heart itself has been ok.  An event in mid-Oct caused some damage and I had issues with out of rhythm reducing the effectiveness of the ejection refraction.

2 days ago, I had an ICD implated (3 wire - St. Jude Medical Medical device) and the proceedure was normal I was told.  The next morning, after going to the restroom while still in the hospital I started to get kicking feeling that really spooked me.  Apprently one of the leads was reacting with a nerve to the diaphram and was causing it to react.  Best description was like a hiccup without any breath related effects.  Very noticible.

The tech came in that morning and adjusted the device over a period of 1/2 hour or so and that went away and I've not had it since.

Was released to home early morning that day and have been okay since though a bit tired. I am a stomach sleeper and can't do that now so sleeping is a bit more rough until I get used to it.

Only other issue was today 2 days later when I started getting some pain on the right side (ICD is on the left) when breathing but doesn't appear to be related to it or my heart at all.  No change in HR at all and not an issue related to movement or moving.  So far it is not much but a little noticeable.

In any case, a fun thing to have installed 2 days before christmas.

So far everything is cool, the device area is still sore but I figured it would be for a while and of course I have restrictions from lifting my left arm over my head, lifting or carrying anything that weighs much and no driving. 


1 Comments

Welcome to the club

by Katelyn - 2017-01-02 12:09:45

I have a 3 lead crt-d/icd and had a similar experience to you. My nerve stimulation was also resolved with reprogramming of the device. Your pain may be from the surgery. Give yourself a good 5 months for the muscle to heal. I had my battery replaced in July and just now don't have tenderness anymore. 

You know you're wired when...

You need to be re-booted each morning.

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