Back home from the hospital
Hi everyone,
I had my ICD implanted on Tuesday, and came back home late yesterday afternoon. Everything went well, and my surgeon, doctors and nurses were all wonderful and really went out of their way to make me comfortable. I have rheumatoid arthritis and can't straighten my arms, and my surgeon actually let me rest my arms across my stomach instead of strapping them to my sides.. he just made me promise I wouldn't try to "help him out" with the surgery!
I had the device implanted under the pectoral muscle, and I'm glad I did although I'm in a lot of pain now. There is some swelling and a dressing on the incision now, but I can already tell that the device is not going to be very noticeable. Wednesday was the worst day in terms of pain. The muscles across my chest are so sore and strained that it actually hurt to breathe, but I am breathing more easily today and starting to feel a bit better.
What I would really like to do is have a shower, but that has to wait until tomorrow.
Thanks to everyone for the advice on my last post. I am happy so far with my decision to have it implanted sub-pectorally, and for now I'm just taking it easy. Lots of nice long naps with my cat curled up on my feet.
Helen
5 Comments
thanks!
by HelenB - 2008-05-15 02:05:22
Thanks for the good thoughts and thanks ela-girl for the advice. I'll definitely put some ice on it!
Helen
Well done!
by Katielou - 2008-05-15 06:05:38
Hi Helen, I was wondering how things had gone for you. Glad to hear that all went well. I have my ICD implanted in the same place and after the surgery I too was very sore. I couldn't wait to have the dressing removed although I was very nervous about it. The day arrived and I was so surprised at the result. It looked absolutely fine; a little swollen but a very neat scar. Time has passed and I don't even notice it now. Even the scar has practically disappeared. I wish you a speedy trouble free recovery and hope that your life and activities soon get back to normal.
Little tip for sleeping - place a small pillow under your armpit to support the skin and muscle whilst the pocket is settling down. It stops the feeling that the ICD is moving. It isn't of course but it needs to settle in.
Take care.
Katie
Sleeping
by HelenB - 2008-05-16 12:05:14
thanks Katielou,
Sleeping has been one of the most frustrating aspects of the recovery so far. I have been sleeping sitting up; when I lay down, I feel a lot of weight on the site, which is painful. I'm going to try your pillow tip tonight, though... it sounds like it might be what I need to help me get into a comfortable position lying down.
I have been feeling better day by day. I find it helps to get outside a bit and get some fresh air when I am feeling up to it. Luckily, the weather has been nice here, so I have been spending some time sitting outdoors.
My parents are bringing home a new puppy tomorrow, so I'm sure that will give me something else to keep me entertained!
Thanks again and I hope everyone is doing well,
Helen
You know you're wired when...
You take technology to heart.
Member Quotes
A pacemaker completely solved my problem. In fact, it was implanted just 7 weeks ago and I ran a race today, placed first in my age group.
ICE
by ela-girl - 2008-05-15 01:05:50
Hi, Helen!
I'm telling you, icing the site is one of the best things to do to help control your pain level. In fact, I didn't use any pain pills after my pm surgery...just ice! It was a little thing that made a BIG difference. I think others would agree. I had my pm implanted under the muscle and into the breast, so I know how you feel sore.
Give it a try!
ela-girl