Thanks for the encouragement

Thanks for some great comments and encouragement, as I am new to this heart thing. It's also good to know that these meds can improve the heart functions. I guess I will feel better once the implant is over. My girlfriend said she will too. She said if I die, she will kill me!! which I thought was pretty amusing.

I do have a few questions about the ICD and recovery. In general, how long does it take to recover fully from the implant? My doc said no golf for a month... why didn't this happen in January?! ( you don't have to answer this). After a night in the hospital, will I be able to resume things right away? I know there will be a lifting restriction, but other than that, am I good to go?

Also, I have had some bouts of muscle spasms in the calves and thigh periodically. I think I read where the lisonp/hctz can cause this. Have others experienced this?

One more thing.... When I take the Coreg, it seems to make me a little queezy for an hour or so, even after eating. I am on just 3.25 mg dose. Is the normal progression for this is to continue to increase the dosage over time? So far, no libido problems.

Bill

5 Comments

NO GOLF IS RIGHT!

by LindaScarberry - 2008-06-20 04:06:48

Hi Bill

Had my ICD implanted on 5/16; my recovery has been great. No lifting, raising your lelft arm higher than shoulder height and certainly no golfing. For me, it was no riding horses (like Candi). You don't want to pull the leads out from your heart with excessive movement. It takes time for them to totally implant into your heart. I drove myself to the doctor 5 days after implant. I only took Tylenol for discomfort. Sleeping was the most difficult for me since I'm a stomach and side sleeper; it pulled the muscle too much and was very uncomfortable. But now, after 5 weeks I'm almost back to sleeping on my stomach. YEAH - a good nights sleep! I was out with friends the day I came home from the hospital. You will definitely get tired in the afternoons; I think it's more from the anesthesia and shock to your body.

Take it easy; pamper yourself for a month. Don't lift, don't golf and don't raise your arms!!!

Also,I found icing the site was a tremendous help. Great tip I got from this site! They will keep you iced in the hospital on a constant basis. Make sure you have at least three or four ice packs you can rotate and always have one frozen and ready to go! They feel wonderful!

You are probably on water pills and that may be causing your dizzy spells; you may need potassium. Tell your doctor; don't wait! You'll have to learn to drink a lot of water!

Hope all goes well; when is your implant date?

Linda

from fred

by fred in Seattle - 2008-06-20 08:06:34

O locobill22 you are croutchty old FA- - just like me.:) FRED

:-)

by candi51 - 2008-06-20 09:06:00

I am 3 wks post ICD implant and it was a much easier process than I had conjured up in my mind.

I know every situtation is different and recoveries are different but I personally haven't had any complications. I am thankful for the advice of folks on this site. It really helped ALOT!

I received a St Jude Medical V-168 ICD on 6-2 as a preventive measure because on my LVNC. My restrictions were no driving for 2 wks, no lifting my left arm (implant side) for 4 wks above the shoulder and no lifting, pushing or pulling more than 10lbs for 4 wks. We have horses that we show as well as trail ride and so they restricted me from riding for 4wks as well. I received 2 "doses" of antibiotics via IV in the hospital and then had a prescription for anitbiotics when I came home. The procedure itself only took about 30-40 minutes total and I was completely out. I was up and out of bed that afternoon and tried to keep moving, within reason of course. I was released from the hospital at 10 am the next morning and didn't need any pain meds. I took some Tylenol for the "achiness" off and on but that was all. I slept in the hospital and at home with both arms propped up with pillows and that helped ALOT! My incision had steri strips over it and I was able to take those off about 10 days after.

As far as the Lisinopril, I haven't had the muscle cramps but I have been supplementing potassium. A cardiac nurse friend recommended that because of the HCTZ and the Lisinopril. Another vitamin that she recommended was Flaxseed Oil for heart health. I am on 10mg of Coreg but have been doing OK on it. I noticed a big drop in energy the 1st week I was on it and my arms felt like they weighed a ton but now it is OK. I have noticed that it is harder to lose weight now that I am on the Coreg.
Keep on reading and asking questions! This site has been such a wonderful thing for me!
Best Wishes-
Candi

Getting a little concerned

by locobill22 - 2008-06-20 11:06:41

Again, thanks for the info and support. It has been bothering me with the fact that I will be dependent on others for at least a week (? or more ) after next Thursday.
Two years ago, I had an accident where I fell from a ladder 16 ft and broke my back, heel and wrist. I was in a wheelchair for 3 months, again in the summer, and was totally dependent on others for rides, lifting, etc. I hated it, even though I was very fortunate to have family and friends to help.

Now I am facing this dependence thing again, and I just don't like it. I know that getting this is the right thing to do, but I guess I need to get over this. I will be glad when it's over.....

No golf !!!!!!

by fred in Seattle - 2008-06-20 12:06:01

It sure seems to me each Dr puts his own limitations on what you can do. I got my ICD in jan and the darn Dr would not let me drive for three months. After thinking about it cinda made sence. They cut this pouch in your chest and stick this metal thing in there with wires hanging out of it. Well I noticed swelling around the unit and them I went away. Plus When taking the new drugs I felt queezy, I think they are afraid you will pass out. Well one good thing is you will be able practice putting. You know it is drive for show and putt for the dough. Keep asking question we like you.

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