Defib

[MWong]

Hi all,

I am going to Cornell Hospital to have a defib put in this Thursday. While I have visited NEMC during the summer and I loved them up there, various people and doctors had recommended that I get it done here in NYC since it is a relatively simple procedure and it makes sense to have someone that I can visit if anything goes wrong.

I am a lil worried about the procedure, well less the procedure itself, and more the fact that I will not be put to sleep. I think its weird that they would put me to sleep for my wisdom teeth but not for this.

Just needed to get that off my chest.

Thanks,
Ming

[shirleymahoney]

Re: Defib

Well now Ming i was out for mine i don't remember anything not even them testing it, so don't worry about that, they may not put you out out but i don't think you will remember much if anything

Shirley

[MWong]

Re: Defib

Thanks Shirly.

Also the doctor said that I should fine on Monday and should be able to drive 1 1/2 to work on Monday. Going by past post, it doesn't seem to be the case. Any thoughts?

Ming

[shirleymahoney]

Re: Defib

It is really up to how you heal my son was driving within a couple of weeks and he said he could feel the pull, if it hurts don't do it that is what i would do, everyone seems to be different as to how they tolerate things

Hope this helps a bit

Shirley

[Reenie]

Re: Defib

I wanted to tell you that when my husband got his ICD he was completely out too. He doesn't remember them testing the device or anything. I don't think he drove for a week or two after the procedure, but it's been 4 years, so I can't remember details that well.

Reenie

[MWong]

Re: Defib

Whew. My gf just called the hospital and they said I will be knocked out. That was close. I thought I heard the doc say it was just local.

[MWong]

Re: Defib

Sorry for the multiple posts but after reading more and more posts, I keep coming up with more and more questions.

The doctor also said that it shouldn't be a problem that I am going on vacation 2 weeks after the surgery. Now I am worry about the wound and not being able to do certain things and even lift stuff like luggage. Any advice? Should I move the surgery back?

[Reenie]

Re: Defib

You probably shouldn't be lifting luggage 2 weeks after the surgery, but travelling is all right. Will you have someone with you who can help? If not, take advantage of skycaps, cab drivers, and others who can help you lift things. You may still be a little sore from the operation, but you shouldn't be in pain. Remember not to lift your arm over your head for a while.

Reenie

[shirleymahoney]

Re: Defib

Also wear a sling in the airports you will get more help and protect that sight people will be more careful if they know you are hurt

Shirley

[Eileen2345]

Re: Defib

Ming,

(First off, I do not want to scare you, but this is important.)


I have a dual chamber ICD implant -- here is what I was told........


-- Do not use your left arm to lift anything for 6 weeks.
-- Do not raise your left arm over your head for 6 weeks.
-- Do not stand near microwaves.
-- Never use a cell phone on the side of your ICD.
-- Never put your cell phone in your left shirt pocket near the ICD.

-- Do not go through any metal detector security systems such as those found in airports and government buildings. And do not let anyone use the security handheld wands either. Show security personal your ICD card.........
(I have done this, they are usually very understanding and they do a pad search instead. What I did was....I walked up near them and showed them my ICD card and said "I cannot go through the metal detector because I have an ICD implant. And please do not use the handheld wand either.")

Please favor your left arm for 6 weeks. You can still travel, but please do not lift anything with your left arm and do not raise your left arm over your head for 6 weeks. And also be careful driving too. These are very important because you do not want to pull a lead out of the chamber.

The other advisories are because of magnetic fields.

I wish you the best.

Eileen

[Donna]

Re: Defib

Ming, I have had my ICD for two years and have had not problems with it. It has fired two time and saved my life.

When I had it put in I stayed over night in the hospital, then got to go home. I could not drive for 3 week. That was because I live in Alaska and we have a problem with moose playing tag with your car. They did not think I should take the chance of having to try avoiding a moose and pull the leads. I am lucky I had a child that could drive.

I was out for the implant. I came to in my room with my family looking at me.

I wish you the best and keep us informed on how it goes.

[MWong]

Re: Defib

Hi All,

I just wanted to thank everyone for their help and support. I got release and am feeling better. I am experiencing some pain and soreness but that is expected. Hopefully I recover soon and go back to normal activities.

Thanks again
Ming

[Reenie]

Re: Defib

I'm glad to hear that you are feeling pretty good. The soreness should subside fairly quickly. I hope you have a good vacation in a couple of weeks.

Reenie