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Justin McClanahan, Moderator avatar

Pacemaker & ICDs: Introduce Yourself & Meet Others

Pacemaker & ICDs | Last Active: Sep 12 6:38am | Replies (116)

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Profile picture for nilesh123 @nilesh123

Hello all
A couple more questions for those with ICD implants:
1. How heavy is the ICD? Do you feel the weight as you are walking around?
2. Are you able to drive and do all other normal activities with the ICD?

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Replies to "Hello all A couple more questions for those with ICD implants: 1. How heavy is the..."

@nilesh123
Can only give you my experience not want to infer is what others feel.
1. They come in different weights and manufactures. I have a ICD/Pacemaker so I assume mine would be bigger if just a ICD. I do not feel the weight as I walk around.
When you first get it you are going to feel it just from having a device in your body under your skin or like mine under your chest muscle. The body encapsulates it over time and this goes away atleast for me.
2. Yes you can drive and do other normal activities. If you have a shock your EP should have a plan on can you drive. I follow Mayo. I know big difference in a single shock and what you should do versus multiple shocks over time.
Your EP should go over physical activities you should not do and can do. Your manufacturer will also have this information on their web site specific to your device. I had issues with playing tennis and my wires so had to stop playing.
I now do sprint triathlons. I do almost everything except move my left hand and arm above my head as it caused irritation to my device.
Your EP will also discuss being aroung electrical devices and devices like your phone.

I just got my pacemaker on 7/25/25, so I’m new to all this. Had check in with my cardiologist yesterday and incision is healing well, the pacemaker is pacing my heart 96% of the time - which is good, as my heart rate was in the low to mid 30 BPM. I will be able to resume lifting my left arm above shoulder level in 2 more days, as well as starting to drive again! It has sucked not being able to put my hair in a ponytail in this heat.I don’t feel the weight of the pacemaker, just soreness in my chest muscles, and feel a little more energy - although the doctor warned me it will be several months to get full effect of higher BPM. I had been cold all the time, but notice that it seems a bit better, as I’m not wearing a sweater in 90 degree weather. Only area I wasn’t cold was my neck - I have long hair, so have had a sweaty neck since the surgery. Can’t wait for my chest not to hurt, but am doing much better. Hope this response helps.