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@greg1951
Hello, I am new here. I had a ICD implanted in May and it is uncomfortable and pronounced where I can see one of the wires. I saw my doctor and he said to give it time as he does not want to go back in. After reading what you wrote it made me feel a little more comfortable about my situation.
Replies to "@greg1951 Hello, I am new here. I had a ICD implanted in May and it is..."
@ezra03 Welcome to the discussion on ICD here on Connect! It does takes time for your body to fully adjust to this new device, which is essentially your personal EMT accompanying you 24/7, as @jc76 describes it. Glad he made you feel a little more comfortable. Buddy (Yes, I named it), was installed in late 2022 between my heart and collarbone. I had developed electrical problems after a septal myectomy which included dizziness, giddiness and syncope, eliminated by Buddy. The device does "stick out" a bit. I cannot see any wires, maybe as the scar tissue develops your wires will be less noticeable? Here on Connect, we encourage everyone to learn as much as they can about their medical issues. You may find it helpful and informative to read Mayo's information on ICDs: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillators/about/pac-20384692. People sometimes seek a second opinion, not necessarily because they do not fully trust their doctors, but to help obtain peace of mind. How was it determined that you would benefit from having an ICD? There are an unbelievable number of heart conditions that benefit from pacemakers and ICDs, were you diagnosed with a specific ailment?
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@ezra03
I have had a ICD/Pacemaker since 2006. I have 3 replacement surgeries since them.
My Electrophysiologist (EP) said it takes about a year for the device to be encapsulated by body. That include the wires. So think going to get better which body encapsulate it.
I assume from you post your device was put under your skin with wires doing down to your heart. Mine was put under my chest muscle as per my EP my skin was too thin for under skin placement.
With under the skin placement you will notice it more than under muscle. But it takes time to encapsulate and getting seated. You need to follow your doctors directions on limiting movements. Give it time. Make sure you recognized anything that irritates the area or causing it to move.
Even today 8 years after my last device I do not lift my left arm above my head. It irritates the area around my device and can feel a slight movement. So learn to refrain from movements that irritate it or move it and never press on the area.
I will be having my 4 device surgery in less that a year. Millions have the devices and some have pronounced areas under the skin but just remember when you see that know that you have your own EMS there to help you when needed. It is your own 911 system.