Pacemaker & ICDs: Introduce Yourself & Meet Others

@bri793 I just looked on Medtronic's website (type Medtronic 3 CRTD JIVICD CRTD) in your browser) and found an overwhelming amount of information on all kinds of ICDs. They all seem quite similar! An electrophysiologist would select the one most suited to your needs, as one has done for you. We know the basic function of the pacemaker part is to keep hearts beating at a steady pace and the ICD part delivers a shock should the heart stop or beat in erratic patterns (no shocks so far for me).

I've had a Medtronic ICD (named Buddy) with 2 leads for almost 4 years; I do not know the specific type. You will probably get a monitor to place near your bed (mine is on a shelf) that will send reports when requested by your care people. Usually during the night. Mine flashes like lightning during a thunderstorm when transmitting.

Medtronic is a reputable company that provides services for many health conditions. My former next-door neighbor and one of her daughters had a Medtronic device to monitor their Type I diabetes.

Many people following this discussion have Medtronics - ICDs or just plain pacemakers. In these discussions people have mentioned at least 3 other reputable ICD/pacemaker companies.

Has a date been set for installation?

@walkinggirl
I have heard good things about Medtronic. At Mayo Jacksonville when you go into the Pace Clinic they have all the manufactures of ICD, Pacemaker and ICD/Pacemakers dual device.

I had a Boston Scientific put in way back in 2006. I am on my 3rd one and will have another this year or early next year as battery is at 1.5 years. I also have a device next to my bed that automatically does a remote check every 3 months AND is programmed to also send any episodes.

I have not nicknamed mine other that my own EMS team in my chest waiting to help me.

Do ICD users recommend a particular shoulder pad to be worn on the car seatbelt over the ICD? Also a particular sling to wear at night to prevent someone who has just gotten an implant from putting their left arm over their head? I am a 75 YO man.

@bri793
This subject came up Mayo Community Connect (MCC) several months ago. Many posters posted things they did and products they purchased.

What I did was to lower the seat belt to under my arm pit. This moved the seat belt to below the ICD/Pacemaker I have. It works for me, but emphasize "Me,"

One poster mentioned the seat belts were designed to be worn not to be under the arm pit. That is very true. But at least for me, and only me, it moved the seat belt below my device.

I did try the pads but still caused discomfort and rubbing on the site. Most notably during the time period after surgery and area very sore and sensitive. My electrophysiologist told me to avoid any pressure on the site. What I notice is when you move with seat belt on it can really add some pressure of the belt over the surgery site and location of your device.

I just bought Seat Belt Pillow-kind of helpful-definitely reduce a pressure:
https://www.amazon.com/BELINOUS-Pillows-Mastectomy-Seatbelt-Patients/dp/B0BLTRNB78/ref=sr_1_1_sspa

Thank you for your insights! I'm learning a lot, this website is very useful.

@bri793 I never needed a shoulder pad for my seatbelt, it naturally lays between the device and my neck. Also, it was late November and outer clothing provided good padding.

I hope someone can tell us about your left arm over the head issue. I slept in a recliner for the first while; I now sleep on my left side with no problems. I used a sling when I went out for my daily walks to prevent unnecessary movement during the healing time.

@walkinggirl @bri793
I think important to point out that where a ICD, Pacemaker, or dual device, is placed can really affect the impact of the seat belts.

My device was not put under my skin but under my chest muscle. Thus it is lower that I see (and others show me theirs) with others. Event then (under the skin) I see variations of where the devices were placed. So many might not have issue with seat belts and others will.

I do know my Electrophysiologist (EP) stated "do not allow any pressure on the site." So I what I found, and what I shared, was what I did (not for others to do) was I placed the seat belt under my arm pit. This put the belt below my device. Again this moves the seat belt from intended location and have been advised by posters could affect the reaction and help of seat belt in a crash. And completely agree.

Others have posted the devices to pad the area worked. Others posted still had irritation. So it goes back to to we are all different and what one will experience another will not.

@jc76
Would add if anyone comes across a product that works well to cushion remove the pressure of seat belt on device to post it so we can review it.
Thanks

@walkinggirl
I had my device put below my chest muscle so my experience may not apply to those who had their under their skin.

I was told to not raise my left arm above my head for many weeks. This per my EP was to keep the wires from being pulled allowing them time to seed. It also for me meant using the chest muscle on left side. They did not want movement of the wires and device while body was trying encapsulate them. For me though not sure it echoed @bri793 reason for restriction on left arm.

Over the years I had many issues the wires. Some tips moving, noise, etc. When I lift my left arm above my head my device tries to move. It is discomfort I feel and have learned not to raise it upward but outward when doing my water aerobics.

My EP when he saw me in the office for a follow up I was wearing a sling. He immediately told nurse I told you no sling. He went on to explain to me that many of his patients developed shoulder freeze and dealing with getting that fixed was why he does not recommend sling. He wants you to move your arm after surgery but only small movements.

I find that I am in a very small minority of getting my device under my chest muscle. It really helps with not having it protrude but I feel movement and discomfort if I move my left arm directly above head.