23 and getting an ICD implant I’m scared

Your fear is common, but it can be managed. Learning all you can will help, including what an ICD is, what it looks like, how it's designed to work, where it goes, and how long it lasts. Are there common complications...besides infection or it fails to work for some reason (they're tested rigorously).

You could also read up on general anesthetics. In some cases they just use propofol and maybe a wee smidge of fentanyl for pain control (yes, fentanyl can and is used sometimes in hospitals during surgery).

I had two catheter ablations of my left atrium on my heart to rid me of atrial fibrillation. Both times, you're on your back in a surgery, people moving around and sometimes asking you questions, the anesthetist will have visited you upon intake into the surgical ward. He/she will ask you questions and assure you of their intentions, and invite any questions you may have. This happened for both my ablations procedures. When they're ready to put you under, they tell you they're going to place a mask over you nose and mouth and ask you to try to be relaxed and to breathe normally. Next thing you know, you awaken back in the surgery ward. That's it. Literally.

@jen40virg
You are 23 very young for an ICD. Can you post what the reason was given to you for the ICD.

My expereince with this. I am on my 3rd ICD/Pacemaker. I got my first one in 2006. You mentioned being put to sleep. From my experience and also from discussions with my EP implanting a ICD is an outpatient minor surgery procedure and you will get a type of anesthesia applicable for that type.

You mentioned being put to sleep. The implantation is not a deep surgery where they bring you down really deep. My EP and anesthesioloigist used propronal (spell?). It along with sedation you are not going to feel anything or remember anything once given it.

The risk of anesthesia for this type sugery is very small per my expereience of mine and what told. You asked about what to expect. You probably will be in an outpatient surgical room with a anesthesialogist present. You will get I.V.s which you will get solutions, sedation, etc. which will calm you down. The type of anesthesia they use is based on what your surgeon and anesthesiat things is best for you. Most of the time and all of mine it was not the deep anesthesia that you are concerned about. That deep anesthesia is for major surgery.

Your EP, cardiologist, surgeon should have already briefed you on what to expect. I will have to have another ICD/Pacemaker implanted (battery being depleted) in two years. I am not concerned with the surgery at all. It is the restrictions after surgery that I will be inconvience from swimming and doing water aerobics that concerns me more than the surgery.

Good luck, call or asked your EP, cardilogist, surgeon with your questions. I think they can put you as ease with this type of surgery which is considered minor.

I suspect that you might not have a lot of experience with anesthesia. You will have an opportunity to talk with your anesthesiologist before your procedure which should help alleviate your concerns. I have undergone anesthesia many times in my life and recall felling afraid when I was younger. Over time I've learned that the practice of anesthesia is highly refined and routine. From the anesthesiologist's perspective, they've done many procedures compared to your experience. So trust them and try not to let it mess with your head. I'm confident, for what it's worth, that you will do fine!
Ted