Pacemaker & ICDs: Introduce Yourself & Meet Others

@mfenn Thank you. Very much appreciated.
There’s light at the end of the tunnel. 🙏

@mfenn and @tigerjim1 To answer that question on arm over head that for me was only for the first 6 weeks I seem to remember. I had mine for 10 years and like @jc76 said our bodies get used to it after the body encapsulates it. I was at the time an electronic tech and climbed towers up to 120 ft. Plus hiked and played golf. So you'll see as your heart gets stronger you won't hardly notice it after a while. But like JC said also a few times while alone it had to treat my heart and my onboard EMS system took care of it. I actually felt better about being up on mountain tops alone. Hope that helps.

Hello my husband recently had an ICD implant placed on the (L) side of upper chest near the collar bone. When he was considered a candidate for an ICD we had never heard of an ICD nor anyone living with one. We would like to hear about your experiences and challenges of living with an ICD

Glad I found this site. I'm going to have a pacemaker put in the end of March. It's scary to me because they are touching my heart.
Sue

@durytegirl Welcome to both you and your husband! My ICD, Buddy, and I have been an item for just over 3 years. It paces to avoid arrhythmia, I never had a shock. I miss sleeping on my stomach. I tell TSA and at other security sites, some scanners are ICD friendly and others are not. Once the healing was over, life is very normal. What kind is his? Mine is a Metronic, I have a monitor on a bedroom shelf, sends reports. How are you both doing with it so far? Any discomfort? I had none, others do and have noted Tylenol and ice help.

@suegaleregis I see you have posted elsewhere, but welcome to the blog of the bionic bighearts. It was scary to each of us! Yet, I was so happy to get Buddy (my ICD needed a name), because of arrhythmia with dizziness, giddiness and syncope. Do read on the Mayo Clinic website about these devices. What style is recommended for you? There is a period of recovery and adjustment, we are all willing to encourage you each step of the way.

@walkinggirl thank you for reaching out to us. My hubby has a Lattitude Communicator. The monitor is next to the bed. He was a little sore post surgery. No need for Tylenol anymore. He was little self conscious about people being able to detect it through his shirts. Though It’s barely there. As long as we have uneventful days with it then I’m A ok. Once we saw a flash of green/yellow but he didn’t feel anything. Has this been your experience? He does miss sleeping on his stomach as well.

@durytegirl Oh, I am so glad your hubby (and you) are coming through this so nicely! I believe a Lattitude Communicator is a Boston Scientific Product which leads me to think that is the brand of ICD. My Buddy is a Metronic and I, too, have a box on a shelf about 6 feet from where I sleep. You can always call the company or doctor to find out what that flash of green/yellow was. Mine lights up like an electrical storm during which I don't feel anything. I have an appointment every 6 months for a check and I am informed about the battery life which, in my case is 3 years past and 7 years to go before a replacement. If you decide to go to the beach, hubby can wear a t-shirt over it. Unless he likes a very tailored close-fitting style, no one will notice. Airports - some have ICD friendly TSA machines, if not, I get a pat down. Museums and other venues - I am told to just walk around the machine (I look law-abiding)? What are some adjustments you have made?

Hello,
I’ve had a pacemaker since September, 2025. Does the discomfort ever go away? I think it’s called the splinter effect. I’m hoping I heal fully after a year has passed.

@mauricepower it will take at least a year. 🙁