Subcutaneous ICD procedure - What is the recovery process like?

Hi there @thnsspls, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
I personally only came close to having an ICD, but after review the doctors said I did not need one.
Whew! Because I was recovering from open heart surgery a few days earlier and the thought of having another procedure what more than I could handle right then.
So, basically, I am of no use to you!
But! I can share that there are many posts here on Connect that have talked about all the things involved with an ICD. In fact, fellow mentor @walkinggirl has one, and even gave him a name!
Here is a link to one of her many helpful posts:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1606252/
If you type ICD in the search area at the top of this page, you will have the ability to read all the posts made by folks just like you; either waiting for one, or those who already have one.
How long have you known about having HCM and symptoms that have brought you to needing an ICD?

@thnsspls I join Debra in welcoming you to Connect. Yes, Buddy and I have been an item since late November 2022, my personal EMT is with me 24/7. Debra has directed you to a good source to read about what others have shared. I had a septal myectomy for HCM in July 2022 and developed electrical problems with my lucky heart - dizziness, giddiness and syncope - Buddy has eliminated all of that. I never had a shock. Yes, it does take a bit of time to adjust and we are all different, I hope you quickly get to the point where you hardly think about it! Scar tissue develops to keep the device in place. You will be told to keep your left arm below shoulder level, lift no more than 5 pounds, keep the incision dry (cover when showering), sleep on your back (I liked a recliner) and ... perhaps a few other things for your unique situation. I had no pain at all, ask your electrophysiologist what you should do if you do have discomfort. The day after I was walking - slower than usual - outdoors with my arm in a sling to prevent unnecessary movement. I did drive short distances the same week - please do ask about that. I went to the gym and did some of my exercises that had no need to use the temporarily taboo areas. At the grocery store I had help loading the groceries into my car and my husband carried them to the kitchen. You will be amazed at how creative you will become in figuring out safe and acceptable ways to do some normal things. You may wish to read Mayo's information about your device https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillators/about/pac-20384692 I think yours will be S-ICD on your side; I have one between my heart and collarbone. I have a device kept on the shelf in the bedroom which sends amazing reports to my cardiologist. If you need to pass through a screening device such as at TSA in airports, tell them and they will screen you in an alternate manner. It's funny, though, when going into a theater or museum, I am told by security just to bypass the screening. Have you been diagnosed with HCM? What symptoms have you experienced? How does your doctor think an ICD will benefit you?

I received m Biventricular ICD in October last year. Recovery was good. Little pain around the implant area which is to be expected. Mine is in my upper chest. My recovery consisted of an arm brace for a few days followed by a few weeks of not lifting or over reaching. Follow your discharge instructions so it does not compromise the good work done.