|
Living with an ICD
After recovering from the implantation, you should be able to return to normal activities, including exercise, work, and sexual activities as recommended by your doctor. For four weeks after implantation, avoid raising your arm on the side of the ICD above the shoulder. You should also avoid vigorous activity and heavy lifting. You shouldn't drive until your doctor says you can, which may be several months after implantation. There may be some restrictions on driving a car or other vehicle; a stress test may be necessary to ensure your safety and prevent unintended shocks. In addition, you will need to keep a written diary of any electrical therapy that occurs--timing, activity, any symptoms experienced before the therapy--and how your body responded.
General precautions include:
-
Avoid contact sports.
-
Avoid medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), lithotripsy (a procedure to remove kidney stones), cautery (using heat or electricity to burn tissue).
-
Tell your healthcare provider you have an ICD before receiving radiation therapy or diathermy (therapy that uses electricity to generate heat).
-
Do not allow airport security personnel to use handheld metal detectors on your body; ask to be searched by hand.
-
Avoid magnet fields and keep strong magnets away from the ICD.
-
Stay at least eight feet away from arc welders.
Emotional support and encouragement from family members and friends are a very important part of helping patients live with their heart condition and ICDs. Other ways family members can participate in the medical care are:
-
Complete a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) lifesaving course.
-
Help maintain a diary and an ID bracelet or necklace with up-to-date medical information.
-
Memorize the manufacturer's name of the ICD.
-
Show medical personnel the ICD card when receiving care.
|
