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ICD: Your Immediate Recovery Following the Implant of
ICD: Your Immediate Recovery Following the Implant ofYour ICDTwo years ago, Donald Williams had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator – or ICD – implantedto control abnormal heart rhythm. He recalls having a relatively easy recovery, he didn’t even feeldiscomfort, but many people do. If you experience discomfort right after your implant procedure, letthe healthcare team know as soon as you notice it.You should be able get up and walk around not long after the procedure, and go home within acouple of days. Your healthcare team will check the ICD one more time before you leave.“And the reason we do that is to make sure the leads are in the right place, and that thedevice is functioning normally.” - Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistYour healthcare team will give you discharge instructions, which may include guidelines regardingincision care, medications, physical activity, and a schedule to follow for regular check-ups.You won’t be able to drive right away, so you’ll need someone to take you home. Your healthcareteam will let you know when it’s ok to drive again. Be sure to follow your healthcare team’sinstructions for taking care of the incision site.“When caring for your incision, it is important to keep it dry and clean. It is important not toapply any lotion, powder, or cream until the incision heals.”- Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistOther precautions:Make sure you let your healthcare team know about any soreness, swelling, or redness near yourincision site.Also, for the first month, avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 lbs (pounds). And don’t lift your armover your head on the side where the ICD is located. You should also avoid climbing ladders,using heavy machinery or doing anything else that would put you at risk if you were to becomedizzy or lose consciousness.Though Donald Williams was eager to get back to all his normal activities after his ICD wasimplanted, he listened to doctors’ orders and held off.“I did what I was told, and nothing happened. Everything seems fine, but you do have tofollow instructions.” Donald, PatientPage 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002195 EN ICDYourImmediateRecoveryFollowingTheImplantOfYourICD.pdf© The Wellness NetworkICD: Your Immediate Recovery Following the Implant ofYour ICDYou will be able to return to most activities as soon as you feel up to it, or as your health careprovider directs. Donald says it wasn’t long before he could get back to life as normal.After the procedure, I got back on my bicycle, the real bike. I got back on my stationary bicycle.I went back into the gym and did my workouts, working slowly towards the effort that I had beenputting out prior to this, and everything turned out fine. Not a problem.Page 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002195 EN ICDYourImmediateRecoveryFollowingTheImplantOfYourICD.pdf© The Wellness Network
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