ICD Patient Handbook
© 1999 GUIDANT CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN USA. 354389-008 A 4/99
Understanding Your Condition
Why and AICD System Will Benefit your Condition
Your AICD System
Implanting Your AICD System
Going Home - What To Expect
Important Facts About Your AICD System
Living With Your AICD System
Your Friend’s and Family’s Response
to the AICD System
Understanding Your Condition
The heart is a hard-working muscle about the size of a clenched
fist. It pumps a constant supply of blood throughout your body.
Blood carries oxygen and nourishment, the fuel your cells need for
daily living.
The heart is made up of four chambers -- two atria and two ventricles
-- separated by a wall and valves. With each heartbeat, the blood
in the upper chambers flows through the valves to the lower chambers.
Your heart has a natural pacemaker, called the sinoatrial (SA)
node, that produces electrical signals. It is located in the right
atrium, the upper right chamber of your heart. The SA node’s
signals travel through a pathway in the heart muscle causing it
to tighten, or contract. The heart’s regular rhythmic contractions
can be felt as your pulse.
Sometimes things go wrong in the heart’s electrical system.
The heartbeat becomes irregular or changes its rate. This is called
an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias may prevent the heart from pumping enough
blood throughout your body.
Top
Ventricular Tachycardia
Your heart’s electrical signals may come from the lower chamber
of your heart (the ventricle) instead of the correct location, the
SA node. This type of arrhythmia is called ventricular tachycardia
(VT). VT can make the heart beat very fast. As a result, you might
feel as though your heart is skipping beats or fluttering.
As the heart beats faster, it pumps less blood. There is not enough
time for the heart to fill with blood between beats. If this fast
heartbeat continues, the brain and body may not receive enough blood
and oxygen. You may experience fainting spells, blackouts, temporary
blind spots or dizziness. Eventually, you may become unconscious
and your heart might stop (cardiac arrest).
VT can sometimes be stopped or treated with medicines. In other
cases, electronic devices like the AICD system can be used. The
devices deliver electrical impulses that help the heart slow down
to a more normal rhythm. This allows the SA node to take control
again.
Top
Ventricular Fibrillation
Another type of arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation (VF). VF
can have many different locations in the ventricles, each one trying
to signal the heart to beat. In this case, the heart beats much
faster than normal, sometimes over 300 beats a minute. Very little
blood is pumped from the heart to the rest of the body. If your
heart is in VF, you can become unconscious very quickly. You might
not remember anything that happened just before or during the episode.
VF can be treated with devices like the external defibrillators
carried by paramedics or by an implanted AICD system. The defibrillator
produces an electrical shock that passes through the heart. The
shock stops the abnormal signals. This allows the SA node to return
the heart to a more normal rhythm.
If irregular, fast heart rhythms continue for a long time, the
body may not get enough oxygen-carrying blood. Without oxygen, the
brain and body tissues cannot function normally and might even cause
the tissue to die. Top
Bradycardia
Sometimes the heart beats too slowly. This can be caused by the
SA node not working well or by a condition called heart block. Heart
block exists when the natural electrical signals cannot get between
the upper and lower chambers of the heart. The electrical signals
sent out by the SA node might be delayed or might fail to reach
the ventricles altogether.
During bradycardia, the chambers of the heart do not contract as
often as with a normal rhythm. This means that there is not enough
blood to meet the needs of the body. A person with bradycardia can
often feel tired or could faint. Top
Why an AICD System Will Benefit your
Condition
Many people, like you, have arrhythmias that are dangerous. These
rhythms can happen at any time. You might already have had an episode
of VT or VF. This can happen even if you are taking medication to
treat an abnormal heart rhythm. Your doctor has studied your test
results. He or she has decided that you might experience abnormal
heart rhythms again and, perhaps, cardiac arrest.
Your doctor has considered one or more of the following reasons
to recommend that you receive an AICD system:
- At least one experience of VT or VF
- Previous cardiac arrest or abnormal heart rhythm that caused
you to pass out
- A fast heart rhythm that keeps returning and could cause death
- A fast heart rhythm that cannot be controlled with drugs
- Severe side effects from drug therapy
- A fast heart rhythm that cannot be cured by surgery
Top
Your AICD System
The AICD system includes a pulse generator and one or more insulated
wires (leads). This system is implanted in your body. A programmer/recorder/monitor
(PRM) device is used to talk to the pulse generator in your body.
The pulse generator is like a small computer that runs on a battery.
It checks your heart’s electrical signals and delivers electrical
energy when it senses an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). The
pulse generator is about the same size and weight as a small bar
of soap.
Your doctor determines the types of treatments needed to correct
your heart rhythm. Electrical therapies (treatments) can be programmed
into the pulse generator. When the AICD system sees an arrhythmia,
these therapies can be delivered to your heart.
The memory in the pulse generator stores information on what your
heart is doing before, during and after an arrhythmia. It keeps
track of what treatment was delivered. It also notes if the programmed
treatment worked. Some AICD systems store a picture of your arrhythmia
called an electrogram (EGM). This picture helps your doctor to decide
what type of heart rhythm you have. Your doctor can also use this
information to change the AICD system settings if your heart condition
changes. Top
The Lead System
The leads are insulated wires that carry the heart signal to the
pulse generator. They also carry energy from the pulse generator
to the heart. One end of each lead connects to the AICD pulse generator.
The other end is placed in the heart or under the skin near the
heart.
Some leads sense arrhythmias and deliver electrical energy to correct
the heart rhythm. Other leads just sense heart signals. Some leads
just deliver energy to the heart. You may have more than one lead
with your AICD system. Top
The Programmer/Recorder/Monitor
The programmer/recorder/monitor (PRM) device communicates with
the AICD system via radio waves through a hand-held wand. It works
much like using a garage door opener to open your garage or clicking
on a remote control for changing channels on a television set. The
doctor uses the PRM to program and test the AICD system after it
is implanted. When you come in for a check-up, the PRM is used to
read the information stored in the pulse generator’s memory
since your last visit. Top
How your AICD System Works
Your heart can beat faster, slower or different from your normal
rhythm. The AICD system checks to see if the rhythm should be treated.
Electrical therapy will be delivered based on the settings programmed
by your doctor. It may take from a few seconds to a few minutes
to deliver therapy. The amount of time depends on the type of rhythm
sensed and the programmed settings. Your doctor will let you know
what therapy will be delivered by your AICD system. Top
How Therapy is Delivered
| Antitachycardia Pacing |
If your arrhythmia is regular but fast, the AICD
system can deliver a series of small, rapid electrical pacing
pulses. These are used to interrupt the arrhythmia and return
your heart to its normal rhythm. |
| Cardioversion |
If your arrhythmia is regular but very fast, the
AICD system can deliver a low-energy shock. This can stop the
arrhythmia and return your heart to its normal rhythm. |
| Defibrillation |
For arrhythmias that are very fast and irregular,
high-energy shocks can be used to stop the arrhythmia. Then
your heart can return to its normal rhythm. |
Bradycardia
Pacing |
Most AICD systems can pace one chamber of your
heart at a normal rate. Some AICD systems will sense and pace
two chambers in your heart. This is called dual-chamber (DDD)
pacing. DDD pacing may be selected for many different reasons.
For example, in some patients, the natural electrical signals
are too slow. In addition, the electrical pathway to the lower
heart can be partly or completely blocked. DDD pacing can restore
the heart’s normal rhythm. In some other patients, the
atrial contraction does not match up to the ventricular contraction.
In this case, DDD pacing is used to make the timing of the contractions
match |
Top
The AICD Therapy Delivery Process
The AICD system watches your heart all the time. It waits for an
arrhythmia to happen. If one is sensed, the AICD determines what
type of treatment, if any, you need. Then it delivers the treatment.
Antitachycardia pacing, cardioversion and defibrillation are different
electrical therapies used to treat heart rhythms. They may be used
alone to treat an arrhythmia. They may also be used together with
increasing energy for each next treatment. Treatment varies from
patient to patient. Your doctor will select the best types of treatment
for your arrhythmias. Top
What AICD Therapy Feels Like
People with abnormal heart rhythms may experience unusual sensations
during their arrhythmias. Not everyone feels their arrhythmias.
Your AICD system will deliver treatment based on what it senses
even if you don’t feel any symptoms. You may, however, feel
sensations during therapy delivery. These feelings have been described
in a variety of ways.
| Antitachycardia Pacing |
You may not feel pacing therapy when it is delivered to your
heart. You may have a feeling of fluttering in your chest. Most
patients who receive ATP therapy say it is painless. |
| Cardioversion |
These low-energy shocks are stronger than pacing pulses. Many
patients say cardioversion is mildly uncomfortable. It feels
like a thump on the chest. |
| Defibrillation |
Many patients faint or become unconscious shortly after a very
fast VT or VF rhythm starts. As a result, they do not feel these
high-energy shocks. Of those patients who are conscious, some
describe the shock like a "kick in the chest." Usually,
the shock comes suddenly. The sensation lasts for only a second.
While many find the shock reassuring, other patients may be
upset for a short time after shock therapy is delivered. |
| Bradycardia |
Pacing These pacing pulses are very low energy and typically
are not felt by patients. |
Top
Implanting your AICD System
The AICD system may be implanted in either your chest or your abdomen.
Your doctor will determine the best way to implant your AICD pulse
generator and leads. Your age and the size of your heart will be
considered. Your doctor will also consider whether you have ever
had chest surgery. Your activities and lifestyle may suggest where
your AICD system is implanted. Overall, the method selected will
offer the greatest safety for you. The procedure requires about
one hour of surgery in most cases.
For most patients, the leads are placed inside the heart. The doctor
opens a vein, usually through a small cut near your collarbone.
The doctor can then pass the lead through the vein and position
it inside your heart. The tip of the lead rests against the inner
heart wall.
Some patients may require an additional lead for treating fast
rhythms. This lead can be placed just under the skin next to your
rib cage through a small cut on your left side. Sometimes an additional
lead is placed on the outside of the heart.
Some pulse generator systems include dual-chamber (DDD) pacing
therapy as well as AICD therapy. DDD pacing allows both chambers
in your heart to be sensed and paced. Your doctor may determine
that your heart condition requires two-chamber pacing treatment
as well as electrical shock therapy. If so, an additional sensing
lead is positioned in the upper right chamber (atrium) of your heart.
Another sensing lead may be needed in the lower right chamber (ventricle).
After the leads are in position, they are tested to make sure they
sense your heart signals clearly. The leads will then be stitched
to the heart muscles nearby so that they won’t move. The leads
are then connected to the pulse generator. The pulse generator may
be implanted below the collarbone just beneath the skin. Sometimes
the pulse generator is implanted in the abdomen. The leads are tied
and brought down under the skin to where the pulse generator is
located.
During the operation, the AICD system will be tested to make sure
it is working properly. During this test, your doctor will start
an arrhythmia in your heart. The AICD system will sense the rhythm
and give the programmed treatment.
After the operation, you may be in the hospital for the first day
or two. This allows the doctors and nurses to watch and record your
heart rhythm with an electrocardiograph machine (ECG/EKG). When
you are stronger, you will be allowed to return home.
Before you leave the hospital, your doctor may test the AICD system
again. You may be given some medications before the test. If you
are awake, you might be able to feel when an arrhythmia starts and
what treatment feels like. Another test that may be performed is
an exercise treadmill test. This test helps your doctor watch your
heart rhythm and know how your AICD system is working.
Note: Medical personnel should be told that you have an implanted
AICD system. If your doctor has selected a dual-chamber system for
you, you should tell any medical person who wants to treat you that
you have a dual-chamber implantable defibrillator. Top
Going Home - What to Expect
New AICD patients may find it hard to imagine what life will be
like with the AICD system. You will find that the AICD system will
allow you to return to an active lifestyle. As you recover from
surgery and are at home, follow these guidelines. Top
After Surgery
Your recovery from surgery might be slow. It can take from several
days or weeks to a few months. It is important that you become actively
involved in your own recovery. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
The suggestions below can help you recover more comfortably and
avoid damage to your AICD system.
- Report any redness, swelling or fluids coming from your incisions.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects until your doctor says you may.
- Walk, exercise and bathe according to your doctor’s instructions.
- Don’t wear tight clothing that could irritate the skin
over the pulse generator.
- If directed by your doctor, limit arm movements that could affect
the lead system.
- Avoid contact sports that could result in blows to your implant
site.
- Tell your other doctors, dentists and emergency personnel that
you have an AICD system.
Top
Activities and Exercise
Your doctor will help you decide how soon you can resume your normal
activities. Such activities may include:
- Returning to your job
- Traveling
- Resuming sexual intimacy
- Pursuing hobbies
It is important the you do not harm yourself or your AICD system.
Depending on your condition, your doctor might ask you to avoid
certain activities. A few seconds of unconsciousness during activities,
such as driving, swimming or boating alone, or climbing a ladder,
could be dangerous to you or others.
Driving. Driving laws and the symptoms caused by your arrhythmia
determine whether or not you will be allowed to drive. Your doctor
will advise you on what is best for your safety and the safety of
others.
Sexual Intimacy. For most patients, sexual intimacy is not
a medical risk. The natural heart rate increase that occurs during
sex is the same as the heart rate increase when you exercise. Exercise
testing at the hospital will help your doctor program the AICD system
settings so you should not get shock therapy during sex. If you
receive shock therapy during sex, your partner may feel a tingle
or buzz. This happens because energy from the AICD system passes
through your skin. The shock should not be harmful to your partner.
Be sure to let your doctor know if you receive shock therapy so
he or she can consider reprogramming the AICD system.
AICD Patient Identification Card
Whether you are getting away for a weekend or running a quick errand,
take along your AICD identification cards. They can alert medical
and security personnel that you have an implanted AICD system. You
will receive a temporary patient ID card when you first go home.
A permanent ID card will be sent in the mail.
Your AICD patient ID card contains your name, address, phone number,
and your doctor’s name and phone number. It also lists the
model numbers of your leads and pulse generator. It contains important
instructions for emergency personnel, should you need treatment.
If you move or if you select a new doctor, tell your doctor that
you need a new AICD patient ID card.
Planning a Trip
Be sure to check with your doctor before planning a trip away from
home. It is important to take along information about your AICD
system. Then, in case you should need to see a doctor while you
are away, the necessary information about your AICD system will
be at your fingertips.
In addition:
- Contact your doctor for instructions on who to call in an emergency.
- If you are going away for several months, ask your doctor for
the name of a doctor you can see for a follow-up visit.
- Take your AICD Patient Handbook along for reference.
- Ask your doctor what you should do if you receive therapy.
Another important type of AICD identification is the AICD security
card. It explains that the metal in your AICD system can trigger
alarms at airport security checkpoints. It also explains that placing
strong magnets over your pulse generator could affect the function
of the AICD system or turn it off. This card is available from your
doctor. Top
Important Facts About Your AICD
System
The AICD system is protected from the effects of most electrical
appliances. You can continue to safely operate most appliances and
tools that are properly grounded and in good repair. Some examples
include the following:
- Microwave ovens
- Televisions, AM/FM radios, VCRs
- Tabletop appliances such as toasters, blenders, electric knives
and can openers
- Handheld items such as shavers and hair dryers
- Electric blankets and heating pads
- Major appliances including washers, dryers and electric stoves
- Spark-ignited internal combustion engines such as lawn mowers,
leaf-blowers and automobiles (if your doctor has not restricted
your driving)
You can also safely operate the following office and light industrial
equipment that is properly grounded and in good repair:
- Electric typewriters and copying machines
- Personal computers
- Machine shop tools such as drills and table saws (for information
on battery-powered tools, see the following)
Things to Avoid
Most of the things you handle or work around on a daily basis are
not going to affect the AICD system. However, your AICD system is
sensitive to strong electrical or magnetic fields. Keep the following
potential sources of strong electrical or magnetic fields at least
12 inches (30 cm) away from your AICD pulse generator:
- Stereo speakers that are in large stereo systems, transistor
radios, "boom boxes," etc.
- Strong magnets
- Magnetic wands used by airport security, and magnetic wands
used in "Bingo" or other games, etc.
- Industrial equipment such as power generators and arc welders
- Battery-powered cordless power tools such as screwdrivers, drills,
etc.
You should also avoid leaning over any electrical engine that is
running. Alternators of automobiles frequently contain magnets.
Check with your physician about using radio frequency, remote-controlled
transmitters used for toy cars and airplanes. These devices may
affect some AICD pulse generators.
Your AICD system may make sounds if you are too close to a magnet.
The device may beep (about once per second) or make a continuous
tone. Move away from the object or location immediately and call
your doctor.
Cellular Phones
In certain cases, a cellular phone could affect how your AICD system
senses arrhythmias. Some phones that are closer than 6 inches (15
cm) to the pulse generator may affect its operation. This effect
is temporary. Moving the phone away from the pulse generator location
will return the AICD system to proper function. To reduce the chance
of any affect:
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 inches (15 cm) between the
cellular phone and your AICD pulse generator. If the phone transmits
more than 3 watts, increase the distance to 12 inches (30 cm).
- Hold the cellular phone on the opposite side of your body from
your AICD pulse generator.
- Don’t carry a cellular phone in a breast pocket or on a
belt if that places the phone within 6 inches (15 cm) of your
AICD pulse generator.
These precautions apply only to cellular phones, not to household
cordless phones, because household phones transmit the signal with
less energy.
If you have questions about any situation or piece of equipment,
contact your doctor.
Airport Security
Your AICD system has metal inside that may set off airport security
alarms. The security archway will not harm the implanted device.
However, the hand-held wand used by airport security personnel could
turn off your AICD system if held over it for a period of time.
This is important for security personnel to understand. You should
show your AICD identification card and your AICD security card to
the security personnel.
A search with a wand should be avoided. Ask to be hand searched
in place of a hand-held wand. If the wand must be used, you should
stress to security personnel that the search must be done quickly.
Tell them not to hold the wand over your AICD system. If you have
any questions regarding airport security, contact your doctor.
Dental and medical procedures
A few medical devices and procedures might affect AICD system function
or turn it off.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that uses
a strong electromagnetic field. Hospitals keep MRI equipment in
rooms marked with signs that indicate that magnets are inside.
These magnets could turn off your AICD system. Do not go inside
these rooms.
- Diathermy uses an electrical field to apply heat to tissues
in the body. Your AICD system may be affected by the electrical
current of this device.
- Electrocautery is an electronic device used during surgical
procedures to stop bleeding. It should be used only when your
AICD system is turned off. The energy from the electrocautery
could be sensed by your AICD system.
Dental drills and dental cleaning equipment will not interfere
with your AICD system. If it is medically necessary to undergo any
surgical procedures, tell your dentist and/or doctor that you have
an AICD system. They should then contact your heart doctor to find
the best way to provide treatment.
The Workplace
Some AICD patients wonder if things in their place of work may
affect their device. Because workplaces vary, there is no rule that
applies to everyone. If strong magnets are present, such as in the
auto scrap or steel industry, it’s important to tell your doctor.
If you have any questions about your work environment, ask your
doctor. He or she can start procedures to evaluate whether your
job is likely to affect your AICD system. Top
Living With Your AICD System
Your AICD system will watch and treat your heart automatically.
To ensure that the AICD system continues to work, keep follow-up
appointments. You should do the following:
- Ask your doctor any questions you may have about your AICD system.
- Contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual with your
AICD system.
- Take the medications prescribed for you, as instructed by your
doctor.
- Carry your AICD identification with you at all times.
- Tell your family doctor, dentist and emergency personnel that
you have an AICD.
When to Call the Doctor
Your doctor will provide guidelines for when you should call the
office. In general, phone your heart doctor if you:
- Receive any therapy from your AICD system and have been instructed
to call
- Have symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm and have been instructed
to call
- Notice any swelling, redness or drainage from your incisions
- Develop a fever that does not go away in two or three days
- Have questions about your AICD system, heart rhythm or medications
- Plan to travel or move
- Hear any beeping sounds coming from the AICD system
- Notice anything unusual or unexpected, such as new symptoms
or symptoms like the ones you had before you received the AICD
system
What to do if you Receive a Shock
Before you experience symptoms or receive shock therapy, it’s
important to create a plan for contacting emergency personnel and
your heart doctor. Write down telephone numbers and information
about your current medications. Keep this information near your
phone.
If you have symptoms of a fast heart rate, it is likely that the
AICD system will deliver therapy within a few seconds. There usually
isn’t much time to react. What should you do?
- Remain calm and find a place to sit or lie down.
- If possible, have someone stay with you throughout the event
who is prepared to provide you CPR, if you should need it.
- Have a friend or family member be alerted to phone for an ambulance
if you remain unconscious for more than one minute.
- If you are conscious but do not feel well after shock therapy,
have someone call your doctor. Follow your doctor’s orders
carefully.
- If you feel fine after the therapy and no more symptoms appear,
it may not be necessary to seek medical help immediately. However,
follow your doctor’s instructions for when to call his or
her office. For example, if shock therapy occurs at night, your
doctor may tell you to call the next morning. Someone at the doctor’s
office will ask you questions such as.
- What were you doing right before shock therapy?
- What symptoms did you notice before shock therapy?
- At what time did shock therapy occur?
- How did you feel right after shock therapy?
If therapy is about to be delivered, or if you have just received
therapy, it’s important to remain as calm as possible. Even
if the therapy is painful, it lasts for only a second. If someone
is touching you, he or she may feel a tingle or buzz. This is a
result of energy passed through your skin to the other person during
the shock therapy. The shock therapy should not be harmful to your
partner.
Keep in mind that a shock treatment means your AICD system is doing
its job. It sees a dangerous rhythm and returns the heart to a normal
rhythm.
Symptoms without Shocks
It is possible that you could feel symptoms and not receive therapy.
This depends on the programmed settings of your AICD system. Sometimes
exercise may cause shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness.
At other times, an abnormal heart rhythm may cause symptoms, but
your AICD system is not programmed to treat it. In either case,
if symptoms are severe or continue for more than a minute or so,
you should seek immediate medical attention.
Follow-up Visits
Follow-up visits allow your doctor to check that your AICD system
is working properly. Your doctor can also check whether the drugs
you might be taking affect how well your AICD system works. Your
heart condition may change over time. Your doctor needs to be aware
of these changes. He or she can then change the programmed settings
in your AICD system.
Your doctor will schedule regular AICD system checkups every two
to three months. These regular checkups help determine that your
device is working properly. This is just like taking your car to
a mechanic or going to the dentist.
A typical follow-up visit lasts about 20 minutes. During that time,
you may be connected to an electrocardiograph machine (ECG/EKG).
A programming device will communicate with the AICD pulse generator
in your body. You will not feel these tests while they are occurring.
During these sessions, several tests may be done, including:
- Printing out information on how your AICD system performed since
your last visit.
- Adjusting the programmed settings of your AICD system, if necessary.
- Checking the battery to see how much energy remains. If the
battery energy is low, plans to replace the pulse generator should
be made.
Replacing the AICD System
Your pulse generator runs on a battery. The battery provides the
energy needed to monitor your heart rhythm, pace the heart or deliver
electrical therapy. Just like any other type of battery, the battery
in an AICD system wears down over time. Then the AICD pulse generator
needs to be replaced. How long your AICD pulse generator lasts depends
on what settings your doctor programs into the device. It also is
affected by how much therapy you receive.
What to Expect when your AICD Pulse Generator is Replaced
When your AICD pulse generator is replaced, your doctor will open
the pocket of skin where the pulse generator is located. He or she
will unplug the old pulse generator from the leads. The leads are
checked to make sure they are still working properly. Then they
are connected to the new AICD pulse generator. Finally, a test is
performed to make sure the new system is working properly.
After testing is over, the pocket of skin is stitched closed. The
entire operation takes about an hour. It is considered a minor operation,
and you should be able to return to normal activities soon. Top
Your Friends’ and Family’s
Responses to the AICD System
Your friends and family have likely been your major support during
hospitalization and recovery. Encourage them to learn about your
AICD system and how they can continue to support you at home. If
they have any questions or concerns, have them call your doctor.
The AICD system can be a source of security for you and your friends
and family. Thinking about it this way can help them become more
comfortable with your AICD system. This is especially true when
you are away from emergency care. Some friends and family members
may want to learn about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They
can contact the local Red Cross for more information.
Understanding the Emotions You May Feel
It’s natural for patients and their families to feel anxious
about the AICD system at first. Feelings such as denial, sadness
and anger are perfectly normal. You have experienced something very
stressful - a life-threatening event that changed your thoughts
and feelings about your health. Having the AICD system is positive
because it can treat your arrhythmias. However, some people feel
vulnerable because they depend on an implanted device. The good
news is those feelings generally don’t last more than a few
months.
Many patients try to keep busy with hobbies as soon as they feel
up to it. It helps them maintain a good attitude. Because they keep
their minds and hands busy, they don’t worry as much about
their health and their AICD system.
With time, you should feel able to resume most of your normal activities.
And with return to a routine, your level of confidence and comfort
with your AICD system will grow.
Sources of Support
As you and your family learn to live with your AICD system, keep
in mind that there are a number of people who can help. You have
already talked to your doctor and nurse. Talking with other AICD
patients is often helpful while adjusting to your AICD system. They
can provide valuable information on how they adjusted to the AICD
system. Ask your doctor or nurse if there is a local AICD support
group of patients. Top
© 1999 GUIDANT CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN USA. 354389-008 A 4/99
|
