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How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- Rest when you feel tired.
- Be active. Walking is a good choice.
- Avoid activities that strain your chest or upper arm muscles until your doctor says it's okay. This may be for a week or two. These activities include pushing a lawn mower, mopping floors, swimming, and swinging a golf club.
- Do not raise your arm (the one on the side of your body where the device is located) above your shoulder until your doctor says it's okay. This may be for one week.
- Allow your body to heal. Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until you are feeling better.
- Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.
Diet
- You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
Medicines
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
Incision care
- If you have strips of tape on the cut (incision) the doctor made, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.
- You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Pat the incision dry. Don't swim or take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
- You will have a dressing over the incision. A dressing helps the incision heal and protects it. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of this.
Other instructions
- Keep a medical ID card with you at all times that says you have a heart device. You'll get an updated one with information about your new device. The card should include the manufacturer and model information.
- Wear medical alert jewelry stating that you have the device. You can buy this at most drugstores.
- Be sure you know what to do if you hear an alarm or feel a vibration from your device. Your doctor can give you instructions.
- Check your pulse regularly if your doctor recommends it.
- Have your device checked as often as your doctor recommends. In some cases, this may be done online. Your doctor will give you instructions about how to do this.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have trouble breathing.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You receive a shock from your ICD.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You hear an alarm or feel a vibration from your heart device that means to call your doctor.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have any problems with your device.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
