Living with an ICD: Surviving a Cardiac Arrest, Recovery, How It Feels, Most Often Asked Questions
Channel: Jellis Vaes
Date: 2021-07-28

It has been 4 months since I survived a sudden cardiac arrest, 4 months during which I am living with this ICD in me. I hope that with this video, I can add another resource on the internet that will help anyone who is going through the same thing. 

Whoever you are, whether you have survived a sudden cardiac arrest or are getting an ICD, or both, you are not alone. I know your pain and I am here for you. If I can provide any more support, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment section below.

Ohh, and know that you are now a Heart Warrior: Keep fighting and wear this badge with pride.

Resources:

Here are the support groups I mentioned in the video that I recommend you join:

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/icdsupport/ (Living with an ICD – Support Group)

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/106377599503841/ (Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors)

If you have any questions about living with an ICD, I highly recommend the following website: http://asktheicd.com/

If you are interested to watch the vlog I made after I got out of the hospital, when I shared the lessons I learned from having survived a sudden cardiac arrest, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/rhb4obQVI3M
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❤️The Heart Warrior Project❤️

Since my cardiac arrest, I have started The Heart Warrior Project, a platform that provides emotional support for fellow survivors. On the website, you can find practical articles aimed at helping you live a better life after surviving a cardiac arrest. Additionally, on the podcast, I speak with fellow survivors about their journeys, offering tips and advice. Occasionally, I also invite cardiac health experts such as cardiologists, psychologists, and other professionals.

https://www.youtube.com/@UCyRAppROcAasLaHwWjI1aVA 
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Down below, you can find the outline of this video with the timestamps.

Intro 00:00 - 03:36

Often Asked Questions 03:36 - 03:39
• Why did it happen? 03:39 - 05:04
• Did I see anything when I was dead? 05:04 - 05:22
• How did it feel to have a cardiac arrest? 05:22 - 06:18
• Does the ICD hurt? 06:18 - 07:34

1. How It Feels the First Few Weeks after a Cardiac Arrest 07:34 - 07:42

• You Will Feel Very Tired 07:42 - 09:10
• You Will Forget Things 09:10 - 10:54

2. Living with an ICD 10:54 - 10:58

• You Will Notice It 10:58 - 12:12
• Sleeping 12:12 - 13:22
• Home Monitoring System 13:22 - 14:29
• You May Feel the Electricity Running Through the Wires 14:29 - 15:54
• Wearing a Backpack Sucks, a Little Bit 15:54 - 16:55
• The Scar is Small 16:55 - 17:55
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Card 17:55 - 18:35
• Medication 18:35 - 20:30

3. Sporting for the First Time 20:30 - 24:31
https://www.vitalbeat.com/

4. Advice I Can Give to Someone Who Survived a Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Has to Live with an ICD 24:31 - 24:35

• Limit What You Search on the Internet  24:35 - 25:44
• You Might Feel Depressed 25:44 - 27:35
• Keep Doing Things 27:35 - 28:55
• Keep Moving Physically 28:55 - 29:26
• Eat Healthy 29:26 - 30:11
• Rest 30:11 - 31:14
• Inject Humor into Your Life  31:14 - 32:00
• Join a Support Group (Facebook, Reddit, etc.) 32:00 - 33:15
• Talk with Your Friends and Family 33:15 - 35:30
• It Will Take Time 35:30 - 37:01

5. How Has Life Been in General? 37:01 - 38:31

Here are some additional questions I had that I forgot to mention in the video:

Can You Drink Alcohol?

Yes, you can. Although the medication does influence how fast you get drunk. Personally, I never was much of a drinker anyway. But because of this, I basically completely stopped drinking. If I can help my heart in any way, I will gladly do so. However, in general, moderate drinking is fine.

Can You Drive?

Yes, you can. However, here in Belgium, I was not allowed to drive for the first 3 months. They apparently just recently changed the law because before, it was 6 months… Thank God they changed that.

Can You Go to a Sauna?

Absolutely. Heat and humidity do not interfere with your device.
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🎉CONNECT WITH ME😀

WEBSITE: http://Jellisvaes.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Jellis.Vaes
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/JellisVaes
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#HeartWarrior