CRT-D

Hello all - This is my first posting, so I am a little nervous!  I’m having my CRT-D implanted on May 8th.  I was very nervous at first when my Cardiologist told me about this device that was going to be put into my HEART!  I’m not worried about the surgery.  I’ve had many, many other kinds of surgical procedures.  I have had CHF for 12 years and have been on good medication. My EF is 13%.  I don’t swell, can lay flat and breath, walk, etc;

The only real symptoms I have are shortness of breath from time to time.  But THE WORST IS THIS INCREDIBLE FATIGUE.  It’s starting to get worse.  I’m not getting things done because I am wiped out most of the time.  It’s beginning to really bring me down.  I am so worried this implant won’t really make me feel any different.  I’ve heard a lot of people here took quite awhile to feel different.  Can anyone share their story about how they felt after their implant?  Is it immediate, weeks, months?  I’m afraid I’ll go through all this for nothing to change.  Also, does the battery stick out far and move around?  

Thank you for reading my post.

6 Comments

CRT-D

by elle415 - 2012-04-26 02:04:48

Oh Debera! Thank you SO much for your words of encouragement. I don't know anyone who has had one of these and it's sometimes hard for people to truly understand the emotional toll it takes. I don't even understand it myself! I am so glad you felt well after your implant and are continuing to do so. Trust me, I know about down days. They are a drag, but they always pass. I'm just tired of being tired, and even if I'm not feeling 100% I know I'll feel something. I am relieved that I'll have a device that will set things right in case of trouble and fix it! Like a little back-up. Your words touched me and I cried a little (tears of relief and that someone really understands). Thank you Debera, so much. Continuing good health and happiness to you too :~)
----elle

CRT-D

by GrandmaD - 2012-04-26 11:04:46


First of all, lets put your mind at ease: the CRT-D does not go "in" your heart. The usual placement is just below your clavicle, and there are leads (wires) that are fed into your heart.It may or may not stick out depending on the exact placement. I have recently been changed from a pacemaker to a CRT-D and mine does stick out-but I am also on my 3rd unit with 2 being done within 6 months of each other. I have heard others state that their unit has moved, but in my case it has not.On my original PM placement I felt an immediate and substancial improvement. My CRT-D I noticed an improvement right away as well and other than declining heart function, have continued to do well. Each person reacts differantly and you can only wait for it to happen.
Emotions play a huge roll in recovery and I have my fair share of ups and downs. It has been my experience that a positive attide helps.I have a man at my side who keeps reminding me that without it I wouldn't be alive!
On a personal note I am glad to hear that you have had chf for so long and it doesn't sound as if you have had many probems. I am recently diagnosed with the same and I am a little scared. (today is a down day)
Godd luck and good health to you
Debera

Thank You...

by elle415 - 2012-04-28 03:04:40

HH- Thank you for taking the time to respond. What you said was about crying is so true! At first I was really just disgusted when my doctor told me I needed this. Then for 3 weeks after that, I was crying at the drop of a hat. Just a sobbing mess. Now I'm kind of eagerly waiting for implant, because I know it will be there to help my heart. I read in a several articles when people have things done to their hearts be it open heart surgery, pacemakers etc; they go through a special set of emotions. Thank you for the advice about the incision. I have a little notebook for my heart now, and when I get tidbits of advice I jot them down. I am so sorry you went through what you did and the discomfort you're feeling. But I'm glad you're here and that I met you. Feel better.
Toodles
Elle

CRT-D inplanted a few weeks aggo

by iris - 2013-06-05 09:06:26

This is my first time posting a comment. I had my crt-d inplanted a few weeks ago. It replaced my ICD. I have CHF, Cardiomyopathy, Atrial Fibrillation Permanent and my EF is 30%. I have a little more energy now but still get quite tired. My unit sticks out a lot and I too have problems with my bra strap going right over it and also the cars seat belt. Just small annoyences. But they are worth the peace of mind I now have with the implant. I can't wait until I have my next Echo done to see if my EF goes up. That would really make me happy. I have a lot of health issues going on and live with chronic pain. I always have pain. So now I'm trying to work on that issue and if things work out and I have no pain even if only for I day once in awhile. I'll be very happy. Well I guess I will close for now. I would love to hear from anyone else who has similar issues. Good luck to all of my new friends. IRIS

ME TOO!

by elle415 - 2013-06-06 07:06:56

I ALSO HAVE IRREVERSIBLE CHF AND I ALSO LIVE WITH CHRONIC PAIN FROM A TERRIBLE PARTIAL LUNG REMOVAL IT'S BEEN THERE 14 YEARS, BUT I FEEL LIKE I JUST HAD THE SURGERY YESTERDAY...SO IN ADDITION TO THE HEART WHICH FATIGUES ME SOMETIMES, I HAVE TO SAY THE CONSTANT PAIN REALLY TIRES ME OUT.

I AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE FEELING BETTER. MY EF WAS 9% BEFORE THE IMPLANT, AT MY FIRST CHECK UP POST-OP, IT WAS 45%!!! ME AD MY DOCTOR HIVE FIVE!. FOR THE INCISION, I BOUGHT A PACKAGE OF LITTLE GIRL SOCKS AND PLACED IT BETWEEN MY IMPLANT AND BRA. WHAT A RELIEF!

I AM SO GLA YOU GOT THE CRT-D. SO MUCH MORE PEACE OF MY. I KNOW IF MY HEART ACTS UP THE CRT-D WILL HELP TREMENDOUSLY,

THANK YOUS IRIS FOR WRITING! XOXO LYDIA.

Hi Lydia

by iris - 2013-06-08 07:06:54

Thanks for responding to my first posting. Isn't it awful living with this chronic pain? But theres not much we can really do about it. But our CRT-D at least takes care of our heart problems. What a comfort knowing that. Wow your EF was really low. I'm so very happy that it is now 45%. I can"t wait to see if mine goes up. But I'm not having an Echo done till Sept. Are you on Coumadin or warfarin? I am and I have bruises everywhere. Do you? It's nice to have a friend like you to talk about these things. Thank you for responding to my posting. oxox IRIS

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