CRT-D, Implant

After almost 20 years of hear problems including 3 MI's and a triple bypass I've now been diagnosed with ischemic cardiomyopathy, LBBB and an ejection fraction of 33% (QRS 139ms)

On my consultants advice I've been scheduled to have a CRT-D (Medtronic) implanted next week.

I'm just hunting for any information form anyone who's had a device fitted as to what the overall implant experience is like.

Also how did it effect your ability to exercise following the implant. While I'm not a runner I did enjoy a steady jog 1-2 a week and wondered if steady rhythmic exercises presents any problems. I used to do a couple of little sessions on the rowing machine. Following implant is that still going to be possible (once the device is embedded and healed)

Thanks.

8 Comments

CRT- D, Implant

by DampDog - 2016-02-25 01:02:04

Thanks for all the feedback. At the moment I'm filled with apprehension and anxiety, not so much for the implant itself, more the thought of having to live with it long term and all that goes with it. It encouraging to see that some of you folk have lived with the devices for a decade or more. At 53, with luck the device should be with me for quite some time.

I have no doubts as I'm a pretty anxious person anyway getting used to living with the device planted in my chest will take me a while to come to terms with. As it happens I'm off for my pre-implant assessment later today.

The consultant did mention that I should expect to be in the cath-lab for around 2 hours give or take and all things being equal may be home the same day.

The consultant is hopeful that the CRT will improve my ejection fraction and possibly stop/delay the progress of my dilated cardiomyopathy.

Excuse my ignorance but what is "SSS"

Thank you for the kind replys
DampDog.

CRT- D, Implant

by DampDog - 2016-02-25 01:02:42

Thanks for all the feedback. At the moment I'm filled with apprehension and anxiety, not so much for the implant itself, more the thought of having to live with it long term and all that goes with it. It is encouraging to see that some of you folk have lived with the devices for a decade or more. At 53, with luck the device should be with me for quite some time.

I have no doubt as I'm a pretty anxious person anyway getting used to living with the device planted in my chest will take me a while to come to terms with. As it happens I'm off for my pre-implant assessment later today.

The consultant did mention that I should expect to be in the cath-lab for around 2 hours give or take and all things being equal may be home the same day.

The consultant is hopeful that the CRT will improve my ejection fraction and possibly stop/delay the progress of my dilated cardiomyopathy.

Excuse my ignorance but what is "SSS"

Thank you for the kind replys
DampDog.

CRT-D

by Grateful Heart - 2016-02-25 02:02:29


I've had my device for 7 years. Mine is implanted under the skin. Cardiomyopathy, SSS, LBBB and my EF was 24%. It is now 55%.

I use the rowing machine at the gym and used it in Cardiac Rehab as well. I also use all the weight machines and do some push ups, etc.

Check with your Doc once you are healed. I never thought to ask after Cardiac Rehab....LOL.

Grateful Heart

SSS

by Grateful Heart - 2016-02-25 02:02:47


SSS stands for sick sinus syndrome. The sinus node is the heart's natural pacemaker. The SA node sends the electrical impulse to the atria to initiate a beat. When the SA node doesn't work properly, the PM steps in.

So in my case the CRT helps in a couple of ways.

I literally just turned 52 when I had my device implanted. My heart is no longer enlarged, EF has improved...I watch my diet and exercise. These little devices truly are amazing. I wouldn't be here still.

A positive attitude is extremely important in recovery. You sound like you'll be just fine.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Grateful Heart

Yes, it's better than going to the dentist.

by lightgraphs - 2016-02-25 04:02:23

Mine is implanted under the muscle. They do that to all women in Beverly Hills. I love it that way b/c it's really out of the way and all I have is a small scar. I'd let a lot of time go by before you do the rowing.But it's most important not to raise your arms over your head because it can dislodge the leads. All other exercise should be fine.

The first implant takes the longest -- about 2 hours. But it's really easy and nothing to worry about. Mild pain for a day at the most, then-- just remember not to raise you arms. They'll tell you when it's safe.

Good luck and don't worry.

Implant experience

by WillieG - 2016-02-25 05:02:21

I have had my PM almost 2 years now for exercise induced Mobitz II heart block. The procedure went well although I didn't think they prepared me very well. I appreciate what I have learned from others on this site. I wasn't expecting my arm to be so sore. But it was only 3 or so days where I couldn't lift it to use a blinker light while driving. It also bounced around in my chest for about a week. Sleeping on my right side took 2 weeks and left side 3 weeks. We are all different and you might not experience what I did, but I found it helpful to know that I wasn't the only one who had these issues. The little booklet they gave me from the office said "some people might feel a slight discomfort for a few days" which I thought was an understement. Probably takes 6 months to a year to not feel it totally.

I returned to exercise very soon as I never felt bad before the PM. Was walking immediately, drove 450 mi alone the day after I came home from the hospital, was biking riding in 2 weeks, and swam breast stroke gently at 4 weeks. They tell you 6 weeks so I was careful about not lifting any thing over 10 lbs with my left arm but you can with the opposite arm. I needed quite a few setting changes and I am still not sure it is correct as a Holter study showed I am having Mobitz I blocks which I thought the PM was supposed to correct. So expect setting changes as many of us have had many changes, esp if you are active.

Good luck and let us know how it goes for you!

Pre-assessment done!

by DampDog - 2016-02-25 06:02:39

I have been in for the pre-implant assessment this afternoon. I was not expecting to see the consultant but he popped in to see me and clarify the results of the final MuGA scan.

It has eased some of the anxiety and he's explained what I will hopefully gain from having the device. Most obvious is that the defibrillator will protect me from any sudden life threatening arrhythmia's. Also because one of the reasons my heart is starting to enlarge is due to the dyssynchrony between left and right sides. Being a bi-ventricular device this should re-sync the contractions making the heart more efficient. He says they generally see good results and in many cases instead slowing the degeneration it can allow the muscle function to recover to a degree. Obviously it's never going to be perfect but any potential gains are worth having. Likewise this should impact on my ejection fraction which he is hopeful will improve. Last but not least he can pace my bradycardia, So not only will I pump more with each beat I will pump it more quickly. At the moment I hover around 40bmp at rest.

Still don't relish having it done but the benefits of having it done are clearer. So 2nd of March is "D-Day"

Thank for you reply's and kind words, I'm sure more questions will pop into my head as the days pass.

Sleeping on your left?

by DampDog - 2016-02-27 06:02:14

One question that came to me was how well do you manage to sleep on your left-hand side, post implant.

I assume it will take a number of weeks for the tenderness to subside around the implant site. But is it difficult to sleep on your left simply due to the device "being there?"

How long are you generally sore for? give or take?

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As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.