CRT-D device testing

BAD FEELING

by BOBJ - 2017-04-03 12:21:22

I hate getting mine tested too. One of my techs even apologizes before we start the query, so they have to know.

CRT-D testing

by Mona - 2017-04-03 13:33:17

Thanks Robin, yes I too have lerned that my physical reactions to life happenings has a lot to do with how my heart is doing.  I try to do some meditation and relaxation techiques to help the pvc's which can get really annoying when I'm under stress.  I used to think it was the caffeine in my coffee, but have come to the conclusion that it is me.

Yes, Bobj, my tech also apologizes so I guess they know that it is uncomfortable.  My tech is just such a nice person and a lot of fun so that helps when they aren;'t cranky. 

Thanks to you both for the comments.  It helps to know that you are not alone in dealing witih what i jokingly call my spare parts.

Device testing

by Gotrhythm - 2017-04-03 14:49:28

Don't have a CRT-D, but I can tell you this: my heart doesn't like to be messed with. The yearly checkup is extremely uncomfortable, particularly the ventircle lead, and I'm likely to have more PVC's for a day or two afterward.

Robin,The first pacemaker check I had, the tech was beyond unsympathetic. And I, of course, had no idea what to expect. it was extremely unsettling and I told her so. She got angry and said I was mistreating her. All I was (politely) asking was that she warn me before she did something to my settings.

Later, a St Jude tech saw my reaction, and now there's a caution programmed into the pacemaker. The tech sees it before they start the checking and they work with me to get through it without too much unpleasantness. 

Device testing

by Mona - 2017-04-03 15:43:57

Yes, it's kind of funny (peculiar) that they don't warn you about those bad feelings when they are testing.  I had no idea what was going on the first time the tech checked my device.  I now know that there are going to be some bad moments and I'm pretty much mentally prepared for it.  I think they kind of "poo poo" that hearts don't like to be "mesed with".  I had a really hard time with pvc's after I had my abalation which was about six month after I got myCRT-D device.  Even tho I have the greatest cardio electrophysiologist and a very nice Boston Scientific tech, they still lack a bit in being sypathetic to patient reaction. 

I'm kind of the opposite

by CrockerNut - 2017-04-06 22:00:13

I'm so frustrated by the ongoing irregularities since my Pacer was installed 3 months ago that I bug the techs almost weekly to adjust it in attempts to get it right. I have had multiple daily PVC's that never existed before and I do dislike the feeling of the lead pacing the ventrical when they test, which is why I'm so adamant about the fixes as that's the same feeling that I get dozens of times a day when it kicks me to 120 for no apparent reason. I'm confident that someday they'll figure their computer out though... As we all know, computers are only as efficient as the operators :/

I am however thankful that they are compassionate. They know it's uncomfortable and warn that they're about to kick it into gear every time before hand (Wish I had the same warning all of the other times it does it on its own). But I'll trade the compassion for competence any day!

not a fan of the testing

by dwelch - 2017-04-13 04:10:22

Not a fan of the testing.  30 years of pacemakers and more to come.  Have had tons of techs, good ones (that warn you) but mostly bad ones that dont (turn their back on you click the buttons and let you just get surprised even though you know it is coming, or did it happen am I breathing faster because of them or because I am anxious.  Did they stop the test is it back to normal I dont feel right.  Generally I wish I had a knob on the bad techs hearts so they had a clue what it felt like...

My current tech seems to think she knows more about this than I do, treats me like I am a newbie, checks my incision, etc.  You think after 30 years I dont know what good vs bad scars look like?  I have leads that are older than her years in this job I bet. 

No doubt a percentage of the problem is sitting in that room waiting for those tests to happen, are they going to warn me, did it start yet, did it stop yet, did they put it back right, it doesnt feel right.  So more mental than physical.  But the tests are literally a minute or two a year of your life per year. 

I like the idea that the software tells them, maybe we should all call/email our respective pacer vendors and tell them we want the software to warn the techs every time. we are tired of the suprises.

Anyway, think of it this way, yes this device can totally control your heart make you feel strange.  But that is how it works, you want to know that it is in control and other than the annual visit the settings are right for a comfortable life.  They have to jack with it during the test to see that the settings are right, so let them, even if they dont warn you.  Work on mediating in your own way, concentrate on remembering to ask for your copy of the printout, and whatever questions you had for the doc.  Some number of seconds of heavy breathing, some number of seconds of the elephant sitting on your chest, and its done...

Testing Modes

by rmg6088 - 2017-06-15 11:58:36

The technician may be testing your device in a VVI mode, which pumps your lower chambers without regard to your upper chambers.  Ask them to test your device in DDD mode, which also allows for the upper chambers to pump in tune with the lower chambers.  So it is a more physiologic manner, and feels better for some patients.