CRT-D Installed July 17th. Not Feeling Better

LVEF of between 15% and 30%, depends on which test they read. Anyway, went to my GP because of shortness of breath, where the PA did an ECG and found a LBBB. She freaked and told me she was going to get me an ambulance and take me to the ER. I drove.
I entered ER in February with shortness of breath. Many tests later and I have LBBB and a slightly enlarged LV with the low LVEF. I have no blockage, cardiomyopathy is due to chemo therapy for cancer in 2008.
I am taked Entresto, Carvediliol, a statin and a diuretic. I was feeling fine before the ER visit, except for shortness of breath on exertion. I am CONSTANTLY exhausted. I thought this would change after the CRT-D was installed, but nothing yet.
Am I being unreasonable? I thought that once my device was activated my stamina would improve, but I guess not. I know it is only 4 days, but I am not happy that I went through this experience and wonder if this will get better.
 

5 Comments

Asking a lot

by AgentX86 - 2018-07-21 20:39:49

Of course you're not happy you had to go through this but you're on the right side of the grass and you will get better.  You don't say how long you've been having symptoms but you may be asking a lot for four days.  You may be that out of shape, after having syptoms for a while.  However, the CRT should put your heart on the right track and your body should follow. I'd recommend cardiac rehab.  Talk to your cardiologist about it.  Insurance should cover it/  After my bypasssurgery, 12 weeks of rehab put me on my way.  If nothing else, it showed that I can do this exercise stuff.   Be careful, though.  It can get addictive.  After three years, I'm up to walking 100-110 miles a week (~quarter of a million steps for the FitBit people out there ;-).

Thanks

by Cragzop - 2018-07-21 22:22:14

AGENTX86,

 

Thanks for the positive response. I needed that. My cardiologist wanted me to go to cardio rehab before the device was implanted, but the hospital screwed things up. She wants me to start soon, so I will enroll.

Thanks again. Sometimes it just takes some words of encouragement from someone who has a shared experience.

Beta blockers can make you tired....

by BOBTHOM - 2018-07-28 00:10:36

Some of the meds may be causing it too.  For me, the beta blockers cause me to just want to nap all the time.  After rounds of various types, dosages, and schedules for taking, I'm on the lowest dose of Metoprolol ER (extended release) and cut the pill in half, half in the morning and half at bedtime so for me about 11am and 11pm.  I take a nap around 1pm every day!  But we all react differently to the meds, talk to your doctor about it and adjust as needed.  Good luck!

Space your meds

by soyster - 2018-07-30 09:16:57

I have a Biventricular Device (CRT therapy with 3 leads) with and ICD...I am on Carvedilol (18mg) and Entresto 2x per day.  I was feeling lightheaded and totally not myselft, and decided I'd space my meds further apart. I now take carvedilol at breakfast, Entresto at lunch, carvedilol at dinner, Entresto at bedtime.  I feel soooo good now...rarely feel lightheaded at all.  Good luck!

Thanks Soyster

by Cragzop - 2018-07-30 11:35:48

Great idea! I have been taking my "cocktail" all at once, twice a day. I will space them out as per your suggestion.
Thanks for the response.

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