CRT-D

Good luck

by Gemita - 2023-08-15 16:35:43

Hello Mike, just want to welcome you and to hope that your CRT-D device implant goes well for you this coming Monday.  There are many members with CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy) devices. These devices help to coordinate the heart’s main pumping chambers:  the left and right ventricles.  A third lead is sometimes used too in the right upper chamber.  A CRT device will hopefully improve your heart failure condition although it may take several months before you notice any improvements, so you will need to be patient.  I see you are also getting a defibrillator to protect you from a dangerous ventricular arrhythmia.  You will therefore be well protected.

I too hope that your symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath will improve.  Some members with left bundle branch block have done very well with a CRT pacemaker but of course we are all individual.

I have only a simple dual lead pacemaker, without a defibrillator so I cannot personally help you with the CRT device, but I do have intermittent Bundle Branch blocks and various atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.  I can thoroughly recommend a pacemaker as an excellent treatment for a slow heart rate.  There are lots of features/settings that can be used to help you to feel better, but it may take time to get your device set up to suit you personally.

Hopefully you have been given pre op instructions and told about the implant procedure, how long it takes and what to expect afterwards.  Perhaps CRT members could kindly let us know about their experience?  I believe the procedure takes several hours.  Is it done under local anaesthesia?  I believe overnight hospital stay might be necessary for all safety checks to be made, particularly since you will be getting a defibrillator.

I send you lots of luck.  Please return and let us know how it went.

CRT-D

by Mike O - 2023-08-15 16:42:56

Thank you for your input.  I really appreciate you taking time to add your thoughts and encouragement.

CRT-D

by Julros - 2023-08-15 16:51:39

Hi Mike. I have a CRT-D, but for a different reason; I have an inherited conditon that will lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and possibly ventricular arrhythmias. My EF is at the low end of normal, 50%, and has stayed there for the last 3 years. 

Before my implant, my heart rate was very slow, 30-40, and I felt better immediatly after implant. Yes, the site was sore, but it healed. You are likely also on several medications, and between those and the device, you should be feeling better in a couple of months. My sister improved from 30% up to 50% in 6 months, with meds and CRT. 

Your upcoming CRT-D surgery

by Beni - 2023-08-15 17:08:19

Hello Mike

You have come to the right place.  Welcome.

I, too, have a CRT-D, an Abbott Neutrino NxT HF.  It is remotely monitored using an app from Abbott on my phone.  It reports each night, around 2:30 a.m.  I am unaware of the device doing this.  I never feel a thing.  But it is comforting to know that it provides an additional safety net.  The arrythmia clinic contacts me if they see something off.  They have done this once although further investigation did not show any problems.

My device was implanted 11 months ago today.  Like you, I have LBBB which I was first diagnosed with over 20 years ago.  And, also like you, I have heart failure - stage 4 heart failure.  So, my official diagnosis is Dilated Cardiomyopathy with LBBB resulting in congestive heart failure.  Not from any blockages or from a cardiac event but, rather, as a result of a virus.  

Like you, I was also very apprehensive about getting the device.  My ejection rate had dropped from 34% in August to less than 19% 6 weeks later.  I was told that my choices were few.  Well, to be honest, I didn’t have any choices but to get the device, especially when it was explained to me that I would have, perhaps, 18 to 24 months to live  without it.  Nothing like getting some news like that to help you focus on what you must do!

Now for the good news:  11 months in and my ejection rate has climbed to 51% from the low of 19.  Energy levels are way up.  I could hardly walk 100 feet before the surgery.  Now I go for walks all the time, at a fairly fast clip - although you would never mistake me for an athlete ;). I ride my exercise bike, with tension applied, for 4 or 5 miles most days.  I still experience some shortness of breath from time to time.  However, I put this down to one of the numerous medications I have to take.  (I find the prescribed medications to be my problem area but I am slowly working through them.)

I am back to travelling and swimming and gardening and golfing.  (Heads up, though.  The device did not improve my game.  I am still a "duffer".  Figures.)

I had my 3rd interrogation of my device today and I have not experienced any arrythmias (or PVCs) in almost a year.  Before the device, “arrythmia” was my unofficial middle name.

You speak of dizziness.  Because (again) of some my medications, I have to be aware of getting up from a lying or sitting position. You may not have this problem.  But that is manageable and is nothing like the episodes I used to experience.  Before the CRT, it was not unknown for me to do a “faceplant” (pun intended) from time to time in the garden.  Used to freak my husband out, I can tell you.

Another great bit of news about CRTs is that they can help restore some of the damaged heart muscle.   My left ventricle was very enlarged but has started to reduce in size.  Hard to do exact measuring but it would appear to have gotten smaller.  It doesn't have to work so hard anymore.

Bottom line is this:  you will feel better.  Some folks report feeling better immediately, others after 6 or 8 weeks or so.  We are all individuals so what one person’s experience is may not be yours.  Give it some time.  Be kind to yourself.  Your incision site and the pectoral muscle where the EP creates the “pouch” will be sore and tender for a while.  Finding a comfortable sleeping position will challenge your creativity.  But the others on this forum can help you with all that and they have some great ideas.  Follow your EP’s instructions to the letter.  Don’t touch the incision or raise your arm above shoulder height or lift anything heavy.  Read past posts (look for “search” button at top of page) about wound care or sleeping or reducing swelling.  Tons of information there.  And if you have questions or concerns, post them.  There are no stupid or silly questions here.  No judgement.  Only people who understand your journey only too well since they, too, are on it.  People who are only too happy to help.

Upcoming CRT-D Surgery

by Mike O - 2023-08-15 20:51:23

Thank you Beni for your thorough response to my question.  Yours is very close to my situation.   My EF is hovering around 30 % and symptoms are similar.  I am hoping that my procedure will yield some positive results and ease my mind a bit.  Just getting back to playing golf will be a huge win for me.  Thanks again!

Hi there

by Lavender - 2023-08-15 21:28:56

I have a CRT-P. No ICD. However, I wanted to reassure you that this device helped me. I have had left bundle branch block since 2010 that I know of. It never bothered me and was found accidentally when I had an EKG for finger surgery.
 

My AV Node stopped working two and a half years ago so that's a block too. The CRT-P restored my EF to normal. I have had zero fainting episodes since I got it. Life is good. I was more afraid I would die before they got it in me. 😉

CRT- D

by Aberdeen - 2023-08-16 17:31:05

I have a CRT -P no ICD. I had to get it because I had a dual lead pacemaker which caused LVSD and my ef was 35%.  5 months later at my echocardiogram it increased to 65%. I feel quite well (fingers crossed) 🤞🤞🤞.

Wishing you good luck. I am sure you will have a positive outcome. Let us know how you get on!