CRT-D scheduled

Hi, I am new to this site, I am scheduled to have a CRT-D implanted on July 4th and I am really nervous. I have searched the Internet trying to find out what it is like for a woman to live with one. I have CHF and all the goodies that goes along with it; enlarged heart, LBBB, low ejection fraction, and so on. My doctor says I need to have this. I have two grandsons that I would like to watch grow up, so I will.

Will it really make me feel better?  Will my life really get back to normal?

They say I should have more energy and stamina, maybe I can get back to knitting and sewing that I love doing and don’t even have the energy for that anymore.  I still work and used to enjoy the hustle and bustle, now I sit like a lump in the office doing paper work.  Hate it!

Can someone tell me if this device really will make a difference.

6 Comments

You should feel much better

by Grateful Heart - 2012-06-20 01:06:34

My heart issues are similar to yours as I have all that you mentioned. My CRT-D has helped me tremendously, for 3 1/2 years now (a newbie by most standards).

Between the medication, cardiac rehab/ exercise and healthy eating (and losing weight in my case), my heart is no longer enlarged and my ejection fraction has doubled (it was 24%). After a while you should get used to having the device and not think about it much. It is comforting to know it is there in the background when and if you should need it.

This is a great site with supportive and knowledgeable pacer veterans. I wish I found this site before I had my implant. It is understandable to be nervous, we all were. Knowledge is power so ask away, there are many pacers who will be glad to help you here. July 4th, a perfect date for a new start and birthday!!



another one

by L5 - 2012-06-20 03:06:34

I am another one who has a crt-d. I just received it on April 25 of this year. I am hopeful for similar results to grateful heart, but my HF was caused by cancer treatment so doctor's are not really sure what may happen. I just have to wait and see.

As far as a woman having a crt-d. Your bra strap may hit in a bad spot. I have found a couple of bras that run along side the crt-d so have that problem solved. Also, it feels uncomfortable to have my purse on that shoulder. May feel different later on but I am only 8 weeks out. So I am getting used to carrying my bag on the right shoulder for now.

Also, I am a slimmer person, and the device is quite large, but ended up looking much better than I imagined. When I first got it I felt like I had a brick hanging off the front of my chest and the skin felt crazy tight. But all of that feeling is gone. My shoulder is still a bit stiff, but otherwise I am back to my normal routine, no problems. And I like snug tshirts and thought I would have to wear sacky stuff, but not the case. I can just wear everything I wore before.

I have also changed my diet, and continue to exercise as i did before. And just hopeful this device improves my heart at all. But this will help you feel better and you will be back in the swing of things in no time.

Thank you

by Jelkybean89 - 2012-06-20 05:06:49

Thank you for your comments, I guess I will learn.
I am also tall and slim, and I also have an issue as a result of breast cancer , chemo, radiation and a years worth of hecepten. Doctors say my heart is stiff and thick.
I never thought about my bra, or my purse .

CRT-P

by Many Blessings - 2012-06-20 10:06:03

I have a CRT-P, with the D to come later. I, like you and all the rest of those that have one, have pretty much the same medical/cardiac history. I think if someone doesn't have that history, they aren't even a candidate for a CRT.

I'm 8 weeks post implant and doing absolutely fantastic! The CHF symptoms are totally under control, and I haven't had to be hospitalized since my implant.

My echo & TEE are scheduled for early next month, so until then, I won't know if my heart size has improved or if my EF came back up or not. I'm betting anything they did!

If this is something you and your EP/Cardio docs feel is the best thing for you to do, then it may be time to get it done. I waited until I couldn't wait any longer, so I understand your fear.

The first couple of weeks are tough. But after that, I was back to work full time & really feeling better. By week four I think I was totally back to normal and feeling great.

I played basketball last weekend with the in-law guys (I'm a 51 year old female) and did great! I'm planning on several hikes this summer (which I haven't been able to do in 2 years) and I can't wait!

I can walk up numerous flights of stairs without stopping or being out of breath, and my color has gone from gray to normal skin tone! My hair started growing again, and my muscle tone is coming back! (I'm a small framed gal who has always been in great physical shape.) My fingernails are even looking almost normal! Proof the CRT is doing it's job!

If/when you get this done, come on back to this site with any questions or concerns you might have. We can all help you. Since I'm still pretty new at this, I can help you with the early stages. Those that are veterans can help out even more!

Good luck!



After its done

by ElectricFrank - 2012-06-21 12:06:20

You will also have a lot of your questions answered. I don't think any of us knew how we would feel before having the implant

Often things are much better.

Sometimes things are about the same, but would have worsened without the pacer.

And yes there are a few cases where the pacer makes things worse. This is usually due to an incompetent surgeon.

So expect the first, be happy with the second, and contact a lawyer with the third. LOL

best wishes,

frank

Thanks

by Jelkybean89 - 2012-06-21 12:06:47

Thanks everyone
And Tammy I probably will have a lot of questions after its done.
It helps a lot to be in touch with people who have already experienced the implant and recovery process.
Maxine

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