Scheduled for CRT- D Boston Scientific.

Hi All:
I have been scheduled for CRT- D implant in December. I have Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy with LBBB, 15% EF. I am very fortunate that I really have very mild symptoms, but can do almost everything that I could before heart problem. I am questioning my decision to agree to go ahead with implant because I feel pretty good. They say the risk of implant is less than the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rks1131

5 Comments

CRT

by Many Blessings - 2012-11-24 02:11:00

I have a CRT-P with AV Node ablation, but not a D. I too have cardiomyopathy with heart failure and a low EF. I too, could do anything I wanted to until about 2 years ago.

The doctors all warned me that things would take a nose dive quickly, and at some point it would be too late for even a CRT-P/D to help. I didn't believe them. But, they were right.

Within two years, I felt like crap. I was in and out of the hospital for heart failure treatment, etc., and went downhill faster than I could imagine. I had to give up everything I loved to do (hiking, biking, walking up stairs, etc.) I was forced to continue to work because I needed the insurance, which was very hard to do when feeling so bad.

Please take my story into consideration when making your decision. I know exactly how you feel, and totally fought it (almost to the point of it being too late.) On my last check up before my CRT, I was told "you will not be here in 3 months if you don't do this NOW" (meaning sudden cardiac arrest.) I got numerous second opinions and all agreed that would happen if I didn't do this. I still didn't want to do it but I did. I had it done in April, 2012.

Now, I am super active again! I'm out on nature adventures every chance I get. You can't keep me from exploring out in the wilderness or even the desert close to my home. I love it! I also still work, which includes climbing numerous flights of stairs every day. I do great!

Look at all of your options, get second opinions if you need to, but if you're truly thinking about doing it, please don't wait until it's too late. There may be some struggles you'll go through afterwards (setting issues, recovery, etc.), but everyone on this site is here to help you. Trust me, I've used them (even today!)

Blessings and best of luck in making your decision.

CRT

by Rks1131 - 2012-11-24 04:11:47

Tammy-Thanks for your response. I was also told by my cardiologist that I will most likely soon nose dive. 7 months on heart medication with no EF improvement.

Wish you the best.

Rks1131

CRT-D implant

by Rks1131 - 2012-11-24 05:11:05

Thanks for your comments.

Keep Us Posted

by Many Blessings - 2012-11-24 05:11:14

I know it sucks trying to make the decision whether or not to do it. I'm assuming you're having an AV Node ablation too. That's what made me not want to do it, since once that's done, there is no turning back.

There are a lot of us out there though, and from what I read here, all of us are doing much better.

Please let us know what you decide to do. And, feel free to ask any questions you can think of.

Good luck!



new icd

by daisy41763@yahoo.com - 2012-11-24 05:11:20

hi there, I'm getting my icd replaced next week.,I've had this one now for the last six years. I have hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. I had a myomectomy about ten years ago because my septum was so enlarged it was cacausing me problems. then Six years ago I passed out due to a left ventricular blockage, and my heart beat droped to 40. long story .. but I went to Cleveland Clinic and received my first ICD device and then I had surgery to fix my blocked ventricular ..
I've been thankful for the last six years kept me going, n after I get this new timex, ill be good for another six plus.

You know you're wired when...

Your favorite poem is “Ode to a Cardiac Node”.

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