I am scheduled for a CRT-D

Pending insurance approval and good results from my Nuecular Stress Test I will have the new St Jude's CRT-D implanted January 30th. Less than a week away. My surgeon was agreeable to implanting it under muscle so it won't show through my skin. I was concerned about that. I checked out this device and it really is very high tech with a lot of features that will be good for me. Does anyone out there have a similar device?

I will have a local. I told the doc I want lots of drugs and do not want to wake up during the procedure and feel any pain. So, I am anxious ,nervous and excited about this upcoming surgery . This device will be my lifesaver!!!! I can already tell that this is going to be an emotional experience. Any advice?

5 Comments

CRT-D

by Texas54 - 2013-01-26 05:01:35

Thank you both. The doc says they will inject morphine in the area they work in so hopefully that will work. I am going to tell them I have a low threshold for pain and to be sure they give me plenty. The doc said they would put me in a deeper sleep when they make the incision and when they test the difibulator. Otherwise a light sleep. He won't do a general due to my condition. Ice packs sound good. They worked well on the bruising after my breast cancer surgery in 2010. I will get on that website Angrysparrow. The doc recommended a site called "hrsonline.org". It is good too. This club has been a big help to me. It is good to communicate with others in similar situations. Thanks again for the advice!

Question

by Texas54 - 2013-01-26 05:01:39

How soon did you notice that your device was making a change in how you felt?

Hey Texas

by Grateful Heart - 2013-01-26 07:01:32

Your concerns are understandable, you'll be fine. You've done your research here and know what to expect now.

I wish I knew about this site when I had my implant. It would have helped alot since I did not know anyone who had a pacemaker/ ICD or what to expect. I didn't even know what questions to ask my Doctor...I just knew it was very scary so, we do understand.

Ask any questions, we are here to help. There are so many different experiences on this site and so much knowledge and empathy here for you.

It sounds like your Doctor communicates well with you, that is so important. The surgery will be behind you shortly. You'll get there.

Grateful Heart

I have St. jude's Bi-V

by terrythetech - 2013-01-26 08:01:17

Got mine December 10th. Absolutely no problems. Nice shaped unit. 6 weeks recommended no lifting over ten pounds and nothing lifted over shoulder level. Sling on for a few days but just to remind you not to use your arm for a while. Had mine on the left as I shoot hunting guns with my right. Went real fast, home in a day.
Device nurse was / is real nice. They just got the ok for their new "Merlin at home" software so excited to set that up soon too. Feel A LOT better after than I did before. Should have had this done years ago. You be just fine.

Good Thoughts

by ebfox - 2013-01-27 05:01:25

Hi Texas Lady,

When mine was implanted, they used conscious sedation and it was like a party in the EP lab. The surgeon was a Chinese guy and I had a hard time understanding him, but he bet me a case of beer that he could place the leads in one try; I remember him yelling "case of beer!" It was just great fun. I probably need to send him some beer.

I hope yours goes as well. Sending good thoughts your way Wednesday.

EB

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