CRT-D and I Feel Fine

Hello Everyone,
Just turned 57 in February and had a Medtronic DTBA1D4 CRT-D with Pacing lead implanted March 19, 2014. I was diagnosed with nonischemic viral cardiomyopathy with a dilated left ventricle and a moderate to severe regurgitating mitral valve. My EF was only 15% when diagnosed (Nov 2013) and increased to 20-25% pre-implant using meds.
They also discovered I had bundle branch block LV and RV out of synchronization.

After seeing four Cardio Doctors they settled on a CRT-D. I’m now 3 weeks post implant. No pain, no complaints. Just a wait and see if the 3rd lead helps increase my EF.
I'm back to my morning treadmill “fast pace walk” of 3.8 - 4.2 MPH for 35 minutes and just break a sweat with no SOB. I do need to wait a few more weeks before I start riding my bike though. I think The handlebars would be a problem for my left arm being stretched out.
Surgery was great. The staff asked me what music do you like?Then gave me the “twilight” sedative. I can’t remember ever being so relaxed!

3 Comments

Welcome

by Grateful Heart - 2014-04-13 09:04:48

Glad to hear you are doing so well and had a pleasant experience in the OR.

I have just about everything you mentioned and also have a Bi-V CRT-D.

It sounds like you have a great attitude....that also helps tremendously for an easy recovery.

Grateful Heart

good news!

by capecod - 2014-04-13 10:04:20

this is very encouraging. i meet with my electrophysiologist tomorrow. my cardiologist has consulted with him and they are recommending CRT-D. i have the same symptons you mentioned but meds have not improved my EF. sounds great-good for you!

6 Wk Post Surgery Checkup

by nonischemic - 2014-05-02 09:05:16

My implant, “Sparky” was due for a 6 week, post surgery check up this morning. All checked out great with no recorded heart arrhythmias or issues that would cause the defibrillator to trigger. I did find out they implanted heavy duty, industrial strength leads that are screwed to my heart, I didn’t dare ask for any further details, nor do I want to know any more there. But they are in the correct location and working as they should.

Also found out that I’m wired for “Wi-Fi”. Ok, so what’s that? The unit has the latest chip, so when I’m using the home care monitor, all I need to do is be near the thing and it will transmit the uploaded heart data from my CRT-D to the Dr’s office. I don’t need to dial in... Scary!

Also, they must have used Energizer batteries, since they gave me an estimated battery life of 10-1/2 years based on present data. The Dr. also reduced the 20 mg Furosemide (Lasix) prescription from 1 per day, to 1 every two days.

My next check is in late June, and as long as I don’t retain fluid, he may eliminate the Lasix altogether. That's a good thing since this drug does interfere with Glimepiride that I take for Diabetes. Also in June, will be my follow-up Echocardiogram which will show EF and the results of the bi-ventricle therapeutic pacing from the implant.

You know you're wired when...

Microwave ovens make you spark.

Member Quotes

But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.