jenniwoowoo

My CRT-D implanted on 01/06/2014, after failing to respond to drug therapy. I had no idea there was a problem. Apparently I have had this about 30 years. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy, LBBB and an EF of 25% and no symptoms. My procedure, I'm told was about 3 hours. I was kept overnight for an xray in the AM to make sure the leads had not moved. I was then discharged. It was somewhat painful, but not impossible, I returned to work the next week. 5 mos later my EF was 45% via Echo and no alarms or events. I can't say I felt better, as I never felt bad. Apparently my body compenated for it over the years. I was a school bus driver and 20 years of DOT physicals did not pick this up. My only regret is I can no longer drive a school bus. I can't get a Federal Medical card required for my license due to the defibrillator, which the Federal government believes "might go off". I think Fed's need to review their position on this. Otherwise, I have no regrets.

7 Comments

Did you exercise much?

by NiceNiecey - 2014-08-04 07:08:20

I'm so curious as to whether you were physically active before your CRT-D. I can't imagine having such a low EF rate and never noticing anything was "off."

I didn't know anything was wrong with me either but looking back, all the signs were there. I don't have a defibrillator so my situation is quite different.

Appeal process?

by ams1986 - 2014-08-04 07:08:45

I think it would be worth fighting not being able to drive. Can your physician testify that it isn't an issue? I don't understand not being able to drive a bus because of having it.
My life insurance went up when I got mine, and they didn't seem to understand I was a bigger liability WITHOUT the pacemaker than I was with it. My cardiologist wrote them and explained and my premium dropped.
Of course, if it's a law issue, that's a bigger battle to fight, but if your state prohibits pacers from getting their CDL, I'd be willing to bet there's a lot of pacers willing to help you fight that battle.

Bus Driving with a CRT defibrillator

by Selwyn - 2014-08-05 01:08:07

In the UK you would be unable to drive a heavy goods vehicle or a bus. This is based on the chances of a loss of consciousness, and the consequences of loss of control taking into account the number of passengers and the weight ( potential damage) of the vehicle.

Criteria are different for your own car driving, though still are quite strict.

I do not know about the USA code of Fitness to Drive.

Certainly, in the UK, it is a waste of time appealing in such circumstances - the needs of society outweigh the needs of the individual.

Live life to the full, it is more important what you can do, than what you cannot do. Some years ago, before PM were efficient and common place, and defibrillation was possible with an implant, most of us would have died.

Did you exercise much/NiceNiecey

by jenniwoowoo - 2014-08-05 03:08:23

Yes, I did. Horses, dogs, cats, exotic birds and 20 acres of land to maintain almost forgot, and a husband, oh yeah I did. They think I've had this for 30 years or more and my body just compensated for it. Also I'm now 59 and any slow down or fatigue I just blew off to the aging process. I had regular medical check ups, EKGs, including 3 pre-op physicals. My only symptom or alert, I woke up in the middle of the night, in a sweat and could not catch that last deep breath when you yawn. It happened a second night which told me something wasn't quite right. Went to my PC who did an EKG and reviewed 1 that had been done 18 months prior and said "I don't know if you have something going on or its the way they folded the strip, but I'm setting up an echo", the rest is history. Thanks for your comments, its good to know there are others like me.

Ashley M/Appeal Process

by jenniwoowoo - 2014-08-05 03:08:54

I am going to appeal, just trying now to figure who and where. Turns out I don't have CHF, but do have LBBB with the previously low EF. New research show tremendous results, especially in women with the CRT-D. The defibrillator is not the primary, but in addtion to the PM. So I may have a fighting chance. What they don't seem to understand was that I was a much more serious risk prior to implantation and a DOT physical had never/would never have picked this up. CDL physicals are required every 2 years, so 20 years of those pretty much tells the story. I've got some work to do, but I'm on my way! Thanks for the input.

Bus Driving with a CRT-D/Selwyn

by jenniwoowoo - 2014-08-05 04:08:34

The US is pretty much the same way, however, neither prior to or after implantation did I experience any syncope. My CRT-D was implanted due to my Cardiomyopthy, LBBB and low EF. The defibrillator is not the primary therapy, but in addition to. With the increase of the EF I am probably less prone to it, but do have a slightly higher chance then the guy who is perfectly fit, but then he has no guarantee of not having a heart attack. My problem with all of this is, how do they guarantee the guy they give a medical card to won't have a heart attack? Some recent research I've read indicates that crash data shows most people with a CRT-D knew prior to any crash and managed to pull off the side of the road. I think at least in the US they need to revisit this as not everyone is fitting into that "one size fits all" thinking. Worse, the US moves by motor carrier - have you looked at a truck driver lately. Extremely heavy, fast food eater, usually a smoker - prime example of a heart attack waiting to happen. I understand the safety issue and believe me, if I thought for a minute I would hurt "my" kids, I wouldn't be doing it. When I asked my Cardiologist - "Knowing what you know and assuming the surgery goes as expected, would you put your kid on my bus?", his answer was yes! Thank you for your thoughts.

CRT-d

by Glyn - 2014-08-05 06:08:49

I have had a Medtronic CRT-d for the past 12 months, absolutely great, the defibrillator is a problem though. Even medics think I have it because I need it, but no it is an extra that comes pretty well cost free and because there is low but significant risk for many heart patients of sudden cardiac death it has become the norm at least in the UK (NICE recommendation) to fit the defibrillator version. I am at less risk now than I was before of causing any road accident!
The assumption always seems to be that that the device is fitted to defib so therefore you are a danger on the road. In reality it is there to resynchronise and happens as an extra to be a defibrillator.
Stay well and enjoy

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I had a pacemaker since 2002 and ever since then my life has been a total blessing.