Soon to be new member.

I'm 58 and a couple years ago was diagnosed with a left bundle branch block. Follow-ups with my cardiologist showed a decrease in my EF indicating early stage heart failure. I'm not overweight, I ride and exercise regularly, I'm a very healthy eater so it's been a bit of a head scratcher. I had a cath and my arteries are clean as can be so all the diagnosis have been listed as idiopathic which is medical for we have no idea. Initial treatment starting about 6 months ago, was Lisinopril and an increasing dose of Coreg. From day one on the meds I felt like absolute crap. In talking to my cardiologist he has felt in my situation a CRT pacemaker was the ticket. Problem was I fell into the zone for coverage of not sick enough. My doc didn't give up and we've been building a case and yesterday I got the call I was approved and am scheduled for implant 5/11. It's weird to be excited about having to get a pacemaker but I am. The idea of spending the next 20-30 years on these drug dosages is not appealing. I'm curious, have any other members gone the CRT route and how have the results been?

4 Comments

CRT's

by Grateful Heart - 2016-04-01 07:04:21


We are all different and have different results but yes, in my case, I have seen great improvement in my EF and overall condition. I have LBBB too and SSS, CHF, clean arteries etc. Mine was also classified as idiopathic (one doctor explained...."that means we're idiots, we don't know what caused it". My response was the hardest laugh I had at the time since being diagnosed (and it felt good to laugh again)!! He said they think a virus attacked my heart.

Don't give up on the Coreg if your doc decides you need it. They increase it gradually to see if you can tolerate it and on the way up I suddenly couldn't anymore so the doctor backed it back down for a few months to give my body some time to get used to it. They then increased it again because the higher dose was better for my heart and the 2nd time I was able to tolerate it better. I've been on it 7 years now.

My EF was 24% and is now 55%....I am very lucky. Not everyone has great results but most usually do see some improvement. Keep a positive attitude....I see you have one....very important for recovery. I cannot say I was very excited about getting a CRT...LOL.

Our condition is all electrical so while your healthy lifestyle is very important.....there is nothing we could have done to prevent it. Like Donr explains....it's like a TV that quits working after a short time.....no rhyme or reason.

I tell my story in hopes of easing some peoples minds and fears. We've all been there.

Welcome and keep us posted. BTW, your doctor sounds like a keeper and you have a great attitude.

Grateful Heart

Optimism

by Blanchje - 2016-04-02 05:04:17

Its not that I'm excited about needing a CRT pre se but I am from the standpoint there is technoloy that can help maintain and hopefully improve my quality of life. That is a blessing. I am optimistic enough that I just ordered a new carbon bike as a pre-op present to myself:-) Actually, it was my lovely bride's idea as a b-day gift but it is a good motivator to me to get healthy.

Heart strength

by Revco - 2016-04-03 08:04:08

i have the same as you and have had a pacemaker for over 10 yrs,one thing I found out was a natural supplement called Di Ribose ,have been taking the powder form mixed with water for the last 6 months and I believe this has helped me personally. Im 62 work as a chef and I work 60 hrs plus a week . It's Worth getting some advice it could help , hope all goes well for you

Heart rate monitor interference

by Wardie - 2016-04-10 06:04:05

Hi all!
In December 2015, I had a pacemaker inserted. A bit of a surprise since I was super fit (rode 9000kms a year) and ate healthily. Since then I have battled to exercise, feeling lightheaded whenever I pushed it. After many adjustments (setting it to rate response and setting my upper limit to 170bpm), the hope is that all has been sorted out. One of the problems that showed up in stress tests was that whenever my heart rate got up to near my set upper limit, it would plunge 30-40bpm. With the new settings, I want to track my heart rate to make sure things are okay. In the past, prior to getting the pacemaker, I had a Polar monitor to train with and which required a strap around the chest. Fearing that this would interfere with the PM, I bought today a MIO Alpha 2 heart rate monitor which does not require a chest strap and is fastened to your wrist like a watch. I was dismayed to read that it contains strong magnets and that those wearing pacemakers should check with their cardiologists before using. Has anyone used one of these successfully? One thought I had was to wear it on right wrist thus increasing the distance from the PM. Also curious how accurate this will be or if the pacing will throw it off. Any thoughts?

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

Member Quotes

I'm 44, active and have had my device for two years. I love it as I can run again and enjoy working out without feeling like I'm an old man.