CRT Implant

Edited Response

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-01 22:28:43

Note:  (The post before mine appears to be accidentally deleted.  Therefore, it was necessary to edit my response in order to make sense).

 A deck of cards?......I'd be lopsided! 

I have a Boston Scientific CRT-D too.  CRT's are larger than a regular pacemaker....it's a little larger than your Doc's description.  When you go to the EP (a cardiologist specializing in the electrical functions of the heart), ask him to show you a CRT.  They sometimes have a few on display. 

I was diagnosed with LBBB, SSS, enlarged heart...cardiomyopathy.  That was 8 years ago.  My heart is no longer enlarged because the CRT makes my left and right ventricles beat in sync.  I am very fortunate.

Getting educated about your condition is key.  It helps alleviate your fears in the beginning of this journey.  I didn't know about this site until 2 years after my implant.  

Ours is an electrical problem with our hearts.  There is nothing we could have done to prevent it or cause it but I agree about stress.....it can cause many ailments.  

It's normal to be nervous before any surgery.....only natural.

Keep learning....ask your questions...it will help ease your mind. 

Grateful Heart

CRT Implant

by Jimini - 2016-12-03 01:18:34

Hi, Thank you for your response!

I have a few more questions for you if you don't mind.

I don't expect you to answer all 10 questions, but if you don't mind, I would very much appreciate it!

1. When the implant was performed, was the Dr able to install the CRT device and wires at the same time? Or did he have to re-open the incision again at a later date to install the 3 wires?

2. How long was your procedure?

3.Do you have a small body frame? If so, can you see the CRT bulge under the skin or did the Dr put it under the muscle?

4. You said you have had the CRT for 8 years. Have you had to go in yet for a battery change?

5.  Has the defibullator ever gone off with you? If so how bad was the jolt to your heart?

6. How old are you?

7. Before the implant, how was your energy level? Mine is outstanding, and I'm 65. I hardly even get shortness of breath. I noticed that when I make the bed up, that's when I get it, other then that I don't.

8. I take a supplement called Ubiquinol and I think it helps my heart.

9. Did you have to take an extra medicine to keep your body from rejecting the CRT?

10. What will I need to expect after the implant, as far as doing things for myself?

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2016-12-03 13:31:53

The CRT is to remodel your heart and allow the heart failure to improve or be held back, depending on your situation.

its a 4 week recovery, keep your arm lower than your head and don't lift more than 5 lbs.  the leads needs to grow into the muscle.

yes, the leads go in during the op.

I can see my titanium friend in my chest if I look real hard so I don't....

i think the procedure is about 3-4 hrs but I won't care as I'm being well sedated.  Last year, when my pacemaker was changed, the guy reversed the drugs and left on a coffee break.  My doctor knows I can't handle that crap again.

unless you are a cardiologist, they are trying to save your life.  Knowing the jargon doesn't help you.  I suggest you get it done and have a proper talk with the doc so that you understand it better.

best wishes

Homework

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-03 18:30:45

Wow...you are doing your homework.  :)    Good for you!

 1. When the implant was performed, was the Dr able to install the CRT device and wires at the same time? Or did he have to re-open the incision again at a later date to install the 3 wires?

The device and wires go in at the same time as Bionic Beat stated.

2. How long was your procedure?

I believe my procedure was about 2 hours....more or less.

3.Do you have a small body frame? If so, can you see the CRT bulge under the skin or did the Dr put it under the muscle?

No, I do not have a small body frame.  :(      But....yes, you can you see the CRT bulge under my skin. it is not under the muscle but just below my clavicle.  When I had the original implant, you could not see the bulge....but after a lead revision (wire replacement), my CRT is very noticeable....so I think it has more to do with how deep the doctor implants the device than body frame, since I've had both and I was about 50 lbs. larger when I had the original implant (when there was no bulge). 

4. You said you have had the CRT for 8 years. Have you had to go in yet for a battery change?

Actually, it will be 8 years in 2 days!  Amazingly, the same battery so far.  I just had a device check and it is still reading 2 more years for the battery......so I'm shooting for 10 years.....hopefully.  LOL

5.  Has the defibullator ever gone off with you? If so how bad was the jolt to your heart?

No, my defibrillator has never gone off.  Another plus!  But if it does, I know it is there to save me.

6. How old are you?

I just turned 60.....literally.  But my mind doesn't think so.  :)

7. Before the implant, how was your energy level? Mine is outstanding, and I'm 65. I hardly even get shortness of breath. I noticed that when I make the bed up, that's when I get it, other then that I don't.

I didn't realize how bad my energy level was before the implant.  I just thought I was getting older (51 at the time of diagnosis) and out of shape.  I did get out of breath easily.   It's great that you do not have symptoms yet, but it may be that making the bed is the beginning of symptoms for you...since you notice it.  

8. I take a supplement called Ubiquinol and I think it helps my heart.

I take Co-Q 10 too....it's a good supplement and our hearts and other organs require it.  It is found in almost every cell in our body but decreases with age and some prescription drugs. 

9. Did you have to take an extra medicine to keep your body from rejecting the CRT?

No, there are no anti-rejection drugs for a CRT.  It is not at all like a heart transplant or organ transplant where anti-rejection drugs would be necessary.....for the rest of someone's life I believe.

10. What will I need to expect after the implant, as far as doing things for myself?

You may be sore in the beginning...just keep a positive attitude and know it will get better each day.  You will be advised to not lift your arm above your shoulder on the side where the device is implanted for about 4 - 6 weeks.  That is because they do not want the leads to pull away in the beginning until they embed into your heart.  Do not lift anything heavier than 5 lbs. or so with that same arm....at first....for the same reason. 

I'm not sure if you are male or female.  I can't tell from your bio.  If you are male.... well, you know....it's a man's world.  :)                                                                                                                                     

If you are female you may have bra strap issues at first.  If so, place something soft between the strap and your device to prevent rubbing against your skin.

You should be able to make easy meals for yourself  but remember not to reach for cereal, etc. high up in the cabinets.  Place items lower for a while if you live alone.  Do cleaning and vacuuming before the surgery so you don't have to think about it when you get home.

Of course this is your decision but I want to stress to you the CRT will improve your heart function.  I thought they were wrong when I was first told I needed one.  I never had any health issues other than being overweight.  Never took a pill other than a vitamin.

So I went for a 2nd opinion.  The 2nd EP confirmed I needed a CRT-D so that was enough for me.  These really are life saving devices.  I would not still be here without mine and I know a lot of us feel that way. 

None of us wanted one.  I sure didn't.....but it's a part of me now.  You just can't over think it......unless it's positive thoughts.   :)

Grateful Heart 

Thank You Grateful Heart!

by Jimini - 2016-12-03 21:24:46

Thank you for your answers to my questions.

I work with my husband who is a handyman and I love that kind of work!

I just don't want to have to slow down too much.

I have alot of energy but, I'm told to not use it up!

I have to make myself slow down and rest in the middle of the day.

I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions!

I'll let you know how things go once I have the implant.

Yes, keep me posted

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-04 00:12:34

You are already physically strong and active with your work.  Your slow down will be temporary until you heal and the leads embed.   You got this!

Grateful Heart