Endurance

I am asking for your help regarding the right question to ask my cardiologist on Wednesday. I am going to be 6 weeks post op of having my crt-d implanted. I have no endurance to do any work. I am so much better than I was the day of my surgery, but after 6 weeks I thought I should be able to keep going.But,after 2-3 hours of housework, I need to take several breaks to do things that I thought I use to be to do without stopping. Also, today my son and I went to the mall and he noticed I was breathing heavy while riding in the car. Are these things that require an adjustment to my pacemaker? I really don't know what to expect. I was hoping to go back to work soon but I have no endurance. I work for a major airline and I need to be able to pick up 70 pounds during my 8 hour shift. Right now, I can't even do housework for 3 hours without taking a long break. Is this an adjustment to my pacemaker or ????. I really need your input because I thought I should be nearly 100% by now. As always, thank you for teaching me the ropes to my limitations.

3 Comments

sad

by The real Patch - 2017-07-31 12:09:53

it's sad, but far too often these devices, especially CRT's are oversold by doctors and even members in support groups, and the recipients are disappointed when it doesn't come to fruition. There is still a chance that you may see additional benefit with some fine tuning of the settings for your activity levels so don't give up, but nobody can guarantee it.

A study I read indicated that a full 40% of all CRT's are prescribed improperly and the patients do not benefit. Additionally, other factors play into whether it helps. My case, Mitral valve prolapse and stenosis negate the positive effects of the device.

Don't get me wrong, my CRT-D helped...the doctor, hospital, technicians, and of course the manufacturer.

I wish you luck and hope they can resolve any setting issues and help you further

Gearing up for follow up

by Gotrhythm - 2017-07-31 15:26:56

If Real Patch"s statistics are correct, 60% are helped by a CRT-D. You need to approach your doctor, determined to be in the 60% and to get all the benefit you can from your device.

Tell your doctor your goal of returning to your job and the activity level required. Tell him how close you feel to that goal, i.e. 30%, 45%. Ask what your settings are, and which settings could be changed to make you feel better.

You have to advocate for yourself. That means you need to educate yourself about your condition and about your device.In my experience cardiologists will anwer only what you ask. The more you know, the better questions you ask and the better answers they will give.

If you have a CRT-D you have a little more complex heart issues than someone like me. I like Youtube explanations.It's a lot to take in but I just watch them over and over until they start making sense and they don't sound or look strange any more.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bFygd9q3lY 

Take someone with you! Someone who can do techno-speak is best but anyone is better than no one. When tthe tech does an interrogation of your device firmly request a copy of the summary. You won't know what it all means, but someone here can help you interpret it.

Hang in there. Let us know how it goes.

Are you on medication?

by LondonAndy - 2017-08-01 14:05:56

The points about settings are important, but Beta blockers (eg Metoprolol, Nebivolol) can cause tiredness and breathlessness. 

You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

Member Quotes

Hi, I am 47 and have had a pacemaker for 7 months and I’m doing great with it.