First check-up post op

Hi. Having had a pacemaker for 7 years and now a CRT-D there is a question I am not sure what the answer to is. Can anyone tell me please?

When you go for your 4-5 week check post op, what is it that the techs do? Do they turn down voltages? I know they have to put some settings really high when you first get the device (I had 2 new leads too) and then after 4-5 weeks they do something to the settings but I'm not sure what. Do they turn the high ones back down?

My 5 week check is next week for the CRT-D. They transferred the settings from my pacemaker over to the CRT-D then had to add the settings for 3rd lead and ICD part. It took nearly 2 years to get the settings right for my pacemaker so they said they wouldn't mess with them when I had the CRT-D put in, just transfer that part over. I had a Medtronic PM and now a Medtronic CRT-D.

I just wondered what it is they alter at that post-op check, if anything.

The ICD tech said when I go next week they will be giving me the wireless home monitor that downloads info from my device direct to the hospital (I am in UK). I didn't have that with my pacemaker. I believe they only give it to you for ICD's here in UK.

I am also having a cardiac rehab assessment on 16th April. Again, you don't get that with pacemakers here in UK but you are eligible with an ICD.

Thank you for your help.

Best wishes

Janey

2 Comments

upgrade to ICD

by islandgirl - 2018-04-03 17:23:02

I also had gotten upgraded from a pm to an ICD.  It seems to me it's just like the pm interrogations.  My EP adjusts occasionally, but minimual adjustments.  He's never adjusted so much to make it uncomfortable.  I have a Medtronic ICD and it alerts my EP when I have heart failure, when I have a run of ventricular arrhythmias).  I also have a monitor and it is set to send any abnormalities between midnight and 4 am.  

First checkup post CRT-D

by Grateful Heart - 2018-04-03 18:01:18

Same as when you had a pacemaker really.  They will download the data and test the device by speeding up and slowing down your HR.  Some of us feel it (me) and some of us don't.

Yes, they will adjust the voltage to your heart's needs now that the leads are embedded.  Your left and right ventricles will pace insync and if you go into VT again (read in another post) there is a setting in the device (ATP) Antitachycardia Pacing therapy to pace you out of VT before it would be necessary to shock.  Basically, it interrupts....speeds up your HR in order to return it to normal rhythm....a paradox.

I don't have a home monitoring device.  My device is old... more than 9 years now so I never got one....not sure if I want one either. 

I read in another post from you that your are concerned about being shocked....understandable.  I think we all have that concern, especially in the beginning.  Try not to dwell on it (easier said than done i know) but there is no use in worrying over something you can't control.  I have never been shocked in the 9 years with my device.  

Cardiac Rehab will help alleviate those fears as you exercise and move and become more comfortable with your CRT-D.

Grateful Heart

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