I don't have my 3rd lead due to my "altered anatomy" I wonder what effect it has on my health.

Unable to take coreg due to my low BP, I feel totally defeated,

Is there an expert EP that I should seek out? I live in PA.

My EF is only 20, has remained 20 the amt of time the CRTD was inserted.

I have CHF,DCM,A fib.

Is there anyone who can shed some light on this..

 

 

Hi!

Well, the thing is that you now have the normal pacer only which isn't that good when you have CHF. There is a risk that the right ventricular pacing only will worsen the CHF. There are pacer patients who even develop CHF because of the right ventricular pacing.The third lead is needed to make the ventricles beat insync, and this often helps people with CHD. A friend of mine had a CRT put in when her EF was only 28%, and now she's back at 45% and feeling much, much better.

You should see a specialist who can try again to position the third lead. If putting it into the coronary sinus doesn't work, it could still be attached to the left ventricle from the outside (epicardial lead). The surgery required for that is minimal-invasive, not open-heart. Without the third lead you'll most likely not benefit from the CRT. Unfortunately, I don't know any EPs in your area since I'm from Germany. You could go to the Heart Rhythm Society online, there is a specialist locator:
http://www.hrsonline.org/PatientInfo/specialist_locator.cfm

Good luck & best wishes
Inga

 

Where in PA do you live? I have an excellent EP. I'd be glad to share contact information with you.

Melissa

 

Lehighton PA Near Philly..

Thanks Inga & Melissa

 

Can you PLEASE help me find DATA on the PC to print off so I can prove my case to my MD, I may have found a EP in Allentown but mom still give me your guy/gal.

I'm desperate.. 3 years and I still feel like day one somedays..

Bless you all..

 

Hi!
Just do a Google search on right ventricular pacing and heart failure. Some articles in journals won't be accessible, but there is still enough information. You could also just make a list of articles for your MD to read (he might have the access).

Why do you need to prove anything to your MD? Who put the CRT-D in? I mean, what is there to prove: you have heart failure, got a CRT-D for re-synchronisation, now the third lead is not working and therefore there is no re-synchronisation. The case is so clear. Would you be able to see a different MD?

Best wishes
Inga

 

I don't know who I'm trying to prove anything to, I just feel so overwhelmed. It makes me wonder why I was not referred to another EP right from the start when #3 was unable to be threaded. My current doc seems so caring and genuine, I'm kinda bummed out that SHE did not initiate further medical intervention

I found an EP that I know is good here at a 4star hospital. I found him on the site you offered and I will call for an appt. I don't see my insurance listed in his list but I will call anyway.

I'm less assertive than I had once been I feel like a lost soul.. I feel like apologizing to you for being so needy. I will do my own research. I'll get it done..

Blessings..Denise

My only son was killed in a train crash several family members died from heart disease father 36,mother 62,brother42, I'm just scared...

 

Hi Denise,

there is no need to apologize, and I'm very sorry to hear about your family; I can understand that you are scared with such a long history of cardiac deaths in your family.

When I have the time, I often do some research on my own and then post the good links I have found, but at the moment I don't. However, I do know that there is lots of info on right ventricular pacing and heart failure online so I'm sure you'll find what you need.

I'm sure it'll be worth seeing the EP you have found on the website, even if you'll have to pay for it yourself.

Best wishes
Inga

 

I emailed my own cardio and told her I am going to see another EP on Jan 11th. I found yet another MD that I have seen in the past listed and he's the one that put in my first defibrillator.. plus they do take my insurance

I'm stoked. No need to investgate further other than for my own education.

I'm actually a retired nurse who graduated top of her class, but I'm telling you these past few years have rendered me stoopid. I pulled my head out of my you know what and got back on track.

We all have times of weakness...

Thanks again Inga you were instrmental in my "recovery".

Denise

 

Should be instrumental but you knew that

here first attempt to find info:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/528590