Any CRT-D implant experiences to share...

Hi Everyone,

Just joined the club, but have been an avid reader for the past several months.

I’d like to thank all those who provide intelligent, thoughtful and personal insight in responding to members posts. I’ve really learned a lot….so thank you.

I ‘d like to know if there are any members who have or know someone who has had a CRT-D implanted and how are you/they are currently doing. Have you had an increase in EF?

I’m a 48 year old male who was diagnosed with asymptomatic idiopathic CHF with cardiomyopathy in June 2008. I had an EF of 15% at that time. I was put on medications and saw my EF increase up to 25%.

In October 2011, I had an “echo” which showed my EF had dropped to 10% and subsequently had a pacemaker implanted November of 2012. My 3 month interrogation showed improved signs in heart efficiency and strength and I am hoping that this will continue.

I am healthy in other respects: blood pressure= 110/65; blood cholesterol= 110; sugar=56; 5’-10” and weigh 175; non-smoker; low sodium diet and exercise daily.

Any constructive feedback would be appreciated as to what else I can do and/or your experiences.

Thank you

3 Comments

Twin

by monoyoung - 2012-03-28 04:03:08

You are a twin of my husband. We are waiting for the same answer. He has appt this Thursday. His CRT-D was implanted December 2011. I don't think we will know if it is really doing the trick until they perform a new Muga Scan.

CRT-D & EF

by fishfighter - 2012-03-28 08:03:14

I had a CRT-D implant last April. At that time, my EF was at 20%. Within a couple months, it got up to around 30%. By the end of Aug, my EF was down below 10%. Last Jan, I had a IV line implanted that I get a IV pump, pumping Dobutamine 24/7. That has brought my EF up to 30%. Tomorrow, I will have another echo to see if my EF has went up or down. I'm sure its down due to the way I been feeling.

In fact, I'm still working on getting on the heart transplant list. My HF came from a viro infection which is killing my heart little by little. I was like you. I was a very active person,6' and weight in at 185. Now, my weight is down to below 170lbs.

So, low EF or not, I still try to give it hell on the days I feel good. Don't sweat the small things in life like a number they are giving you. If you feel good, so be it, your body will tell you when to slow down. Do what you can and don't be sorry for not trying something new.

Everyone is different

by Grateful Heart - 2012-03-29 12:03:28

I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in May ’08 due to a virus (idiopathy) and SSS and LBBB. My EF was 24% at the time. Received my CRT-D in December “08 and it took some time, but my EF is now 50%. I’m very lucky, I know not everyone has the same results. In my case, diet, try to exercise (bad hip) lost 70 lbs. in about 4 years now and of course the medication and some great doctors all helped.

It sounds like you are doing everything you can and hopefully, the CRT-D will make a difference for you too; it did for me! Keep us posted and Good Luck! You are right, there are some great, helpful people on this site. I am so glad I found it too!!

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