Greetings Some questions from a newbie

I am a 66 yo male. Type 2 diabetic. Had RHOP chemo in 2008, and it seems the component Doxorubicin had a deleterious effect on my heart. About 2 months ago I ended up in ER, due to shortness of breath, and had multiple tests including nuclear stress, and cathardization, which found no blockage, but there is a left branch bundle block, and my left ventricle shows signs of hypertrophy.
My LVEF is about 25, and my pulse got up to 120, but stabalized at 95, which historically has been my norm. So I met with a cardiophysiologist who put me on Entresto, Carvedilol, a statin, and a diuretic. She wants to do a CRT-D implant and here lie my concerns.
Can anyone who has had the crt please give me some feedback. Has it helped with your original symptoms? Complications? Do you still need to take your meds? How long have you had the device? I worried about the "D" aspect, and read where if the defib kicks in, I could be rendered unconscious?  Any suggestions?
I understand each patient is different, but some general feedback will be greatly appreciated.
I have to meet with the cardiologist at the end of May for a final determination. Is it possible that the drugs will stabalize me, and there will be no need for the CRT-D?

PS  Anyone else taking Merformin for diabetes? I read that there could be a contraindication with the Entresto? Anybody have any feedback about this? The cardiologist is aware of my meds, yet still prescribed the Entresto. My blood glucose levels were good prior to the Entresto, but have risen about 25% since starting it.

Again, thanks.


 


2 Comments

Thanks.!

by Cragzop - 2018-04-23 22:20:50

I appreciate the positive, quick response. Another 3 weeks, and we'll see what plays out. 

Thanks again.

 

Thanks Robin1

by Cragzop - 2018-04-24 01:58:05

yep, I hear you about "buyer's remorse," which is why I posted my questions. I've already gone through medical chaos when I had the cancer, and the chemo that brought me here.
I have fears about this. I trust my cardiologist, but I have had enough experience with MDs to know that they are not god.
Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

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