Nervous, Confused and afraid of getting CRT/ICD - UPDATED INFO

I had a syncope episode while playing soccer on August 1st 2018. I went to EMER and they told me that I have a condition called as Dilated Cardiomyopathy and EF is around 25%. Doctor put me on Carvedilol, Lisinopril and Spironolactone starting with low dosage for 3 months. 

This is my condition as per the doctor as of Nov 8th, 2018 - 

Dilated LV with eccentric hypertrophy and severely reduced systolic
function. EF 20-25%. Severely dilated left atrium. LBBB.

My doctor is recommending an ICD/Pacemaker to be implanted. 

Currently I've put on Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD). My medications include Carvedilol, Entresto and Spironolactone - high dosages. I'm hoping that by taking the medications for another 2-3 months my EF should improve above 35% and then may be I dont even have to get ICD/Pacemaker at all. 

I'm 36 years old and have had no symptoms at all except that syncope episode while playing soccer.

I'm very nervous and confused on what direction to take from here. Any suggestions?

 

 

3 Comments

crt-d

by capecod - 2018-11-09 19:34:09

ah, i know how you feel. its confusing and frightening. if you have confidence in your docs, let them help you with decisions. i also have cardiomyopathy LBBB, EF was 10-15 before procedure. i am still taking carvedilol and lisinopril----

like you, i was asymptomatic.....my brother is a doc and was amazed that i was walking around, going to the gym, etc with such a low EF. we are all different but trust your docs......make sure you have good ones!

LVEF

by DAVID H - 2018-11-11 12:28:59

Like you, my LVEF has been around 20%.  I'll perform 1.5 hrs. exercise daily. ( 4 - 5 miles treadmill/walking track).  I don't go crazy with speed and incline.  Only difficulty is with stairs.  I don't get "short of breath", I get out of breath, so stopping for a couple minutes re-energizes me. Cardiologist has a "Pulmonary Function Stress Test" (via treadmill) scheduled for me in a couple days.  BTW: I noticed your drug list included carvedilol.  After my visit with Dr. Margaret Redfield (considered by many to be the top cardilogist in the U.S.A.) at Minnesota's Mayo Clinic last year, Metoprolol was prescribed in lieu of carvedilol - you might want to discuss this with your Doc.  Those folks with low ejection fractions are susceptible to sudden cardiac arrest thus, the need for an ICD device. 

Thank you

by WB - 2018-11-12 11:27:53

Thank you for all the feeback and support. I'm scheduled for an appointment with electrophysiologist in few days. Will talk to him all about the pros and cons and most probably will get a PM/ICD in Jan/Feb after another echo.

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