Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Pacemaker

My battery went into ERI mode two weeks ago so today was the day to get my device replaced. I'm 43, 100% pacemaker dependent, have had a pacer since 1982, my leads are 29 years old, my ejection fraction is in the mid 40's, which is typically where it's been most of my life. My doctor threw me a curveball literally 5 minutes before I was to be wheeled back to the operating room. He discussed my EF and how it may be beneficial to add a third lead to synchronize my heart rhythm.  
 

Lo and behold, after praying about it for a few minutes with my family, I decided if it was best for my long term quality of life than we might as well do it. Surgery went great! Medtronic rep was giddy about the way the surgery went. First he said since my leads were so old, the third lead was a good insurance policy in case one of the other leads ever fractured or dropped in performance. He did a side by side of EKGs from my old pacer to the new and he was pumped about how tight and crisp the new device's EKG looked. 
 

Anyone else go from the conventional two wire to a CRT device? If so, let me know your thoughts and experience with it. Was there a noticeable difference in your energy level?  I'm an active guy so that played a big role in deciding to go through with it. Thanks in advance.

7 Comments

CRT pacemaker

by Aberdeen - 2022-08-23 05:00:35

I had my dual lead pacemaker changed to a CRT pacemaker just over 2 years ago. 
Mine is a long story (you can look up my pacemaker journey). My ef increased dramatically. I had a blip recently when my right leads failed and were draining my battery and my left lead kept me going until these leads were replaced.

Good luck - and I wish you a very good outcome!

Great News

by Good Dog - 2022-08-23 07:38:18

Just want to let you know that I am really happy to hear the good news! It would be great if you stop back here after your next echo to let us know how much your EF improved. Actually, you may not have to wait for your echo. You might know as soon as you are active again! If you are training for a marathon, that is all we'll need to know!

Congrat's! You can expect to have a very long and happy/healthy life ahead of you!

Sincerely,

Dave

Fellow CRT wearer

by Lavender - 2022-08-23 09:34:15

I have had three leads since day one of my pacemaker.  It improved my ejection fraction to normal. 

Love your family group prayer before surgery!

Gosh here you are posting day of surgery! You're raring to go!

CRT - ef

by Aberdeen - 2022-08-23 09:39:22

Thank you, Dave.

My CRT was about 35% and increased to around 55%.I am glad it has worked for you too Lavender.

Good luck - Johnny!

Aberdeen

by Good Dog - 2022-08-23 16:05:47

From 35 to 55...wow! That is kinda like getting a new heart!

It just doesn't get any better than that!

 

Dave

Great to hear

by jonnypacker - 2022-08-23 18:08:07

Great to hear of the increased EF! Praying I experience the same. Day after surgery, feeling a bit sore but my adrenaline is through the roof. LOL! Always awesome having a fresh new device!

not a "full" member yet...

by FG - 2022-08-23 19:22:35

But I wanted to say Great! Positive results are what we all want. I will pray for you and hope the CRT just makes it all good again! 

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