Anybody had a CRT pacemaker fitted to correct left bundle branch block?

[AFCyclist]

I am interested in any experience you have had and did the heart successfully remodel itself to the new method of pacing? I have had LBBB for at least 21 years and I am now being advised to have a CRT pacemaker as I still get odd bouts of AF. My quality of life is still good and I am a regular cyclist and can stop the AF when it occurs. I am a 71 year old male. I am hesitant about having a pacemaker at the current time as I do not want to risk what is a good QOL. Any advice welcome.

[CDreamer]

I had ReSynchronisation Pacemaker inserted (which I assume is what you mean?). Sept 2018 under a local anaesthetic, I had developed some indications of LBBB and experienced very symptomatic Af episodes every other day to the point that life was becoming intolerable so I was advised that the only option for symptomatic relief left to me at this point, cannot take any heart drugs, was AV node ablation.

Risks:- main one infection at the site of the wound; the LV lead detaching so having to be replaced - which happened to me.

From the moment the PM was inserted I felt much less symptomatic.

Experience - unfortunately the LV lead was not placed appropriately and gave me an extreme form of hiccups and diaphragmatic contractions which were most unsettling so the LV lead was disconnected. I learned later this was operator error so choose your surgeon well!

After a review & revision, under LA + Paracetamol, the LV lead was placed correctly and life quality improved another notch. Interesting that as soon as the PM was removed for review - I went straight back into AF.

Following a rather difficult procedure to replace the LV lead and programme the PM correctly for me, which happened June this year - 1 episode of mildly symptomatic AF so I cancelled the AV node ablation.

For me - CRT has been to date the best option for my very symptomatic AF as there would have been no way I could have contemplated getting on a bike so sold mine, whereas now I am sort of thinking that could have been a rash move? Whatever, it would have to be an electric model now because of other conditions.

Hope that helps.

[AFCyclist in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for your comments. My concerns are that as my heart has been used to LBBB pacing for at least 21 years, how will it cope with a change in pacing regime? Secondly I assume CRT pacing is permanent and that my heart will stop doing pacing itself and I am concerned about being totally reliant on the pacemaker, with no going back.