CRT-D Journey!

[Slidingdoors99]

Well, it’s been two weeks today, so just a little feed back to those lovely people who wished me well and who asked me to say how it went etc.

All went well. Two leads in the end, no pain at all during the procedure (everything seems to be called a procedure these days, have you noticed that?😂)

I was in less of a dream like state than when I was previously sedated and was talking a little.

It took just after two and a half hours and they kept me in overnight.

I had a reaction to the sedation and needed to go to the bathroom because of feeling sick six times during the night, which wasn’t great!

I have been doing the exercises every day as I really don’t want to get a frozen shoulder.

Below my collar bone is not very pretty. Lots of bruising and the incision site still hurts quite a bit although less each day.

Trying to get used to the way it feels and looks. Being twice the size of a pacemaker it was always going to be lumpy and feel strange but then I expected that.

Made a big mistake and used my left arm to hang up my dressing gown and raised my left arm above my head on day 8 but I was ok.

I have an app on my phone rather than a plug in monitor!

Friends and family have been really great but I have felt a bit stir crazy at times!

No date yet for my AV node ablation.

I’m very glad and grateful that that part is over with!

☺️

[HollieAdmin Administrator AF Association]

Hello,

Thank you for your post and for sharing an update. I am pleased to hear that the procedure went well and I am sure other members will be too.

Please do continue to listen to your body and be kind to yourself as this is important in aiding recovery.

If you would like any support, advice or information, please do reach out to our Patient Services Team via Patient Helpline or via email, please visit: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

We are always here if you need us.

Kind regards,

HollieAdmin

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to HollieAdmin]

That’s very kind of you Hollie in Admin. Thank you.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to HollieAdmin]

PS I have just sent an email. ☺️

[Mugsy15]

May I ask what you've had fitted?

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Mugsy15]

It’s called a CRT-D device. It’s a defibrillator and pacemaker combined!

[Mugsy15 in reply to Slidingdoors99]

I never stop learning on here.

[Sixtychick]

Glad it went ok.Good luck for the ablation, when you get it.

[Lymolass]

Hello

I am almost three weeks post procedure and the swelling and bruising have gone down a lot, no problems washing my hair as long as don’t raise arm too much. Difficult to remember not to use it as it all feels quite normal.

I have a plug in monitor by the side of the bed which is annoying as the light is quite bright and they’ve obviously programmed it so that it communicates during the night, when it flashes. Jealous of your app - maybe they/ ve given me older tech as I’m an older lady so not impressed if that’s the case as I think I’m pretty clued up generally!

Have an appointment to go back and get pacemaker checked in early April but don’t yet know when the ablation will happen.

Would like to get it over with as have severe COPD which limits activity and am really hoping all this will help my breathing.

Carry on healing!

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Lymolass]

Hi! I don’t think that it’s an age thing, but think it’s more likely that you have the pacemaker and I have a device which is both a pacemaker and an ICD… Oh lucky me! 🙄

[KipperJohn]

Found your post very interesting and informative, particularly as I’ve been on the waiting list for a CRT-D since August 24.. May I ask the reason for your implant? I have heart failure and permanent AF, with left bundle branch block, severe LVST with reduced ejection fraction <30%.

Good luck with the rest of your recovery and I hope it makes a positive difference.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to KipperJohn]

Hi John. I have permanent AFib, HCM and episodes of V.Tach. 😩

Thank you for your well wishes.