New CRT-D Fitted few days ago

[Bigbrian]

Hi folks, just had a CRT-D this week and it went well, wound coming along nicely and now moving about and trying to keep my arm immobile for 6 weeks. Feel a bit “heady” as I assume there is more blood going to my brain than there has been for years.....3-6 months before full benefit should be felt so can anyone tell me how Theres went after that timeframe?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Glad to hear it went well and recovery is progressing well. I cannot comment on your query but I am sure others will either later or tomorrow.

[ajaxer]

Why would you try and keep arm immobile for 6 weeks?.I started using mine 1 day after surgery and was fully mobile after 2 weeks.A good tip for others who have a CTR/CTR-D

fitted is to take a shower after 2 days ,this loosens dressing and stops it being uncomfortable.

[not2worry]

Try pinning or sewing the left sleeve of a long sleeved shirt to the body of your shirt from the elbow up slightly under your arm pit. Do with a shirt at night as you go to bed. It will remind you not to raise your arm above your shoulder.

It’s important not to pull the leads out of place. It will take 6 weeks for them to develop scar tissue and find a permanent place in your body.

Congratulations on your new best mate.

[Bigbrian in reply to not2worry]

Thanks, good idea

[not2worry]

My hubby had a CTR implanted in September 2018.

Just be sure to keep your wound incision clean to prevent infection. Our Electrophysiologist told us it was the biggest complication he was faced with as far as his patients.

I think the first few months it was just getting adjusted to having the little computer sitting in my husband's clavicle.

You should have had an appointment with the device manager to check out how your device is working and responding to your condition. Let them know your concerns and they can adjust the device to work more effectively for you.

It took my husband about 6 months to get to the point where he didn't even know he had the device.

The CTR changed my husband's life. He is 84 and has more energy and fewer, if any, heart related issues. Things seem to be getting better and better as time marches on.

Just remember to keep away from mechanical things that can affect the efficiency of your new best mate - I'm sure they provided you with a pamphlet that outlines what machinery or magnetic devices to avoid getting closer than 12" from the little guy.

Scientific Research has benefitted us without even knowing we would need it some day.

Yours From Across the Pond