CRTD... would anyone like to share?

[PrueSarn]

I'm getting a CRDT (Cardiac Resychronising Therapy Device) in March. I don't know anyone else who has one. Has anyone got time to share their experience both of getting it put in and afterwards? I'm keen but I do like info and everyone in my lovely friendly cardiac department is SO busy...

Thanks friends!

[Lezzers]

My husband has an ICD so can't help you unfortunately. But there is a closed Facebook group called ICD-crtd support uk, the name says it all and it's a really friendly group, as is this forum.

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hi

Sorry can;t help with CRTD, but I had an ICD fitted last August, and added a post describing the day - link below. The process of fitting should almost be the same, except my ICD is 2 lead and I believe CRTD is 3 lead

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

[PrueSarn in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Wow, Spiritofthe Floyd, thank you, loved your post! It's so helpful to hear the little details, you ( almost) made it sound fun. Certainly nothing to be too worried about, and, as you say, apart from the number of leads, it is just the same procedure. I am quite a calm, stoical person generally, but I know I like to feel prepared and having a better idea what to expect really helps. I'm most grateful, thanks again.

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to PrueSarn]

Yes, I'm the same, I like to know what to expect - the good bits and the not so good bits.

Actually overall it was a fun day - the nurses were brilliant.

Good luck with yours next month - you'll walk it 😊

[Hanibil]

Hi had a CRT-D implant May last year, procedure took probably about an hour left with a scar approximately 3 inches long can’t remember suffering any pain. I honestly forget I even have one unless I spot it in the mirror, as for results I was told by a cardiologist last Tuesday that my heart had greatly improved. So no regrets whatever.

[PrueSarn in reply to Hanibil]

Thank you Hanibal, that's very encouraging. I love that you forget you have one....looking forward to that!

[MissisF]

Hi. Everyone’s experience is different. My husband has a crtd. He was a day patient. Painful for a day or so & his is above muscle. It protrudes quite a lot (he’s very thin!). It took him a while to get used to it as he couldn’t forget about it because it was so prominent, but after a year or so he did get used to it. They are wonderful things really. Very reassuring for me at least 😊. He has a bedside monitor & goes for a check every year. No problems with the device & his check last week showed a battery life of 10 years🙏🏻

[PrueSarn in reply to MissisF]

Thanks for your reply to my post MissisF, just shows how different our experiences are with same condition and medical intervention. Sounded like a struggle for your husband, but worth it for the result. And it's really important for everyone, isn't it, not having that worry of " what-if"...glad you are both benefitting in different ways! Thanks again

[CRTD]

Hi PrueSam

I have had a CRT-D for about 2 years. My experience having it fitted wasn't great as they struggled to get the 3rd lead behind my ribs plus mine is under muscle which means it hardly shows. Took about 3 and a half hours to fit and was pretty uncomfortable with horrendous bruising to my breast area for a couple of weeks.

All worth it though as my EF improved from low 20s to low 40s ( alongside drug therapy) and I don't even notice it's there these days. I have a bedside monitor and it does full download every 3 months to clinic. Also gives peace of mind.

All the best for the future

[PrueSarn in reply to CRTD]

Thank you, CRTD , for replying. How encouraging, I mean , no one looks forward to any kind of surgery, we just know we need it, but when it's not straightforward, and painful as you described, you could wonder if it was the right move....so pleased to hear what an improvement you saw in your EF and that you feel it was worth the difficult experience. I'm very aware that outcomes are very different for different people, but I also have a low EF andyour story really encourages me, thanks!

[Bigbrian]

Hi

I had one fitted 7 weeks ago and I am now back at work full time. Operation took about 90 minutes and now I have a scar about 3 inches long. Hardly notice it now, and device sits just under my collarbone and is unobtrusive.

I have had it optimised twice now, reprogrammed if you like and feel good. I can feel it making a huge difference and I am back to more than normal, as in I had felt bad for years, maybe decades and put it down to ageing, shift work , unfit etc, but it was my heart not beating in sync.

Ejection fraction up from 30% to 40% in those 7 weeks , still taking world class meds but looking forward to it getting ever better as my heart continues to recover it’s pumping function. You will be fine.

[PrueSarn in reply to Bigbrian]

Thanks Bigbrian, gosh, only 7 weeks ago! And you're back at work too...that's fantastic. Well, now I'm really looking forward to it...kind of! Glad to hear you feel so well, keep it up.

Thanks everyone who replied, I feel very encouraged and like I know roughly what will happen, which was just what I needed!