CRT-D fitted next week

[Aurora0]

I am having my CRT-D fitted by local anaesthetic next Tuesday and am very nervous about it. Any advice please for before, during and afterwards to help.

[RufusScamp]

I had it done late last year. Like you I was very nervous beforehand, but it wasn't too bad. Read the available literature, plenty on the BHF website, ask questions when you get the chance.I was offered a sedative which I accepted, and I am sure that helped me and the team as I was more relaxed. The procedure was nothing like as bad as I feared,the local anaesthetic was very effective.

They kept me in overnight to do an x-ray and to check the device was working.

It was a bit painful for a couple of days afterwards, but paracetamol dealt with it.

Take clothes you can get into easily, as you need to avoid raising your left arm for a few days.

If you are the chief cook and bottle-washer, make sure you have some easy meals for the first couple of days in case you don't feel like cooking.

If you drive, you should not drive for a week or so afterwards, and need to inform the DVLA.

It is natural to worry, but you should feel a lot better afterwards, so it's all worth it. All the best, hope it goes well!

👍

[Aurora0 in reply to RufusScamp]

Thanks having surgery with just a local anaesthetic is scary but I will definitely have the sedation

[Annaelizabeth in reply to Aurora0]

I am sure the fitting of the CRT will go well, just want it to keep 'going well'! I am having mine fitted next week and probably feel exactly the same as you do. The very best of wishes for the procedure and the outcome.

[Aurora0 in reply to Annaelizabeth]

All the best to you also, I am sure the outcome will be good for both of us x

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Hi. I had my CRT-D fitted about 8 years ago, also under local anaesthetic. The sedation was much stronger than I had expected, so I really had very little awareness of what was going on for most of the time. I stayed in hospital for one night and then home. I found it took quite a long time for the device to become entirely comfortable. I couldn't sleep comfortably on my left side for 6-12 months after it was fitted and I felt occasional twinges if I moved in certain ways, but nothing too bad. It did settle down eventually though and for a long time now I've hardly been aware of its presence. My symptoms and heart function improved shortly after getting it too, so definitely worth a bit of uncertainty and discomfort! I was told not to raise my left arm above shoulder height for at least six weeks to make sure the leads would not detach, but I think the guidance for that has changed since then, so perhaps RufusScamp's account is more reliable there. The biggest challenge for me was coming to terms with the whole thing emotionally and I felt very anxious about the ICD part of it for a good six months after getting it, but I did come to terms with that eventually and now love my device. If the ICD side is something you are anxious about, I can send you a list of links to other posts and comments from people who've had an ICD fitted, just let me know. Most people are very positive about it. Hope all goes well for you and that you experience positive outcomes. I'm so glad to have mine!

[Aurora0]

I am mostly worrying about having the procedure under local anaesthetic and pain levels but having little awareness sounds perfect. This time next week I will probably wonder what I was so concerned about and looking forward to feeling better. Thanks for your experience it’s reassuring x