What does CRT-D device therapy feel like for you?

[edplayer]

I'm just 5 days post implant of my CRT-D and recovering nicely from the surgery. In terms of the wound healing and discomfort I am feeling better each day which is great. However, aside from the wound itself, I am very curious what sorts of new sensations, if any, others experienced after having their CRT-D implanted.

When sitting or walking slowly on the flat I feel nothing different around my heart compared to before the implant. Its like nothing changed at all. However if my heart rate rises due to going upstairs briskly or walking up a hill for a while I consistently get quite profound pulsing around my heart that does not feel natural. This is clearly the device delivering pulses. It feels a bit like someone flicking my chest with their finger moderately hard. It is not painful, but it is very distracting and more than a mere fluttering that one day I won't notice anymore.

I'd like to know if this is normal and if others experience this. I'd also like to know what type of therapy its applying when this happens. Is this the resynchronization therapy? Does that normally only switch on with a higher heart rate and if so, why? Or could it be antitachycardia pacing (ATP) kicking in?

I realise these are questions I need to put to my consultant but the next meeting is a while off and anyway I'm interest in other people's experience. What sensations if any do you experience from your device?

[3Squirrels]

Hi, I had my CRT-D implanted 2 years ago. I remember being able to feel the pacing pulses which were quite pronounced particularly on the left side of my chest where they put the left ventricle lead. At my first pacemaker clinic check they were able to dial down the strength of the pulse to the minimum needed, which instantly solved the problem. Having said that I still feel occasionally the sensation of light flicking inside my chest which is the pacing pulse. Particularly on exercise or when my heart rate increases. It’s sort of become normal and doesn’t distract me too much any more! Perhaps ring your Pacing clinic and ask their advice - they’re usually more than happy to help.

[edplayer in reply to 3Squirrels]

Thanks, 3Squirrels, that's really interesting. It sounds exactly like what I need - lower amplitude pulses. I will call them and ask them.

[Diddyd in reply to 3Squirrels]

That is exactly my experience too. Although I have a CRT-p. It is annoying but I am getting used to it now they have dialled down the impulses and it happens occasionally when walking up an incline/ stairs. Definitely ask at pacing clinic and anything else that you want to know. I found them really helpful. 😊

[edplayer in reply to Diddyd]

Thanks for that Diddyd.