CRT-D pacemaker post op

[Podgyhobbit]

Hi had a CRT-D pacemaker put in last Friday. Just looking other people’s experience of recovery and initial feelings of it.

Finding it all a bit daunting, feeling very bruised both physically and mentally.

Thanks.

[Hidden]

Dear Podgyhobbit,

A warm welcome to your first post about having your CRT-D { Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy with Defibrillator }fitted and the concerns you are experiencing .

I have had mine in since Jun 2022 and so far no problems.

I think that it took awhile to get used to the lump that it created on my chest wall, as I have very little fat there and it shows quite a lot, it was strange to be reminded of it as I shaved daily, I say it was, as now I hardly notice it.

Mine is the Colbait XT HF Quad which I believe is the newest all singing and dancing one { not to mention their largest } from Medtronic .

I have an app on my phone and have had a face to face catch up with my local rhythm team.

It has reassured me that should { when } I have another heart attack that I now have a chance of surviving it { something that would have almost been impossible without the CRT-D }

Please if I can help in anyway just ask,

There are a lot more of us than people realise.

Take care

[Etzel]

I'm closing in on a month with mine and totally understand how you feel, physical is probably the easy bit. I found that sitting up in bed, washing my hair and putting t-shirts on was the worst but even by week 1 I had worked out ways to do it all, now at week 4 the only physical thing left is feeling it under my skin. I liken it to wearing a watch done up tightly, you know it's there but ignore it.

Mentally it's hard to relate as i'm very much a c'est la vie person so can normally ignore the mental aspect and just carry on. This time though I did have a few nights sat there awake wondering what a shock would be like but that was due to them having to shock me 3 times on the table during insertion, had I not had that experience I doubt I would have worried. Again 4 weeks on and life goes on I just forget about it and sleep normally.

Think positive, you have done the hard week it's all uphill from here!

[RufusScamp]

I had one fitted over two years ago, and after the first couple of weeks I more or less forgot about it. I just have to avoid my sister's induction hob, and use my mobile in my right hand.

I expect you were told you had to contact the DVLA if you drive, and I also told the car insurance company. Remote monitoring means I have only had to make one return visit after two years.

[Hanibil]

Had mine since 2020 don’t ever think about it,, and actually forget I have it unless something reminds me.

[Swalecliffe88]

Hello Podgyhobbit. Just to say firstly hello and secondly I understand your reasons for posting. I stood in exactly in the same place as you 6 months ago and a few days after getting home from hospital. I found myself in a very unknown and anxious place. One I had not experienced before. Normally a level headed, capable and unstressed person. Give yourself some love, some treats and some tender care. it’s not a major op in real terms but I’m sure our bodies don’t see it that way. Practically if you follow the instructions about washing etc. you should heal ok and who knows if some of the odd little twinges here and there, we would have ignored normally if we didn’t have this strange device lurking in our minds and our chest. I’ve got through these first few months by thinking about what it is that is making me anxious. Take each issue in turn and either face it head on tell it it won’t win or talk it over with a friend. I concluded the major thing is not driving for 6 months or possibly longer. I can’t change that and have accepted now I will have good days and bad about it but ultimately I will get through it. You will too be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up for feeling a bit down about it sometimes. One day it may save your life and that is what is truly something to celebrate. Take Care Podgyhobbit. I’m always only a message away from lending a listening ear.