I had a Medtronic 3 wire CRT-D implanted in February 2020, I don't notice now unless I rub my hand over the area or look for it in the mirror, the scare is now slight.Only two of the wires are active the third isn't because my QR gap narrowed, it's there ready for the day when my QR gap widens. My device is just pacing at the moment and thankfully never had the provide a shock but it's there as my personal paramedic. I'm glad I had the procedure it's given me the confidence to travel long haul and see place's I would otherwise never risk travelling to with my condition. Good luck.
My background is very similar to yours. Over the last 10 years I had 2 ablations for VT at Oxford. I then carried on a normal life till I had a Syncope 12 months ago. After a multitude of tests I ended up in the Oxford heart hospital. The consultant came round and sat on my bed to explain that i have had an episode of abnormal heart beats which resulted in my loss of consciousness . He recomended I have an ICT_D fitted as it would save may life if this happened again and it was the only treatment that would allow me to drive again. (After 6 months ). This was done 2 day later and after the recovery I am back living a normal life'
The CRT-D does not cause me problems and most of the time I do not think about it.
I keep a record of my blood pressure and heart rate and the pulse is between 60 and 77
I have no trouble sleeping on either side and see no reason why you could not go swimming. other than you have to keep you arm below shoulder level till the 3 leads become embeded in tissue. I think that was 6 weeks.
Looking back I think that my little friend has saved my life as it makes my heart pump better and intervenes if or when I get more VT. The shock only happens as a lst resort and so far this has not happened. I am aware this is a very worrying time and all I would say is I am very please to have my CRT-D I am back to a relatively normal life which is what most in our position want. So I wish you well and a long and happy future.
Hi, first of all we are all different so we can only tell you our experiences. I’ve had a CRT-D Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Defibrillator implanted for 18 months and although it wasn’t AF I had 34,000 extra ectopic beats with Bigeminy Arrhythmia that were making me feel quite ill. Ablations were mentioned to me and I didn’t like the thought of having that when he said the end result would still be to have a CRT-D fitted anyway. I’m a slim 65 year old lady and wasn’t too keen on having a device showing so I’ve just adapted what I wear that doesn’t show it. After all the swelling goes down which took quite a few months I don’t know it’s there now! I would definitely say have it done it has saved my life and I’m so grateful for it. Hope you go on ok let us know. Joy x
You can sleep on your left side after probably a year as it felt just a bit uncomfortable before then but I also have lots of pillows so I’m propped up a bit as well I don’t lie flat. Had to swap my induction hob for a different one and my Apple Watch on my right arm and you have to stay away from magnetic fields. They give you a special plastic card with all the details on so you can show it at airports as you won’t be able to go through the magnetic scanner machines. I was told I would only live probably a year without the device and if I have it probably 10 years plus so I had no choice. I was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. My ejection fraction was 35 and last time I had an echocardiogram it went up to 45 which is fantastic. Had the genes test but came back that I didn’t have that gene but it could still be that as they can’t test every gene so family still have to be cautious. I feel so much better mentally and physically since I had the CRT-D and back to my normal self. Let us know how you get on all the best. X
I have a CRT-D fitted and I have both the above you mentioned but I have dilated cardiomyopathy. I also had both my CRT-P and D fitted the same place you’re having yours done with no problems, the latter fitted 6 yrs ago. In fact I felt well taken care of by them. Now I don’t really remember I have one fitted. Twice a year I have mine checked, once in person and once remotely. They are very good at answering any questions you have.
I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, permanent AFib with VT and on August 11th 2021 had a CRT-d implanted. Initially after the adjustment period the CRT-d never bothered me. However, January of 2022 I became quite ill and lost a lot of weight. The CRT-d unit was so close to popping through it was decided to put the implanted unit under some muscle. It's hardly noticeable and much better protected. I have no discomfort in and around the area. And wonder why that wasn't done straight away?
Perhaps they would tuck it under the muscle right away?? Might be worth a discussion.
I'm waiting for a AV node ablation in the new year as all the medications I've tried don't hold the heart rate down slow enough. Apparently I'm a good candidate for the AV node ablation because of the CRT-d. 2 leads if by chance one lead malfunctions the other one will keep me going.
Hopefully this is of some help to you. All the best with your heart health adventures.
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Looking for some hope!
CRT-d 
Going through tests, really really worried and would like some support and advice please?
