CRT-D implantation and what to expect.

@cheftom Welcome to Connect! You will soon have a CRT-D that will make you a bionic man! What symptoms have diminished the quality of your life? How did your doctor determine that you would benefit from such a device? I have a Medtronic ICD, I acquired Buddy (yes, it has a name), after a septal myectomy for HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). My lucky heart underwent the trauma of surgery resulting with an electrical complication. You have such a positive outlook and are looking forward to feeling better. Mayo at Jacksonville is a Center of Excellence (COE) and you will be receiving excellent care. Here is a link that you may like to read about your device and the upcoming events. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardiac-resynchronization-therapy/pyc-20385014. Please do keep in mind that we are all different and that is reflected in our care and how we feel during recovery. Let us know your procedure went, what tips you may have for others and how you are feeling. There is that recovery time, please listen to your body and your professional medical team to regain the stamina you look forward to having without undue complications. I just found this discussion which you may find helpful: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/resources-for-outpatients-staying-on-the-mayo-campus/

@cheftom
I see mentor has responded and asked some questions. It would help to know why you are having it to give you better response.

Now for me. I had my ICD/Pacemaker implanted in 2006. I am on my 3rd device. It is an outpatient procedure and many go that day. I always (had 3 surgeries) asked for a 24 hour watch.

Just remember it is surgery so will have some discomfort where it is implanted. And you will need to follow your surgeons instructions. I see you asked about Jacksonville. Is this Mayo? I had mine done at Mayo. If you are going to Mayo probably already have a electrophysiologist who is doing procedure. You are in good hands at Mayo Jacksonville if that is where you are going.

Yes am going to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Dr. Kella will be doing the procedure.
the reasons why are,
1. Heart Failure
2. EF of 26%
3. Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
4. LBBB
5. A markedly prolonged QRS duration
6. First - degree AV block
7. Frequent PVC's
8. On going symptoms despite medical therapy

@cheftom From your list, you underwent very thorough testing. You have learned a new vocabulary and all the acronyms related to these new words. Do ask your doctors how many people had this procedure this year, you value experience and skill, as you should. This is your precious heart! It's rare that we learn occupations of Connect discussion participants. This is off our discussion topic, but as a chef, what are your specialties? How do you address the need for specialized diets such as low sodium and low carbs?

Hello ChefTom

I did not have my surgery done at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville nor am I a chef so I cannot comment on those particular topics.
But I, too, have non ischemic cardiomyopathy. In my case, my diagnosis is Dilated Cardiomyopathy, also with LBBB, resulting in Stage 4 heart failure.
And, I have a CRT-D. A Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy device complete with a defibrillator. Out of every 100 pacemakers that are implanted, only 10 are CRTs. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for symptomatic patients with heart failure, a prolonged QRS duration, and impaired left ventricular (LV) function. I have had this device for 4 years.
A CRT, also known as a biventricular pacemaker has 3 leads (right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle). One of those leads will be, in all likelihood, a quadripolar lead. Modern biventricular pacemakers often use a single left-ventricular lead that features four separate electrodes, placed on a single pacing wire (lead) inside the heart. These four points allow your doctor to test and program up to 14 different pacing configurations in different areas of the heart to help it pump more efficiently without needing extra physical wires.

My EF, at time of implantation, was 19%. It had fallen from 31% in less than a month.
I also have ventricle tachycardia, and experienced both sustained and non-sustained episodes. I still experience them from time to time but not nearly as frequently as I used to.
I take a number of cardiac medications including Entresto and carvedilol (also known as Coreg), as well as Jardiance.
My experience with this device has been quite positive. It has greatly improved my quality of life. I have far more energy and far less shortness of breath. Climbing steep hills cause shortness of breath but day to day activities no longer do. Before receiving this device, I could hardly walk 500 feet without stopping to catch my breath. My stamina level is very good.
And I experienced these improvements fairly quickly.
If I may offer two pieces of advice: The first is to learn as much as you can about your diagnosis, including treatments and medications. It helps with appointments with your physicians. Most doctors rather like informed patients. It makes their job easier. And, two, learn as much as you can about your device and its limitations. These devices have a surprising range of adjustments that can be made to its functioning to more closely adapt to your needs.
Best wishes for your upcoming surgery. You are on a bit of a learning curve here but you will succeed.
Regards
Cottage Country

Linda, thank you so much. Sorry that I'm just responding but funny how life pulls you in multiple directions when you least expect it.
Well, I'm one month away from having the CRT-D implanted. And I can't wait. I'm ready to feel like the Bionic Man! lol
I'll be sure to keep you posted.
- @cheftom

@cheftom
Just know you are going to have your own EMS team ready to help immediately if you need it.