ICD's and cardiac resynchronization

[Momto3]

Hi everyone!

Does anyone here have any experience or knowledge about ICD's and cardiac resynchronization?  Specifically, I am wondering if anyone has had a positive effect on the EF with the implantation of a pacemaker/ICD (3 leads).

My dad recently had his pacemaker replaced with a pacemaker/ICD that is designed to synchronize both ventricles.  We're hoping it will lead to an improved EF and give him back more energy. Apparently, this sometimes happens....fingers crossed.

Thanks.

connie

[Momto3]

I was just asking my dad about the hiccuping yesterday.  He said it still happens, but not as often.  It has not affected his appetite at all.

Do you feel sick to your stomach, or is it just no appetite?

[Marty1937]

I have had a pacemaker/difib for almost a year. I developed the hiccuping in the abdomen soon after the surgery. I also developed a loss of appetite the same time. Has anyone experienced this type of after affects.  My doctors don't think it's the medication, so have ruled that out. When it stops hiccuping, I feel hungry. When I'm having it, I don't want to eat anything. They have adjusted it but have it about once a week. Anyone having the same problems?

[FLBrat]

yes, I do have the Carelink machine, but have only used it once so far.  I have to go to the clinic every six months still, so I "send" the reading every other time. It is a great thing indeed.

[Momto3]

Buddy74, Congrats on the improvement!  Sorry the Bi-V pacermaker/ICD did not improve your numbers, but glad to hear you have had some great improvement with energy and SOB!!  

Often, Your story practically mirrors my dad's with regard to the unit.  His EF was around 24% when the doctor recommended the Bi-V unit.  We're not sure if he has had any improvement in his EF, but he seems to be doing pretty well.  Lately, he has had more difficulty because of arterial blockages in his legs and hips.  He had surgery to improve the blood flow in his hips, and we're hoping his legs will benefit as a result of improvement flow to the hips. We were also told that some people have major improvment, others barely any improvement and some in the middle.  Yes, you showed them!!  That'll teach 'em we can't be lumped into some old statistic : )

Oh man, my dad also has the "hiccups" in the abdomen.  The doctor said the lead sometimes interfers with the nerve.  He can turn it off, but my dad wouldn't benefit from the synchronization then.  So, he deals with the paced abdomen and tries to move around when it kicks in.

FLBrat, My dad has some type of Medtronic device, but I'm not sure which one.  He has a unit in his house that "reads" the pacer.  That is amazing!  Do any of you have something similar?  I think it is so cool that the machine can send the data right to the doctor!  Modern medicine : )
100% functional!!  I'm jealous ; )  We are the same age and what a ride!!  hahahaha!  I can't imagine that you were so weak so as not to be able to stand in the shower, that must have been a tough time  So happy to hear you're doing much better!  Thanks for the well wishes for my dad!  I think his appointment is in a couple of weeks, and I'm hoping he has had some improvement.  He takes a lot of medication and I would love to see him be able to cut back on some of it.

Take care all!  I'm so glad that this question popped back up.  It is nice to talk to others who understand.

connie

[FLBrat]

I also had  an ICD implanted about two and a half years ago.  My device (Medtronic - InSync Maximo) is "optimized" every year.  They adjust my settings while watching my heart function via doppler.  EF from 10-12% to 36% as of October 01 this year.  My EF must be normally low or something because I feel 100% functional most of the time.  Coreg and altace are my major meds.  Lasix as needed.  Sure beats not being able to even stand long enough to shower.  Hope your Dad does as well.

[often]

I had the bi-v pacemaker / ICD implanted a little over two years ago...  at that time I had an ef of approx 20%.  My ventricles needed synchronization and I have to say that I had immediate improvement in the way I felt.  9 months later my ef was 45 - 50% and 6 months after that, >50%.  My cardio did tell me that some people have major improvement, some  very little, and most had a moderate improvement.  He expected me to be in the moderate zone.  I showed him....  :)

When I finally get in for my next interrogation, I have to have them change my settings as they adjusted them to the point that my diaphragm is getting paced...very noticeble, but harmless...so they say.

[Buddy74]

I had the resyncronization process performed in February 2006 together with a defibrillator implant. Although it did not improve my EF (still in the low twenties), it did help with my breathing. Prior to the implantation I could not walk 10 steps without shortness of breath. The SOB continues but I am able to move and breathe much better than before.
Bud

[Momto3]

I didn't get any responses regarding this quesstion.  My dad's ICD was implanted November 2006 and he just had a cardio checkup.  The doctor has been please with the results (at least by EKG), but he has yet to have his echo.  That's when we'll know if the 3rd lead is helping to improve the EF.  Has your mother noticed a hiccup feeling?  Apparently, sometimes the lead is so close to the nerve that the patient feels a sort of hiccup in the abdomen.  That's what happended with my father's 3rd lead.  Fortunately, he is pretty able to tolerate the peculiar feeling.  Generally, he can move, turn or reposition himself to get it to stop.

When did your mother get the ICD?

connie  

[amory28]

Hi Connie.  I was wondering if you ever got any response to your posting?  My mother just had an ICD placed in her and so far it has not helped her much.  She's had numerous symptoms arise after the placement and she definitely does not have more energy.