Hi, I have my third case of pericarditis since August when I had my PM implanted for a 3rd degree block........I asked the cardiologist if the pacemaker (more specifically the site where the tips are anchored) is causing this and he said it was unlikely..I have read with dual PM implantation sometimes they over screw the tips leading to recurrent pericarditis due to irritating of the pericadium as the thing irritates....He says it may be autoimmune given my history.... comments???Thanks, Cathy

 

 

Dear Justwatchme: I had my PM implanted in Oct '06. A week after my implantation, I had pericarditis. The pericarditis worsened and the doctors had to perform a pericardial window- meaning a chest tube to drain all fluid around the pericardium for 4 days. I haven't had any recurrences however. My doctors do not think it was the pacemaker - I guess it was a coincidence - which I find highly unlikely. There may have been a connection, however, to my asthma - which is autoimmune. I have had chronic asthma for 20 years and that could have irritated or damaged the pericardium. The PM implantation could have triggered the pericarditis. The doctor gave that as a suggestion, but they really don't know. All I know is that I was lucky I got myself to the doctor that night when they had to do the pericardial window. I could have had a heart attack. Other than that, I have felt wonderful with my PM. Thank God. Take care of yourself. Best wishes - Sever

 

Hi Cathy,

So sorry to hear you've had Pericarditis 3 freaken times! Lets just hope this is the last. Or could it have been the first one just flaring up for the third time??? (I'm guessing here). Have you had Xrays to determine that it has completely cleared up after each time?

I truly believe anything can happen and for the doctors to come out and say they really don't know...well, at least they're telling you the truth.

I too had pericarditis and died not once, but twice, but saved by an emergency surgery 2 days after initial implant; so I am always anxious when new members post that they have chest pain and/or shoulder pain. Perhaps I am over-reacting, but better safe than sorry is my motto; as I am constantly encouraging members to go to their doctors or to the ER when they don't feel just right. If I hadn't gone to the ER that night, I wouldn't be writing this post to you, so I've learned to always listen to my gut feelings.

And what you have read about the leads perhaps irritating the pericardium, well...that could be a possibility. In the report at the bottom of all my chest Xrays it is always noted how deep within the myocardium (?) my ventricle lead is placed...do your Xrays note anything about the placement of your leads...if you don't know...I'd be asking the doctor to find out!!!!

Well, I don't have an answer for you, but you sure do have my support.

Pookie

 

I have just gotten out of the hospital after a nine day stay. My trioponin was 1.52 and I got home to a message to hang up and calll 911. (I didn't)......My pacemekaer is firing so much!!!I have periods where i can't see any "normal" rhythym/sinus rhythym but just tons of wide complex and pacer spikes..This goes on for hours...It id tiring and creepy to feel the internal stuff. I am now on metropolol and lasix as my feet swell.....I just goat a call tonight to go get the trip checked again. It was 1.52 on admission and nine days later was still at 1.37.....I have this burning pain under my rib cage...pressure when i have been paced (or so it seems) for a long long time........Comments? thanks