broken lead

Hi - I recently had a new pacer put in in Sept., the following day I had symptoms of feeling as thou I would pass out and that my bp was dropping whenever I would raise my surgery arm to shoulder height, I called Dr. to tell them of this and they ignored it. After 20 days of feeling these symptoms they finally saw me and I was rushed in for emergency surgery as one of the LEADS WAS BROKEN. Please, if you have these symptoms make your Dr. aware that it could be the lead, don't take chances. Now it is taking me much longer to recuperate as I had two surgery's within 21 days - good luck to everyone out there with their pacemakers and a Happy Thanksgiving to you all,
Janice from NH
janicef21@myfairpoint.net

2 Comments

broken lead versus dislodged lead

by Pookie - 2009-11-19 02:11:16

I've learned anything is possible.

Not that I'm trying to "break" any records here, but...

November 2, 2004 = initial surgery for pacemaker
November 4, 2004 = ER, cardiac tamponade
November 6, 2004 = surgery to replace dislodged lead
November 9, 2004 = surgery to replace dislodged lead
April 7, 2005 = surgery to reposition migrated pacer.

Now I'm looking at the possibility of having Junctional Rhythm....which could mean being put on a beta blocker, or having a cardiac ablation, or simply adjusting the settings of the pacemaker. Gee, I hope it's the latter of the 3. Will know on December 3.

When one doesn't feel quite right after having any kind of surgery....please don't wait and talk yourself out of going to the ER....or to your cardiologist or doctor...just GO!!! If I hadn't called 9-1-1 on November 4, I would not be typing this post.

When in doubt ~ go get checked out.

Pookie



Dislodged Lead

by quilterlady - 2009-11-19 02:11:53

My lead dislodged 5 days after my first pm was implanted. I had two surgeries within 7 days. Prior to that my EP had implanted a loop recorder two weeks before my first pm. It's a longer recovery but you do get through it. Now they're trying to get it tweaked after 3 months with little luck. Good luck to you.

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

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