Update- Lead, Monitor, Exercise

• by Creaky
• 2011-05-11 10:05:57
• Batteries & Leads
• 1607 views
• 0 comments

Posting this as a new thread since there are several subjects.

Lead- Well, went to the EP again today. After evaluating the xrays they felt there was no lead fracture but probably a break in the insulation on the ventricular lead. They decided to try changing the V lead sensing from bipolar to unipolar as the current might then bypass the bad area. This seemed to work so they sent me home and will do a telephone check weekly for a few weeks. I don't want to raise my hopes as I'm still getting some random skips. Fingers crossed.

Monitor- They ordered a Medtronic Carelink which can monitor the lead impedance from home. To my surprise the original Merlin monitor they gave me couldn't do that. It only showed if the PM was working. Since the PM history showed that the impedance failed 3 months ago, the right monitor would have discovered it. If you can have them provide you a Carelink, do it.

Exercise- Finally got some definitive advice from one of the EP nurses. For what it's worth, she said that almost all exercise is OK, except- weight or cardio machines because the arm motion is repetitive in the same plane of motion. This causes the lead to constantly flex in the same spot. Free weights, and anything else is OK according to that nurse.

Harry