Rejection

I am new to this site but have had an ICD since 11/2006. I have LQTS type 2 and Bradycardia. In 12/2008 I had to have my leads extracted due to breakage. I was just told that it appears that my body is rejecting the new leads. I have tried to research this online but have not found any helpful information. I was told by my cardiologist that if my body does reject the leads they will have to place pads on the outside of my heart. Has anyone else been told this? Does anyone else have a similar experience?

2 Comments

I understand

by tsimbrow - 2010-11-09 07:11:28

Hi,
Just so that you know. I have had completely the same experience as you. I had a pacemaker in in 2000 for almost 1 month and then had to have it out due to infection and when they went in they found that i had rejected the leads and it wasn't working properly which is why I started having other types of rhythms. I was offered another pacer 5 years ago at which time I refused because of my fear of going through all of what I went through the first time and also the concern about rejecting the leads. It was decided that since for now it's bradycardia that I'm dealing with they would try meds. They did discuss the possiblility of external pacing, but didn't think it would be good for me. I have been on the medication for 5 years and it has worked for me although I don't feel as much of an effect as I used to so it may have to be changed.
You could ask your doctor about medications or if there is another option. If you want you can personally email me or leave me a personal message and we can stay in touch. I want to know mroe about you. Just to be fair, I'm also a nurse and can help you find out info if you want.

Rejection

by JoFosqk226 - 2010-11-09 08:11:19

I know exactly what you are experiencing! I have also posted about having the same trouble. I have prolonged Q-T syndrome. My first implant was in 2006, and the leeds broke. I had the replacements in 2008, and then those broke. I had them replaced this past march (2010) and it seems as though they are in the process of fracturing again. To be quite honest, the process sucks. I also have looked online for information and came up short. I asked my electro and he couldn't give me a definite answer. Unfortunately, the more times my leeds are replaced, the more scar tissue builds up. The more scar tissue that builds up, the harder the leeds are to extract and replace, making the surgery quite a bit more dangerous. It's not that my doctor hasn't tried to explain it to me, it's that he is unsure of why it happens. The process is hard to deal with, especially since the reason is unknown. Just know that you are not alone, and I am glad that you joined this site because it has helped me deal with a lot! Best of luck to you, if you want to ask more just write me a message. Keep posting!

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