Huge Blood Clot on Pacemaker Wires

August of 2009, I had a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted.

November of 2010, my ankles were swollen and added lasix did not do the trick of reducing the swelling so an echocardiogram was ordered. In addition to it showing a weak right side of the heart (I already have a weak left side - CHF), the echo showed a huge blood clot (5.6 cm x 3.6 cm) in the right atrium of my heart, being kept stationary as it is wrapped around my pacemaker wires. I am fortunate that my right atrium has enlarged. I am being treated with Coumadin with hopes that this blood clot will dissolve, other wise surgery may be necessary. Let's go Coumadin!!!

Alan

2 Comments

Blood Clots ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-11-29 02:11:22

This is a situation you do not want to 'mess around' with. Clots cause strokes/deaths. I had my ablation/PM implant 10/09.

I had a clot in my right lower leg. A wonderful surgeon came in and removed it, I had to spend a whole week in the hospital and was put on Coumadin/Warfarin to prevent strokes/clots ~ depending on the INR blood test count.

Two weeks ago, I chose to start using a prescription for the new med instead of Warfarin. I have not had any side affects, etc. for Pradaxa (150mg/twice daily). It costs more due to it does not have a generic yet, but w/my insurance, my co-pay monthly is $50.00. Well worth to take myself off that rat poison, Coumadin/ Warfarin. Some patients can't take the new med due to reactions. My nurse said only a handful out of hundreds of their patients have rejected the new med.

The new med allows you to eat/drink anything you want in any portion. I love cranberries and spinach & loved to eat as much as I wanted during the holidays w/o fear of my INR count 'shooting up'.

Take care and good luck,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ Give Yourself a Bear Hug Today ~

Wow

by pacergirl - 2010-11-29 07:11:25

I am so glad to know you are doing ok and that the medical folks are on top of this. I am what I call a "DVT" survivor. It took weeks for my swelling to go down, but it is getting better even now, a few years later. I was left with scare tissue in my left arm. I'm working out now (a lot) and it seems to be helping with reducing the swelling that I still have. :) yay!

Good luck, I hope everything works out for you.
Pacergirl

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