Nervous
I have a pacemaker since I was 24, in the past 11 years I have upgraded to a pace/defib. I am fully dependent on the pacemaker. August of 09 I had a recall on a lead, and replaced in that month. Dec. of 09 the lead came loose, 3 hours of struggling in a hospital until a became stable. It was replaced. I spent many months of restless nights waiting for that night to repeat. Now I must go back and have the new lead removed and replaced because in it is reading my T wave as a heart beat and the pacemaker is lowering my rate. I am tired and winded when I try to do things. I am 39, three great kids and nervous as ^$$% to get the surgery, I know it will help but what happen before is always in the back of my mind.
1 Comments
You know you're wired when...
Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.
Member Quotes
As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
You need a second opinion
by heartdoc - 2011-01-21 06:01:48
I find it hard to believe that a modern device could not be programmed to recognize a T-wave for what it is (but although I implant pacemakers, I am not an expert in difibs).
But in any case, you should be sure you are getting the best advice. Lead removal and replacement can be risky, and complications are common. And the fact that you have a defib suggests you may actually need a biventricular device.