time for replacement?

Hello Everyone,
I have a very old pm (16 years) that I rarely, if ever, use since an ablation 10 years ago. I was diagnosed with sinus node dysfunction when I was 9 (I'm 28 now) and had the pm implanted when I was 11. Anyway, I've been having some strange heart symptoms for about 6 months. After several doc appointments and a month long event monitor, I finally got a call from the doc yesterday that a monthy phone check detected that my pm is pacing my heart pretty much whenever it feels like it, and that its a good sign that its going to need to come out.

So here is my question and where I need some advice. I need to decide if I want it replaced or removed. AND the cardiologist that I have been seeing since I was 9 is away for a year, and so I don't even have her to turn to for advice.

So far I'm leaning towards replacement, mostly for peace of mind, if the condition were to ever return. But I also know there are plenty of risks associated with a replacement. I don't know life without a pacemaker, I've had one for so long, its just a tough decision to make.

I see the doc for more tests on Monday, so hopefully I'll know more then. But I appreciate any advice or thoughts!!! Oh, and can someone give me some more details on replacement surgery?? Time out of work, inpatient or outpatient?? Thanks so much!

-Patti

3 Comments

replace

by Tracey_E - 2008-12-21 06:12:38

I'd get it just to be on the safe side, better to have it and rarely use it than need it and not have it. You've got the leads and the pocket, that's the hard part of an implant. I've had three replacements now. They go in the same place they did the first time, so they're not making a new pocket or cutting into new tissue. If I get an early appointment, I'm home and fixing my own lunch. Fast procedure, fast recovery.

Replacement PM

by SMITTY - 2008-12-21 12:12:57

Hi Patti,

I agree you do have a tough decision to make. However, sixteen years with the same pacemaker indicates that it does not have to do much work other than monitoring your heart rhythm, or the battery would have played out long before now. On the other hand, that PM has been a very comfortable security blanket for you over the years.

So without a lot of pointless gibberish, I say get the replacement. You know the pluses and minuses of having a pacemaker so there will be nothing new for you along that line. But the main thing is you will not be consciously, or unconsciously, monitoring every heart beat and when there is any kind of abnormal beat you want have to wonder "should I have gotten that pacemaker?"

As for replacement time it will probably be an overnight stay, but depending on the doctor, if could be outpatient. It will take a little longer to do a replacement because they will have to remove the old one first. It is possible they can use the same lead(s), but I would not be surprised if it was necessary to put in new ones. However, that should not complicate your surgery.

I guess to me, in your case, the most important thing is your peace of mind. I think peace of mind from that new pacemaker will be of greater value than the assist it will be providing to maintain a good heart rhythm.

The ironic part of my comment is that I never thought I would see the day that I would suggest that someone get a pacemaker that may or may not be necessary. I've had one for 8+ years (it was implanted at age 71) and few days have gone by that I haven't cursed the thing. But to be honest with myself, if I were told tomorrow that I needed a new one, I probably accept the recommendation and get anew one. Hate them or love them, they do provide a certian amount of comfort, if not for me, then for my family.

I wish you the best,

Smitty

Thank you

by PattiAnn237 - 2008-12-26 01:12:08

Thank you both for your advice. I see the doc again next week, and come up with a plan then. Thanks again!

-Patti

You know you're wired when...

Your signature looks like an EKG.

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Hi, I am 47 and have had a pacemaker for 7 months and I’m doing great with it.