Dual lead PM and twitching

Hi folks

Had a dual lead PM put in 3 months ago, having had a single lead PM for a number of years. Have since had some major twitching problems caused by the new second lead and had to have it switched off a month ago ( the 2nd lead that is ). Sometimes they are able to tweak the PM to prevent the twitching but that hasn't worked with me.
I was told they might have to open up the PM site again and try to relocate the second lead. I have had new valves, AV node ablated and now have feart failure. Having the second lead switched off means my condition is deteriorating again quite rapidly. Still haven't heard anything from the hospital about when I might be going in again to get this sorted, despite numerous calls from me.
Has anyone else experienced this problem and if so any advice..words of comfort.
Apart from the twitching was getting on great...felt so much better.

3 Comments

Twitching

by ElectricFrank - 2009-02-23 11:02:08

A common cause of muscle twitching is that the pacemaker has defaulted to what is called monopolar mode. This only happens when a lead has failed in some way. Often insurance expects the surgeon to correct problems like this on "warranty" for a certain length of time after the implant. So the docs will delay the fixup until they get paid again for it. I can understand their problem, but you need it for full operation of the pacer.

My suggestion is to keep after them until they do something. I can understand your maybe not wanting another surgery, but as you said you felt so much better.

good luck,

frank

Now in hospital

by Maricarmen - 2009-02-25 03:02:21

MariCarmen is now in hospital after being take quite poorly yesterday because of the second lead being switched off. Clearly, almost 5 weeks without the second lead has left her heart failure to its own devices and her condition has worsened. She's at a heart hospital here in England, was transferred there last night so fingers crossed something will be done. I am her partner. Apparently they want to monitor her again with the lead switched back on but I can't see the point...we know there's a problem because it first kicked off when the new PM was being put in, just a few months ago. They must have tried 10 times now with the computer equipment to stop the twitching. We were under the impression when the 2nd lead was switched off that next time, ie 5 weeks ago...she would immediately be checked in for relocation of the lead etc. She's not that bothered about more surgery as long as she gets sorted. She was very poorly yesterday. I am going over to the hospital shortly.

PM reprogrammed

by Maricarmen - 2009-02-26 03:02:55

Hi again
Her PM has now been re-programmed. A technician from Guidant was there to help sort it and they believe they have found a different setting that should rule out further twitching..so it's a case of wait and see. It usually shows up when in the car and so the 2 hour journey home, probably tomorrow, will be the real test. They have promised that if it doesn't work, she will be taken in again immediately to have the lead re-located...so she's much happier now with that guarantee.
Fingers and toes crossed.

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