I don’t know what to do!

I have a Medtronic KDR701 Pacemaker for Vasovagal Syncope (on tilt table my heart stopped for 2.5 minutes). I had it implanted when I was 21 (7.5 years ago) and have had little to no problems to date except for the general discomfort of it. This week I have experienced shocks through my shoulder and have gone to get a check up. The doctor told me I have a faulty lead but that I don’t need the ventricular lead really so he simply reduced the voltage so as it wouldn’t shock me as much and told me to come back in 6 months! I am trying to find information regarding faulty pacemaker leads and more importantly any complications associated with delaying replacement… Can anyone help me out with this information and advise me in anyway?

FYI: don’t think I’ll be staying with this doctor as I have only recently been referred

5 Comments

get another opinion.

by boatman50 - 2007-11-29 11:11:20

If I were you I would get to an EP asap. They are specialist in the field. I don't see why you should wait for 6 mos and have these problems.

Humpf

by ela-girl - 2007-11-30 05:11:43

Hi, Liv.

I'm with boatman on this one....he and I both have the VVS so...

I also pace more in my ventricles then the atria. I know we are all different even when we share the same medical conditions, but I was just thinking, "I wonder if VVS sufferers tend to pace more in the ventricles than the atria?" It was just a thought. I guess I am uncomfortable with your doc just turning the voltage down on the lead to the ventricle without any more thought given to it. Maybe you really need that lead but don't know it because it isn't working properly?!

Personally, I think it is time to jump ship, find an EP, and get a second opinion.

Let us know what happens!
ela-girl

hey there

by krycek29 - 2007-11-30 12:11:09

Hey Liv,

One thing you could do would be to find what type of leads you have implanted and do some research on the internet. I would also get a second opinion if I were you to help put your mind at ease. You could also check out the Medtronics site for info there.


I personally have an ICD implanted along with Sprint Fidelis Leads. the one I have implanted has beed recalled, however i have not had any problems so far knock on wood
hope this helps chris

hey liv

by jessie - 2007-12-01 01:12:43

i'm with ela-girl and boatman and chris get a second opinion it is your right to do this. so good luck let us know liv jessie

Questions

by ElectricFrank - 2007-12-01 04:12:12

At 7.5 years you are probably getting near end of your battery life and will need to replace the pacer as well. This would be a good time to replace the bad lead and the pacer.
I would at least question the doc as to why you need to wait 6 months for the replacements. If he has a good reason that makes sense then OK..other wise I would sure look for another one.
Reducing the voltage will certainly help the muscle jolt, but it also can affect the reliability of the ventricular pacing. I find it hard to understand why these docs will put a hold ons a needed procedure when in the beginning they emphasize our need for the pacer.

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