Pulling Leads Loose

Re Pulling leads loose

by JohnS - 2008-03-15 03:03:40

I too was very worried about pulling my lead out.
About 3 weeks post surgery I slipped and fell, caught myself with my left arm, extending my arm above my head, and put all my weight (240 lbs) on my extended left arm.
I went for a check-up and my lead had not moved.
I still kept my range of motion limited, but did not worry as much.
John S

Pulling a Lead

by OIMAPRINCESS2477 - 2008-03-15 06:03:07

I recently got my pacer 12/5/07 and about 1 week after I tripped over my lovely dog Penelope and fell catching my self with my left arm. I was concerned so I called the Dr. and they told me that I was probely okie just to come in for a check. When I went in my Dr told that they just try to scare us into believing it is really easy to pull a lead in case we are one of the few that actually do. I was okie and so was my lead. Just be careful and try not to worrie to much. Also make sure that you are moving your arm and rolling you shoulder because you dont want it to lock up on you. Which could cause a big problem in the future.

lead displacement

by CanadianKirk2 - 2008-03-15 06:03:33

I have read and also been told by a specialist (ep) that lead displacement occurs in only 1 to 2% of all pacemaker implantations.

I have also read that the best predictor of success in lead placement is the technique and experience of the doctor doing the implanting.

Unfortunately I am in that group of 1 to 2% despite all the care that I took in the days and weeks that followed my implantation in November of 2007. Actually the lead displaced while I was still in the hospital although I didn't find out about it until 9 or so days later.

I didn't realize at the time that my implanting doctor was a rookie. I am not sure if he is even a cardiologist let alone an electrophysiologist. I have a feeling he was given this specific surgical training because there are no eps in this area. I was admitted to the hospital on an emergency basis and didn't have a choice at the time. I haven't been back to him since.

I think we tend to point the blame in our own direction rather than at the true cause of our problem.

I have

by bjmcpherren - 2008-03-15 10:03:29

I've had a pacemaker for 30 years. When I got my first one at age 18 the lead kept coming out, was in surgery like 6 different times in 6 months. I have had about 4 lead replacements since and have not had any problems with that. I am 100% dependant so I could feel when the pacer was not working.
Bonnie

Not common

by boatman50 - 2008-03-15 11:03:23

I don't believe it is a commom thing, but there have been postings about it happening. Often it seems to be caused by using full arm motions way before it should be allowed. I think generally we are told to take it easy for 6 weeks before using full range of motion but some people have a bad experience and do not get those instructions from the doctor or forget them. Sometimes it could be just a quick movement caused by the reaction to a slip or fall. If you can't tell if it has happened they will be able to tell at your phone or office check, whichever comes first.
Boatman

at first

by jessie - 2008-03-15 12:03:51

at first i would have nightmares waking up terrified i had pulled a lead. at first it really scared me. i think tho it doesn't happen too too much but can happen. if you do it i am sure that you would know it jessie

Thanks Everyone!

by Crystyna - 2008-03-17 09:03:30

Thanks for everyone's comments, I feel a lot better about that now!

Lead dislodge

by Regina M - 2021-04-05 09:06:00

Thanks for the comments. That's one of my major concerns.  I'm 4 weeks post op today. Everything is going well.  No pain and I'm feeling so much better. Sleeping after the  first week has not been an issue. Tha straps over my PM are half way off. I'm tempted to put them off. But am told don't. My main fear is lead breaking. I  am constantly  worried  about it. My job of delivering  light items is fine. I and fearful of the first time I pick up anything heavy. I'm always  worried about doing something wrong and  breaking a lead. Your  comments  helped.

after a few weeks/months you will go back to normal activities

by Snake - 2021-04-05 09:22:48

I got my PM 4 years ago. I was also extremely carefull in the beginning.

I even went back for a check, because I thought my PM had moved and maybe also the leads were damaged. But it was exactly at the same place as in the beginning. Only the swelling from the surgary on my chest was gone and I could feel the PM much better.

I went swimming 2 weeks after surgery (first 4 weeks only with 1 arm) and have done so in the past 4 years, 7 days per week, 2k every day.....until the pool closed last year due to Covid :-(

I am sure you will go back to normal activities soon without thinking of the PM and leads.

Hope we can all do our normal activities soon.