Replaced...again

I had my first implant a couple of years ago and then around 6 moths later I had a lead extraction/replacement because it had retracted. Both of those times I spent a night in the hospital and was sent home on pain medicine. Today I had my pacemaker relocated and both leads extracted and replaced because neither one was working properly. This time I was sent home two hours after the surgery and with no medicine. I have taken ibuprofen but am having quite a bit of pain and can't get comfortable. Has anyone else experienced this? In addition doctor said both leads came out much too easy and he thinks it is an infection. Results will be in next week. If it is an infection I will need everything removed and a course of antibiotics and then everything replaced. Has anyone experienced that? Thanks for advice.

2 Comments

No symptoms

by BriBoy01 - 2012-01-07 12:01:07

Thanks for the reply. I show no symptoms other than the loose leads which doctor said could be an indication of an infection. My main question was regarding the discomfort. Like I said this is my first time without a hospital stay and medication and am having quite a bit of discomfort at the incision and in my groin. This is also the first time anything has been inserted in my groin.

Yes

by Pookie - 2012-01-07 12:01:54

A few of our members have experienced something a bit similar - perhaps you can do a Search - upper right hand corner and type in "infection".....

I've had my pacemaker since 2004 and in November I went for my regular PM interrogation - results = ventricle lead is depleting battery at an alarming rate. EP was called into the PM Clinic; he just said to come back in February so they can do another interrogation.

I asked why this would be happening and the EP said it was either scar tissue has built up on the tip of the lead or the lead could be fractured. So, just yesterday I had an xray of my chest to check on the leads - I had to ask my family doctor for this (one would think that the EP would have suggested this back in November)...so late next week I should have the results of the xray.

My question to you is: IF your results are that you do have an infection............do you feel like you have an infection???????????????

I wish you the very best and hope that you are infection free:)

Take care and keep us posted.
Pookie

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You have a maintenance schedule just like your car.

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Do feel free to contact the manufacturer of your device. I have found them to be quite helpful when I have had questions and concerns.