ICD PULLED OUT OF SOCKET

Hello, Everyone!

I am new to this site and actually found when I googled my problem. I have a pm/difib and have had since Sept 2005. I collapsed on my honeymoon and was told that I had Long Q-T syndrome. (We were at a restaurant preparing to go over the bridge for the Keys when I died, caused by my fear of the bridge)!

I have 2 problems (well, more then that, but I am not here to discuss those ;) ). I work as a CNA (Certified Nurse's Aide) and a few months ago, as I was pulling up a patient in bed, I had a pain in my shoulder. I complained of pain in the pm/difib site and I was told: That there was amuscle there! A few months later (still in pain the whole time), we discovered at my Dr. appointment that the difib had been ripped out and it now it was down to my breast. Dr's wont put it back until my first surgery to replace the battery. my problem is that it hurts. My employer could care less and I have to deal w/ this for another 2 1/2 years. Has this ever happened to anyone else.

Also, I am having knee surgery on the 7th and Gallbladder surgery on the 19th. The surgeon for the Gallbladder has informed that they have to shut off the difibulator, but not the knee surgery. Ok, I am scared now. Anyone have to go through that too.

Thanks a million!

6 Comments

Cathryn is right!

by Swedeheart - 2008-05-04 01:05:52

5Lives,

I totally agree with CathrynB! You may have years left on your device before replacement... you shouldn't have to live in pain. If your doctor won't repair the pacemaker placement, find another who will!

Please, be sure that all the leads are working properly and that you are confident that the surgeon will do a good job. And, if they move it back, find out why it dislodged so easily. Some brands have a little "eye" on the pacemaker that can be stitched into place. I believe mine does. (Medtronic)

Good luck!

Swedeheart

device migration

by Pacemaker_pal - 2008-05-04 02:05:34

devices due to their weight and that they are not sewen in place means that they migrate. They oftern head south and especialy in women as their tissue is softer. As the device migrates it is oftern painful as it pushing through the layers of tissue. Oftern the device finds a place where it will stay 9so it woun't end up near your toes!). If it has migrate recently give it some time for the tissue to heal. sometimes devices migrate on and off.

As long as the leads are Ok it means that it has not dragged the leads and discplaced them. re-siting a devices comes with risks including infection. if you do opt for a re-site then discuss having it buried under the muscle (SUB PEC) so that this is less likely to happen again (most devices ar under the skin).

Also you device is listening to the eletrics in te heart. electrics used in surgery including diathermy will cause interferenece and your pacemekr/defib ma see this as VF. The further away the surgery is from your the device the less likely it is that the device will pick up electrical noise from equipment used in the surgery, therefore your knee op des not require you to have your ppm/defib turned off

Hope that helps

Question..

by turboz24 - 2008-05-04 06:05:28

"devices due to their weight and that they are not sewen in place means that they migrate"

Mine is sewen in place, so not sure why your wasn't.

My experience

by roy haycock - 2008-05-14 01:05:13

I have had two major op's since my last ICD implant, both under general anaesthetic during which my ICD was swithed off. However , do not worry because there is a technician present who will switch it back on should it be necessary and this will not cause any problem for the other procedures .
Best Wishes

UNPLUGGED TOO

by luv_myheart - 2010-12-25 12:12:31

Yea, I have a total thyroidectomy coming up on Jan 7, 11 and read that my ICD has to be turned off too. I am freaking out and wondering what is going to happen me? My battery is dying too and will need a new ICD soon. Thanks Roy for you post. You have eased my mind a bit. I just get frustrated because there's ALWAYS something when it rains...well you know the rest! Have a Merry Holiday all. Thanks for keeping me SANE!

5LivesLeft

by luv_myheart - 2010-12-25 12:12:47

my ICD leads ripped out within 3 weeks and it kept shocking my left side no pain, it just felt like my shoulder and chest had hiccups. When I got it checked the docs said that the leads wound around each other into a ball. Jeez, safe to say that my replacement has been way better. It's 4 years now and all seems to be well

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.