Very Concerned Daughter...

Good Morning,

My father had a two-lead pacemaker (defibrillator) by Medtronic placed Tuesday, July 1st. Still today, he has a half-baseball sized swollen area, terribly large black/blue bruising over his entire left chest, pressure and more difficulty breathing when in a laying position, pain, and is losing ground.

He went to the cardiologist and was checked on the 14th. He was not the cardiologist who inserted it, but looked at a CAT scan taken on the 11th and found no blood clot, edema, but found some kind of blood area at the entry point. He said that the defibrillator was functioning properly. He said the that my father must visit the the original cardiologist who placed the unit.

The cardiologist who placed the unit was acting somewhat peculiar as to why my father was back to see him and was brought more than an hour's drive from the SNU at our local hospital. He gave my father a choice of having it replaced (removed??) or to wait two weeks and keep it iced down and be placed on antibiotics in case of a fever (no fever as yet).

The original cardiologist then said to see one of his partners in two weeks, but later called bak and required that he see my father himself in one week.

What do you think is going on here? What is best? We have no idea if the bruising/swelling/pressure/pain is normal or if it should be replaced or removed. Dad has a very, very weak heart.

Please help with ideas, suggestions or concerns.

His Loving Daughter,

Sadie Lady

3 Comments

Sadie doesn't sound right

by rayan - 2008-07-25 11:07:04

To me it sounds like he has a infection etc. I had mine done in June and had no bruising, a little swelling, but nothing of what you described. Go get second opion.
Could you take him to ER. He needs some other dr look at it. Unless he bruises easily. Best of luck to you both.

Pacemaker Problems

by SMITTY - 2008-07-25 11:07:28


Hello Sadie,

My opinion, which is really worth nothing, is that the good doctor knows he has screwed up and is concerned. However, if he has recommended the ice packs, and your father can handle the pain and discomfort, I think that is worth a try. The doctor is trying to cover his rump and if you don't follow any reasonable instructions, then he can say you are at fault for not following his instructions. However if your father develops a fever, get him to a doctor in a hurry.

Also, there is no way I would let this clown try to do a replacement.

Good luck to your father,

Smitty

concerned daughter

by cissie - 2008-07-25 11:07:34

My hubby had his ICD replaced in June and he had the swelling and bruising that you describe, he also developed a nasty infection and was on antibiotics for 2 weeks. If it were me and his doctor was not attentive to your concerns, I would take dad to the ER. Goodluck to you and your dad....Cissie

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At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!