pacemaker change

Hi

Just wondering if anyone else here is in a similar situation to me.

I was really poorly in 2002, my heart failed and i was on ICU. Dialated Cardiomyopathy was the diagnosis i was given. Leter that year i had two ablation procedures performed but to no success. I actually ended up with burns on my back - has this happened to anyone? I then had my pacemaker fitted. I work in a hospital and see my technician around quite regularly, on thw wednesday i asked when she thought i may need my pacemaker changing and she said my type of pacemaker lasts 10 - 15 years. I had my check up the day after and was told i would need it changing in the next month. Should i be worried that my pacemaker hasnt lasted as long as most?

Also, i have a huge fear of it being changed - Does anyone know exactly what they do? Im terrified :-(

2 Comments

pacemaker change

by Ladylynn - 2008-08-11 02:08:24

I had my pacemaker implanted Feb 07 and had to go in week for an EP study. EP was unable to get any reaction, so I didn't have the ablation. Anyway, they said that I could have some burns on my heart and other arteris, but they didn't mention anything about burns on my skin from the procedure. Also, my pm check said that I only had 6 years left on the battery. They said it is because mine paces continuosly and that can make a difference in battery life. As far as I have been told, they just open up the sack and remove the pm, no leads are changed unless they see a dire need. It is supposed to be a lot less stressful than the initial procedure. Good luck,
Lenna

pacemaker change/burns

by Ladylynn - 2008-08-12 07:08:43

I just got back from my EP and I asked him about the burns onyour back. He had a very strange look on his face as if really shocked. He said that the burns came from being on the table too long with constant x-rays of your body going on. Supposedly, it can happen, but he said that it was really rare and you need to make your dr aware of what happened and find out why you were on the table so long.

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