Pacemaker Site Repair

After two months of No PM on my left side after three replacements now I have new leads and PM on my right side. There was a lot of scar tissue and a puffy pouch from irritation which was partially repaired when my PM was removed. There were also questions as to Alergy, Infection or Irritation as the site showed erosion.

The operation removal of PM leaving the leads in still left the infection question. Tests showed negative. Now after a couple of months and an AF episode another Cardiologist did my right chest with another implant. Everything great but my new Dr. feels like he wants to clean up the mess on my left side. My old site is a mess, leads doubled up in old pouch, one lead has a sharp small loop bulging under skin. The operation would involve cleaning up more scar tissue, cutting of excess
leads and re-capping.

NOW, I've been real fortunate not having an infection problem but It's my decision to leave well enough alone, maybe wear a nice padded ladies bra, or make my Cardiologist happy. Forgot to mention, almost 17 years on the old site. Anyone out there with ideas? Thank You!!! Don

3 Comments

Sounds klike a repeat of my situation

by truenorth - 2009-02-18 07:02:25

I had an old pacemaker last year about to break through the skin, so they removed it, leaving the old lead in place, and put it on the other side.

The result: a few months later, I have a serious staph infection: it took a few months to manifest itself.

So if I were you, I'd have EVERY bit of old lead removed as soon as possible.

Sounds like a repeat

by donb - 2009-02-18 09:02:41

Hi neighbor!
Did I ever get a surprise, you're response led me to your postings and very word for word is exactly what I've been through. I have so many questions I'll have to post you some more. I went to Ann Arbor for opinion after my PM removal and he also suggested not to risk
leaving leads in. My leads were put in initially in 1992 also and have checked out the risks. Did you ever get a concrete answer what started you're erosion?

You're description in posting was exactly like mine. When the little dark (bruise) appeared I had the PM removal. Weeks of worry about Staff and now new implant almost two weeks ago. Did you have any tests to show how much tissue growth between leads and artery? I'm not too happy with the guessing game as what the erosion cause was. These after surgery infections that pop up are scarry!! Thank you for posting and I'll keep in touch. Don

I'm really sorry

by donb - 2009-02-18 10:02:47

Just went back and re-read your other last posting and went into shock, here you're on portable IV and I really felt for you. I really hope all goes well and don't let my small problem worry you. Ya, I've picked up the bowel infection C-Diff again just like I had with my 4.5 hour lamenectomy back surgery in 2000. My Cardiologist put me on Cipro a week before, during hosp stay and a week after Only goes to show like in you're case Staff will still sneak around. Like you said, have those leads out! Thank you, Thank you!! Don

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