lead healing process

Hi everyone. My ICD is doing a good job so far, but I unfortunately have to go through the procedure again next Friday to reset one of the leads in my heart (the atrial lead has lost most of the connection voltage). The doctors say it wasn't due to anything I did... the lead just didn't settle in the position it was placed.
I'm looking for some advice about the recovery process.
- I have been very careful not to lift my elbow above shoulder height.
- I have also been very careful not to lift heavy object with my left hand.
Should I also limit my heart rate for the first 4-6 weeks? If I walk on a treadmill am I compromising my recovery?? I want to be active but I don't want to put myself at risk for doing this a THIRD time!

2 Comments

So sorry

by wenditt - 2009-09-17 09:09:04

Bodhi,
That just sounds awful...so sorry to hear. At least it wasn't anything you did. Since the dr told you that I am thinking that doing whatever you did before should be fine. Remember....you didn't do this....just a faulty fishing line!

I would skip the treadmill unless ok'd by the dr. I was told I could go on strolls to get fresh air but nothing too crazy. There are much more experienced people on the site than me....hopefully they will answer you soon.

Best of luck-
Wenditt

Lead connection

by ElectricFrank - 2009-09-18 01:09:04

A faulty lead impedance or pacing voltage requirement is more an indication of the electrode being placed in an area of the heart wall that doesn't make good connection. I'm always amazed at the skill it must take for the surgeon to hit the spot he wants when he is dealing with a beating heart.

I doubt that you did anything to cause the problem and I would just continue with the same after it is fixed. Actually, it is better to find the problem sooner than later after the leads start to scar into the veins.

frank

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