Lead Extraction

Hi, I’m having my PM removed as well as the leads next week. I’ve had it in for 6 years now, but my neurological issue causing my heart to slow has been corrected, so it was determined that the PM could come out.  My question is, has anyone had a lead extraction and their thoughts on recovery time. I’m very comfortable with the doctor but more concerned about how long I will be out of commission. Just had a baby and wanted to be able to get back on my feet as soon as possible..... Exercize, weight lifting, playing with kids, etc. Any thoughts would be helpful....

2 Comments

This is going to be a piece of cake

by truenorth - 2011-02-08 04:02:52

After over a dozen years with a pacemaker, I started suffering from incurable and recurrant staph infections in the autumn of 2008. Late the following March, after months of really hellish infections and fruitless attempts to cure it with powerful antibiotics, it was decided that it be removed.

From my point of view [not the surgeons', of course!], it was a relatively pain-free and uncomplicated procedure, even though at least 6 weeks of post-operative portable drip, round the clock anti-biotic infusions had to follow.

It turned out that I no longer needed my pacemaker. The issue had corrected itself over the years, and my heart has maintained perfect rhythm on its own since then.

If my experience is anything to go by, you can go into this operation with your mind perfectly at ease and with complete confidence in a successful outcome.

wasn't so bad

by Laben - 2011-02-09 11:02:41

I started with an ICD in the abdomin (two leads) and due to infection, leads and DF were removed and replaced with three leads routed through the chest and it wasn't much different from the first surgery.

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Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.