Lead extraction

Good morning to all- I had a St Jude dual PM inserted March 2012 due to 3rd degree heart block following Aortic Valve Replacement. For 2 yrs I was experiencing tachycardia's that would wipe me out and had a constant flicking/thumping in my heart. After an attempted ablation and being told I was just a small compact person and just sensitive to the pacing and possibly the lead in my lower chamber (that I am 100% dependent on) might be slightly hitting my diaphragm but wasn't going to hurt me. Went to U/M Cardiovascular Center and meet with a new EPA Dr Good that after spending several hours of running tests on my heart, advised that I have both leads extracted and 2 new ones put in and possibly new device replacement. I have great faith in Dr Good but am more curious of the recovery time. The nurse informed me I would be able to return to work in 2 weeks- would love any input I could get!! Micki

2 Comments

Well......

by Gotrhythm - 2014-06-21 01:06:38

I can't claim any special experience, and I certainly hope you'll be well enough to return to work after two weeks, but I wouldn't pin all my hopes on it.

Something doctors and patients alike fail to consider is that a PM is not natural. It does a good job mimicking the natural heartbeat--but not a perfect job.

Wound healing aside, it takes a while for your heart to adjust to its new normal. How long? That depends on the heart.

Resolve to give yourself time to heal and to adjust without measuring your progress only by a calendar.

BTW I too got the ole you're short and slender instead of a diagnosis of what was really happening! And yeah, I'd probably do anything the EP, the dr who listened and figured it out, said.

Nervous of course

by fastbabe2 - 2014-06-21 06:06:48

Thanks for the comments-I know the struggle it is to recoup from PM insertion. Though I was also recovering from valve replacement and sternum healing, I had a hard time with shoulder pain from the PM and chest pain. I was off work for a total of 6 1/2 months before I felt able to return and even then I had discomfort. That's why I'm so shocked that the scheduling tech stated the two week time frame. I think they were not thinking correctly about the type of procedure I was having done. The Dr. stated the 6 week time frame which sounds more accurate. I know even then I will probably be experiencing discomfort. I'm 60 yrs of age and know every time you're put under, it takes longer and longer to recoup from. As lead extraction is not something Cardio EPA's like to advise, that tells the seriousness of why mine has to done. EPA feels that as the leads have only been there for 2 yrs, the extraction will not be as difficult as some that have been inserted for 10 yrs or more. My knees are shaking though at the 5 hr surg-and of course the risks....

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

Member Quotes

Think positive and go out and take on the world.