Erosion and migration

I am quite upset that. My pacemaker has moved from under the muscle and into the armpit. I will need another op. Apparently a lead extraction may also be needed and they may need to use the other side. So wounds on both sides. I am told lead extraction carries a 1% risk.....is that true? I have youngs kids and am so worried about the surgery.....can anyone calm my nerves with any personal success stories or knowledge?
Gratefully
Shal

9 Comments

Some have had erosion

by Grateful Heart - 2014-10-05 02:10:36


Donb comes to mind. He has had a few erosions. He should be along sometime to help you.

If not, contact him via Private Message and he will get back to you.

Sorry you are having this problem. It is not common but it is not unheard of. Others here have experienced it too. They are getting better with lead extractions too.

Try not to panic and talk to Donb (the other Don).

Grateful Heart

Thanks

by shal - 2014-10-05 03:10:29

Yes iMessages and got a reply from don which I am grateful for. I guess I was hoping to hear from many others that lead extractions are not dangerous and that the 1% statistic isn't too much of a concern in reality. With young kids I am so worried.......and guess trying to gather reassurances. Any recomendations for surgeons in the uk in London also appreciated.

Hi Shai

by IAN MC - 2014-10-05 03:10:34

Not a big help but when I was in my local hospital having my PM implant another patient needed a lead extraction

He was transferred to the Brompton hospital in London which is considered to be a centre of excellence for this procedure. Sorry I can't help you with the surgeon's name

Best of luck

Ian

Hello again

by IAN MC - 2014-10-05 04:10:51

The surgeon at the Brompton is Mark Mason. He is considered to be a world expert in lead extractions

Ian

Hi Shal

by donb - 2014-10-05 06:10:34

I didn't check the above postings before I replied to your PM. I had forgotten you're near London, Glad to see Lan giving you a good lead on Hospital & Surgeon. I want to mention my Specialist Surgeon from Harper in Detroit also does forums in UK on his practices. He is known internationally & is a very busy Dr. His Specialty with Heart Surgery covers all ages, from birth to even my old age with pacemakers. His common answer to limitations is "Well, I usually see my young patients do the Monkey Bars in the playground the next day after surgery".
donb

Lead extraction

by shal - 2014-10-06 04:10:10

Thank you all for your helpful input. If I need an extraction I will check out mark mason at the Brampton. I have an appointment on Wednesday to discuss matters with my surgeon and results of the pet scan will also be on. Here's hoping fir the best. Shal

Hi Shal...................

by Tattoo Man - 2014-10-06 04:10:56


..................thanks for your PM.

I had my procedure done at Glenfield Leicester by Doctor Alistair Sandilands. The op was a total success and I have never felt better...I was never that comfortable with PM 1...the new RH PM is sutured in so it doesn't bounce when I run !

Best wishes

Tattoo Man

leads

by Tracey_E - 2014-10-06 10:10:59

Lead extraction has come a long way! I'd say, yes 1% is an accurate number. The laser sheaths they use have gotten better and the number of drs with a lot of experience using them has increased. My only suggestion would be to have it done by a surgeon who does at least 100 a year if you can.

Lead extractions

by shal - 2014-10-26 05:10:23

Hi everyone just to share my news updates...most likely I will need an extraction. I am scheduled to meet 3 separate experts in Central London to determine who to go with. If anyone needs any input on finding a good surgeon I will probably be able to share a whole load of research after this week. I am looking to find someone with a fair amount of extraction expertise aka mark mason and also someone who can do a sub pectoral implant in the groove of the shoulder bone. I will report once I am there, I will most probably need a 2 to 3 week stay in hospital to clear the infection......so here's to taking the first step in this long journey. Will report back shal

You know you're wired when...

You can shop longer than the Energizer Bunny.

Member Quotes

Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.