blood clots

I have had my pacemaker, 2 leads, since June 2012. In August 2013 I noticed the veins in my left upper arm were knotted and protruding. My arm turned red and felt like it was burning. During a sonogram it was discovered I had 2 blood clots where the
Leads were inserted. From the report:
Left axillary vein is not completely compressible consistent with some degree of thrombus.
Left basillic vein has some degree of thrombus. There is a patent lumen in the center.
Findings consistent with venous thrombosis after pacemaker implantation
I tried Coumadian but ended up in the ER. Now I am on a regular strength aspirin. I saw my cardiologist this week and will follow up again in 6 months. He doesn't think the clots will move. I am concerned they may move. What are your thoughts?
Kim

5 Comments

Had clot in heart

by Theknotguy - 2013-11-22 01:11:28

Had clot in heart. As gerryG said above, problem is if piece breaks off and starts traveling. They had me on coumadin so if that happened smaller clot would break up. Maybe they don't want you on coumadin so clot won't break up and will remain where it is. Danger time is 30 days. That's how long it takes clots to dissolve with coumadin.

I'd ask cardiologist if problem. I'm no doctor so don't know what they're thinking.

Also suggest no mountain climbing, scuba diving, playing football, no dodge ball, etc. Don't want activity to break clot loose.

Hope this helps.

Theknotguy

Clots are unpredictable

by JerryG - 2013-11-22 06:11:10

I haven't had a problem with clots forming but am on warfarin anyway because of my history of afib (successfully electro cardioverted in March 2013). I am not sure whether warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix here) will actually dissolve existing clots or whether one of the fancy drugs like integrellin have to be used to dissolve them, or if angioplasty is the only way to get rid of them.

Warfarin and the new anticoagulants (Pradaxa, Xaralto etc) thin the blood (affect its plasticity index) to prevent clot formation whereas aspirin and clopidogrel affect platelet aggregation to prevent clots forming. As I understand from my medical friends, warfarin is used to prevent venous clot formation and aspirin and clopidogrel are supposed to prevent arterial clot formation.

I don't think large clots are very likely to move but the problem is pieces breaking off the 'mother' clot and those travelling to ultimately block smaller blood vessels. I don't know that there is any way of predicting such an event.

Just my two cents worth as a non-medical professional.

hi

by pacergirl - 2013-11-23 10:11:03

I had a 5" blood clot behind my pacemaker and it was awful.. I spend 6 days in the CCU on an IV drip of "blood clot buster". It was reduced to 3" in length. I was taking warfarin for over 6 months and now was switched to adult aspirin everyday. That was in 2005. Now here we are in 2013 and I am still here. My left arm is now 2" thicker than the right. I have scar tissue in my chest behind my pacemaker. It is no longer a clot. I am completely "normal" whatever that is, in every way. I don't concern myself about the blood problems, clots, or pacemaker anymore.

I followed my dr. advice and went back to living my life. I take my aspirin and my other meds for other issues everyday and have my fun, work and try to behave. :)

Best of luck to you!

bloodclot

by kye9302 - 2013-11-24 04:11:28

I tried Coumadin but couldn't keep my INR in range. I am on a regular aspirin. The doctor said colleratal vessels are being formed. Slowly the visible veins are becoming less knotted. My arm is just so swollen, red and painful. Parts of the arm is cold. Are there any other restrictions other than what theknotguy said? I learned this week that I shouldn't pick up heavy items. I hurt my arm and shoulder and had weird pain in my pacemaker/heart area. I considered asking about treatments in the hospital but it seems they come with the same risks as having a blood clot....pieces can break off. I don't know what to look for if something is going wrong with my bloodclots but have been told I and/or the people around me will definately know. My husband says worring about it makes me feel worse. I know he is right. Thank you for your advice and answers. I will try to worry less.
Kim

clot

by FighterGirlxx - 2013-11-26 08:11:13

Hi there-I have had a jugular and subclavian clot likely caused by my pacemaker-The jugular was occluded and the subclavian heavily clotted. Never had warmth etc except for one short patch but 6 months on warfarin I have remnant left, post thrombotic syndrome in my arm and am off all drugs. Some days are ok others really aren't. I had likely mini PEs but only pre diagnosis and trust me you know something isn't right. I was assured that once on treatment that the clots will dissolve but would definitely not break off so please don't worry. HOWEVER-seek medical advice if you are worried from a specialist that deals with clots and post thrombotic syndrome and hopefully they can reassure you. Best wishes for an uneventful recovery!

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