Large Thrombus on Lead

50 year old dad of 5 children here.

On July 14, 2012 I had a Metronic 2 lead Pacemaker installed for Bradycardia. All seemed ok until a couple months ago when I started having symptoms of a TIA. I had numerious out patient appointments that stated I am fine. Two weeks ago I went to the hospital because I was having about 25 syncope events in a single day, in addition slurred speach loss of words, high blood preasure. Well they saw me and did a catscan that was normal and sent me home.

The next day my family doctor admitted me into another hospital and they detected a mass in my heart 2.8 cm the size of a walnut in the Arota affixed to the end of the pacemaker lead. They admitted me and arranged me to be transported to a larger hospital that specializes in heart disorders.

After 11 days admitted to the hospital it is determined that the mass is a blood clot on the lead. I was told that open heart surgery is being considered. I will me on blood thinners for 4-6 weeks to see if the clot will shrink.

In the meantime I have been informed to walk on egg shells because if the clot breaks free it could go to the lungs and cause an emblessiom or go to the brain and cause a stroke. In 6 weeks they will put a camera down my throat again and recheck the condition.

I have been told that the clot will have to be removed reguardless even if it does shrink and the lead will have to be replaced. I feel that I am a ticking time bomb and don't know what to do. I have been told that this was caused by improper lead placement. Would love to here your comments. Hope I am around to answer them. Greg

9 Comments

I am sorry

by ford truck guy - 2013-06-12 09:06:08

To hear this! I guess my question would be why are they waiting sio long to correct the problem ? I can not immagine walking around knowing that could happen! My prayers are with you and your family for a happy and healthy out come!.. PUSH TO HAVE IT CORRECTED NOW>>

Prayers your way...

by TITLE - 2013-06-12 09:06:25

Greg, I can't imagine what you're feeling. I do know that those that frequent this site support you and pray for a healthy outcome.
Please update us on your progress.
God speed,
TITLE

Wow!!!!!

by Casper - 2013-06-12 12:06:59

Hi Greg,

You have my prayers too!!!

Like others stated, why are they waiting???

Casper

???

by Hope - 2013-06-13 02:06:11

Hi! First of all, I am very sorry for what you are going through. If you are saying your actual cardiologist missed all that was going on, I would be running to new medical care. I would not trust any care, and certainly not surgery, to that practice with all the misses. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We are here for you, anytime. Hopeful Heart

Greg' s Responce

by miller1 - 2013-06-13 06:06:36

Thanks to all of you for your responses. Actually a lawyer friend did visit me in the hospital and was the one that informed me that this was done due to improper lead placement. I also have retrieved all the hospital records more so for the NEW doctor.

I am currently having problems adjusting the comedian levels, last night they were 3.9, they are supposed to be between 2 - 3.

I walked yesterday about four blocks to the doctor and had chest discomfort and could feel the firing of the pacemaker. I had to stop and rest. I see the doctor everyday for blood work.

Today I will speak to another cardiologist, they all seem to concur with the blood thinner treatment to shrink the clot. I did forget to mention that I have a Caver-noma in the brain which makes surgery dangerous. I appreciate all the prayers and I am an ordained minister as well so I will also pray for all of you, May the lord be with you. Father Greg

PS Regardless to disability I will be at the alter Sunday as long as the good lord allows me.

re large thrombus on lead

by ajay - 2013-06-14 07:06:04

Hi - Greg,
I am sorry to hear you are going through such a tough time. Is so scary, reason I know is that I have had a clot also. I was lucky that mine did shrink with coumadin and after ( I think it was about 6 weeks) it was no longer visible - so don't be cashing in your chips just yet. I have run the gamut of problems with my heart issues so if you want to talk I am happy to assist in any way I can. One day at a time is the key - after all, that is all any of us have.
cheers
thinking of you
ajay

Gregs

by katbell - 2013-07-03 05:07:48

omgosh I'm so sorry for you, please hang in there, I'm praying for you! I have a blood clot too had PM implanted on 2/5/2013--found blood clot in my upper left inner arm on 6/25/2013, started taking blood thinners 2 days ago. I'm very worried too.

2.8 cm Clot on the lead

by miller1 - 2013-09-05 07:09:19

Well we spoke a bit about this nasty clot that developed on my lead in the right side of my heart. I have been on blood thinners for three months to no prevail. On the 23 of September I will be having major open heart surgery to remove it.

I have only had a pacemaker for a year and this is believe it or not a side effect. The thought of this operation just makes my skin crawl.

i have clots in my heart also

by samanne - 2013-10-06 01:10:23

sorry to here about the clots that you have i know it is very scary.i also have clots atached to my many pacer leads i have 10 pacer leads inside my heart cause when they replace my pace maker thay can not take them out they have to cap them off and leave them inside the heart.so then the blood flow is obstructed and blood clots form.my clots have been there for about 7 years and have not csused me any problems i hope that yours end up being the same way good luck.i am having another problem right now one of my leads has dislodged and is causing me seriouse pain in my heart because it is jabbing me in the heart evrytime i take a breath and i am going in for surgery tomorow wish me luck.

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