two timer headed for 3rd

I will have my 3rd generator change in 2 weeks.... first was in 04, 2nd was in 08. The second time, the doc said he would leave the leads in place as he couldn't attach new battery to the old leads...that would have meant 6 leads in place. Fast forward to 2013 & alarm has been beeping so time for a change. this doc says there are only 3 leads in place....and haughtily questioned where on earth I got the idea there were the old leads in place? I tried to explain the doc in 08 told me he couldn't removed the old leads and couldn't attach to the new batteries so they were OK left in place. I am confused and frustrated at his patronizing attitude.
I am almost 74 but very alert & rarely actor look my age! I have learned to ask questions & not take be so naive about doctors having all the answers.
Can any one here explain how the old leads are attached to the new battery/generator? He was in a hurry to leave, remained standing the whole time he was there, & gave me a " we can do it just fine" answer to that question & was gone..... like a bunny after a new carrot!

4 Comments

Tracey gets it right again

by Zia - 2013-06-08 01:06:08

You need a different surgeon, one who will answer questions until you're satisfied, and don't let them give you the "father knows best" attitude.

leads

by bsikora - 2013-06-08 01:06:38

Sunny...
I am 33 and have had a pacemakers w same leads since age 15. My ventricle Leads have a short and drain the battery. They have been turned off for years. I am now on my 3rd generator. I have never had a wire change. Though I admit my situation is different with my generator being in my stomach. Anyway, I have been told by many dr's that unconnected leads can stay in the body without issue forever. So, if your doctors want to implant new leads let them but there is no reason to remove or reuse the old if they are not functioning. Just leave them there.

-Bfs

find another dr

by Tracey_E - 2013-06-08 09:06:36

I met with a surgeon like that. I went back to my cardiologist and told him to find me one with less attitude and ego. We don't have to go with the first one we meet.

3-4 is the most leads that fit in a vein. Do you use 2 or 3 leads? 2 is more common so perhaps they added one new one last time leaving you with 3? I had a new lead added with my last generator change. They capped off the bad one and left it there so now I have 3.

Connectors on the leads are standard so they're meant to be interchangeable and fit with any device.

bskora, Tracey, & Zia replies appreciated!!

by sunny@heart - 2013-06-11 11:06:33

Thanks bskora,Tracey,& Zia..interesting to read about advice to get new doc... I have done that 3 times in this town.... it's a very political scene here, with doctors leaving groups & starting their own.... accusations hurled at each other, & not wanting their patients to attend programs offered by the other groups! I am a member of Women Heart and talked to a woman at group last night who just started seeing the one I saw & she was stunned that he sat & patiently listened to her for 30 minutes.... so maybe it was an off day for him. He did call & report that there are only 3 leads in place & surprised I was told that there were more. That was doc # 2 who I refused to go back to anyway... so will see how things go next Friday....

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