leadsblockingvein

6months I noticed a swelling on my collar bone. I had also been having pain in my neck and left ear.. after a CAT scan I was told nothing wrong. 1 month ago I was given another test scan and they said I have a blocked vein where the leads fromthe PM enter the vein. I have been told they can do nothing about this I have to live with this for ever. Is this common as I have been put on warerin to help prevent blood clots which does worry me. Has anyone else had or has this problem Nai

3 Comments

Yes

by Shepheart - 2013-07-21 05:07:47

Hello Nai,
I got my pm oct.2012, two weeks later I noticed that the left jugular vein was swollen. I went to the pacemaker clinic and after ultrasound was told that I had two clots where the lead wires went into the vein. The doctor said it was rare, he saw this happen only about twice a year in his surgery practice. My warfarin dosage was increased. I was told that was the normal treatment.

About 7 months later I could see more veins in my shoulder and arm popping up (collateral veins). And my arm was noticeably swollen. My cardiologist says this is likely permanent as there is probably scar tissue in place. I recently had a CAT scan and will see my surgeon/electro cardiologist in a few days. I hope to learn more about this condition and see if there is something that can be done for it.

I have not had any pain in my ear or neck, but my arm tires quite easily. I will likely be on warfarin for life. I seem to tolerate it ok.

A member of this forum named Pacergirl has a similar story. Do a search on her name for more info.

I hope the best for you and do not worry unnecessarily :)

Similar problems

by Vpainter - 2013-07-25 12:07:01

On my chest where my pacemaker was inserted I have a big mass of dark bluey veins plus my arm swells I'm having a ct venogram to diagnose what it is causing this. My consultant thinks that where my pacemaker wire goes into my vein the blood is struggling to get thru but becoz I'm only young this makes things difficult as they shud move my pacemaker to the opposite side but worry it will happen that side to plus another scar to my collection there other idea is to put a stent in to open up the vein but that risks damaging my wire- either way its going to be messy they say
Try looking up SUBCLAVIAN VEIN OCCLUSION
vicky

a little update

by Shepheart - 2013-07-26 10:07:58

Updating my earlier post above...my doctors are switching me from warfarin to rivaroxaban just to see if it might be more effective. The surgeon suggested heparin injections but the vein doctor decided it was too late in the game for that to make a difference. Collateral veins have already developed to help compensate for the blockage. So we will try this route for 3 months and then reevaluate. Nothing was said about a stent or any further surgery. Again I was told this situation was not dangerous.

Vpainter, thank you for your input, all the best to you.

Shepheart

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