Three times - a real treat.

Good day all, First posting.

I was advised that a pacemaker would "give me more bang for my buck" by my cardiologist. I have never had a major cardiac event, but a history of Rheumatic fever, arrhythmia and developed central sleep apnia over the years, a locum Sleep specialist advised I get my heart checked and as a result I had a couple of stents put in in May 2011. Check ups and stress tests ensued and I finally agreed that a pacemaker would be advantageous to continued quality of life in July this year.

I researched the procedure, got booked in for the implant, was assured it would be an overnight stay at the most.

I had the implant on Tuesday 27th August 2013.
Xray the next day - 28th showed the atrium lead was displaced.
I was returned to get leads repositioned on 28th August, being told that I must have pulled the lead due to movements of my arm.
Leads repositioned, and awaited call to be Xrayed on Thursday morning. St Jude tech. arrived and checked PM. Looked severely disturbed by what was coming through. Advised me that the leads must have moved again.

Cardiologist comes in ( very apologetic) - and gives me options, - retry or remove totally. Its 10.30am Thursday.

Im back on the lab at 4.00pm and getting new lead to Atrium - A metronic lead - on a St.Jude PM.

Friday - pocket in my chest feels more like a handbag.

But - Xray shows leads attachments good in both Ventrical and Atrium.

Home. early Friday afternoon, been sore all weekend, taking Panadol/panodeine every six hours and on antibiotis for next ten days.

Now the good bit. ----Apart from feeling like Ive been used as a punchbag I feel quite good , there is noticable change, Im not sure exactly what it is yet, but its there.

PS. On the morning I went into hospital, our home was burgled, my wallet stolen and all my ID taken... I should have realised the rest of the week was going to be a little dodgy.

All the best to all out there.

Alan.

3 Comments

Luck

by Bostonstrong - 2013-09-01 09:09:02

You are due for some better luck. Soon! Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a lead that sticks this time.

Hope that the worst is over

by KAG - 2013-09-02 01:09:37

and you'll have much better days ahead. Glad you're feeling an improvement.

Kathy

good luck

by lubro - 2013-09-03 11:09:43

sounds like you have had a run of bad luck...which can only means that good luck is on it's way...I had my PM implanted in Jan of this year... I also had a rocky start, and 3 weeks later I was back in the hospital having corrective surgical procedures. Not a very pleasant experience, but necessary nonetheless...But that's in the past now, and hopefully so are your bad experiences...and on top of all you experienced, I happy to hear that you are feeling better...that's what really matters.. you are feeling better...
hang in there Alan...things will get better...

Lubro

You know you're wired when...

You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.