PM makes things worse - 3rd lead needed?

Could people please comment on their experiences with
getting an "upgrade" to their pacemaker from 2 leads to 3?

I had a 2 lead PM installed in Oct 2013 for 2-1 AV heart block.
I have felt very unhealthy since. 9 months later I finally got some tests. My latest test (nuclear stress test) and echo show that my left ventricle -- previously functioning PERFECTLY -- is now "akinetic" and its injection fraction is reduced by 25%. The "solution" proposed is to now add a 3rd lead.

Has anyone else been through this?? My card. calls this an "upgrade". Should I go through with yet another operation?
Will it help?

If I had it to do over again I would never have gotten the PM to start out with.

I was athletic and basically symptom free prior to PM, my health has gotten much worse since and no sign of improvement in the future.

2 Comments

I can't help

by Jackman - 2014-06-28 06:06:37

I would never presume to offer med advice. I've had a PM for 7 years and it seems to work well except for 3 shorted leads, 1 "inappropriate" shock and 2 device replacements. In the mean time, my EF went from 48% - 16% and weight from 185 - 130lbs due to Congestive Heart Failure...almost died in Aug 2012. Rc'vd an LVAD implant in October and NOW I am 150lbs and healthy as a horse...for someone w/ CHF.

God be with you in your new 'normal'

I Understand

by Many Blessings - 2014-06-28 12:06:41

Hi 2for1,

I'm so sorry you're going through this.

I had a CRT-P (dual chamber with 3 leads and an AV node ablation) put in a couple of years ago. Although, I feel better in some ways, I immediately started having new cardiac and other symptoms that make me feel worse. These new issues are not issues caused by normal progression of my CHF, cardiomyopathy, or any other old cardiac issues. These are totally new and different and have been confirmed by my cardio doctors that they feel are caused by my procedures/CRT.

We hope for the best, but sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. For many others, they feel much better afterwards. My doctor and cardiac nurse sister always say, everyone is different. It depends on the individual's unique situation, cardiac issues, cardiac history, and prognosis before your PM and what procedure(s) or surgery they did at the same time. It probably even depends on what brand/type of PM you have.

At first, I wanted my device out RIGHT NOW, and looked into shutting it off, but because of the AV node ablation, it wasn't an option. I wouldn't survive. I didn't care. I wanted it shut off and out! Others here will remember that. LOL!

Even now, I go back and forth whether or not I will get a replacement when the time comes, and when you ask me today, I definitely wouldn't have done it if given the chance to do it again.

I have accepted the "new normal" like Jackman spoke of, and am very, very grateful to be alive, but I like you, don't feel better in a lot of ways, and I'm really not sure it was worth it. This has nothing to do with a bad attitude, emotions, not being able to accept my condition, etc. I have been through a LOT cardiac wise since birth. I'm used to fighting for my life and winning the battle or accepting and making the best of the losses. That is my personality. This is a matter of, because of feeling worse in some ways, I think I messed up getting this done and there's no turning back. But, I go on and do the best I can and stay positive, and keep finding ways to feel better and stay happy! You will be able to do that too!

As far as the third lead, I would do a lot of research and educate yourself the best you can before making a decision. Make sure they and you feel it will make a difference in improving how you feel, or if it could cause new issues that might make you feel worse.

Listen to others out here when they give you their experiences and consider what they say as well. You're going to hear positive stories and negative ones. Hopefully, there is someone out there in your situation (I am not). Listen to them. They know.

I wish I could help you more, but wanted to share my experience with you, just to let you know I do understand.

Blessings and prayers!

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I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.