Need help!

My mom had a pm put in six weeks ago because she was diagnosed with bradycardia. Three days later had surgery to replace the pm because the first one failed. Today I took her to hospital fearing the worst yes it appears she is going to need surgery again because the pm isn't working, possible lead pulled away. Mom is 75 and not ready to do this again, I really need some advice. What should we do? What questions should I be asking? Should I insist on a different cardiologist?
Thanks,
Pam

2 Comments

Start insisting

by Theknotguy - 2013-11-29 08:11:18

I don't know where you are so am not sure what hospital, doctor doing insertion, etc. Sounds kinda strange for the US.

However I'd insist on keeping her overnight for observation and testing. Seems really strange that you would have two PM's in a row that were bad. Especially with the amount of testing that goes on. I'd also insist on them checking to make sure there aren't other things that are happening. Sounds more like one of the leads pulled out. (I'm not a doctor so I'm not really sure.)

You're kinda between a rock and a hard place. She needs the PM so she needs to go through the implantation again. I'm sure she's really tired. But hopefully the third time is the charm.

My prayers and best wishes go to your and your mom.

Theknotguy

2nd opinion

by Tracey_E - 2013-11-30 09:11:52

Definitely don't do anything without a second opinion. Find out exactly what went wrong the first time. It's virtually unheard of for a pm to fail. Did she actually get a new device the second time or did they reposition either the device or leads?

I can think of several reasons why leads might dislodge twice that have nothing to do with the skill/diligence of the dr. Sometimes our heart is shaped in a way that it's hard to find an ideal spot for the leads. Other times, the heart muscle isn't compatible with the type of lead used. They come in screw and barb type. If one type hasn't worked twice, it might be time to try the other.

The good news is the additional surgery should not be that hard on her. The thing that leaves us the most sore is creating the pocket, which was only done the first time.

Good luck!

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