total replacement

Howdy,
I am to have a complete pacemaker replacement. I have an infected lead. I have tried to get information on Dr. A, G. Deam in Louisville (Jewish) but with no luck. His office is not helpful.
I am about ready do cancel my appointment with him and go to Cleveland Clinic.
Any advice?/

7 Comments

Question for you.

by BillRussell - 2014-03-18 11:03:31

Hello. I am just wondering what your symptoms are that cause you to have to have a PM replacement? How long have you had the pacemaker? My husband is facing possibly the same thing. We will know on Thursday this week what his EP is going to do. He had implantation on January 3, 2014, with two leads for sick sinus syndrome. At the first interrogation, it was discovered one lead had become loose or dislocated, EP was very unclear to us what has happened. He also had suffered from a blood clot in the left arm after the implantation. Just wondering if your symptoms are similar to his? By the way, the Cleveland Clinic is an excellent institution, just a little too far for us to travel at the age of 85. Wish you luck. Ann R.

reply

by Lavenderlanefarm - 2014-03-18 11:03:38

I have a good cardiologist in Louisville, Connie Anggiless.

I have an infected lead. In 2009 it was put in. Last summer I had a spider bite that went septic. I was sick all summer, telling the doc that I was afraid for my leaky arotic valve. Ha, it settled on my lead. I was just dog tired all the time. That was my complaint at my annual visit. I was afraid it was my valve.

I don't mind the drive. I do mind them tearing my arteries while extracting it. The follow ups can be in Louisville and at home, I have a really good internist. Dr. Eadens in Nancy Ky.

I have learned that Ross is excellent in lead removals.
I am three hours from Louisville, what is a few more hours?

what about

by Theknotguy - 2014-03-18 11:03:54

What about other EP's and cardiologists in Louisville? I don't think this is the only guy in your area. Yeah, Cleveland Clinic is good but it's about 8 hours away from you and you go through Cincinnati and Columbus on your way. Lots of good cardiologists. Lots of good hospitals. Lots of good medical people.

There's also Ross Heart Hospital on the OSU campus in Columbus, Ohio. One of the leading heart hospitals in the Ohio area. But that is still five hours away from you.

With the problems I've had post PM, I want somebody close by to take care of me. Fortunately I do live in the Columbus, Ohio area and have lots of good medical heart people in the area.

Before running 8 hours away, I'd do some more research about who's available closer to home.

Theknotguy

Louisville doc

by Matabar - 2014-03-19 02:03:21

I wish I lived in or near Louisville instead of on the opposite side of the country! Reason being that Dr. John Mandrola is there. He's an electrophysiologist and is awesome! He's been published in many medical journals. Also, he has an extremely informative blog that I read regularly. So intelligent and with an outstanding reputation in his field. Good luck to you!
Carol

A 5 yr old lead is.....

by donr - 2014-03-19 12:03:12

.... Not something to play around with. It is most likely well embedded in the wall of the vein & will require the Laser Roto-Rooter to remove.

That is a serious procedure that requires a thoracic surgeon on immediate standby.

If you cannot get any info from the surgeon's office - RUN - do not walk to another surgeon who will give you his pedigree. The standard is that the surgeon does about 100 per year to be well qualified.

You can search in the top right corner of this page using the SEARCH function for "Lead Extractions."

If that does NOT lead to anything for you, let me know & I'll help you out.

Donr

Ohio

by ohiolaura - 2014-03-20 07:03:53

I am lucky to be in close driving time to the Cleveland Clinic,that you mentioned.
If you go that route,I could recommend the EP ive seen,been happy with him,Ive been lucky and haven't seen him a lot thankfully,but when I have he listens and seems patient which I appreciate.
Dr Baranowski,is the EP,and Dr who did my Pm surgery was Dr Chung ( I think,female surgeon who did well by me).
If you come up north,my recommendations.
Good luck
Laura

Nashville

by BHayes - 2014-04-02 02:04:31

My EP in Nashville TN was excellent from my experience and specializes in device implantation and extraction. He completed his fellowship training and was on the staff at the Cleveland Clinic before the move to Nashville.

That would be a closer option for you...

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker was installed in 1998 and I have not felt better. The mental part is the toughest.