Getting the works on Monday

Scared. I am 46 years old. I have a medronic pacemaker with two leads. The bottom lead either has too much scar tissue or it is fractured and has been termed lead failure. The upper lead is pacing 22% of the time. The episode read for the last month was >254 as I guess it can't record more than that number. On Monday the 5th of May I will have lead extraction and all new "stuff" put in, this time a St. Jude's as that's the contract the hospital carries. Same surgeon as 6 years ago. I'm super nervous. I've been fainting for as long as I can remember, born that way. And, since I got a pacemaker, I've only fainted a couple times and they were situations whereas I was ill with something else. Anyone have a change in units and lead extraction with some words of wisdom, please send my way!

3 Comments

Cyber hugs

by Tick-tock - 2014-05-01 11:05:12

My situation was a bit different, but I do understand your fears. I had a lead extraction almost 4 weeks ago. However, my old leads were only in for 6 months before requiring new ones. I also have a st jude pacemaker, which appears to be doing me well:) I was extremely nervous prior to surgery, but have been doing great since. Yes, I still have some pain and am unsure if it's lead extraction related, or ablations lasted, or new pocket for my pacer. Whatever the case, I am healing much better than I did my last surgery. I even managed to take a 15 hour road trip to fl a week and a half after my surgery. .... Probably was not the smartest thing, but I was happy to be feeling well enough. You know as well as me, the waiting is the worst part of these journeys. I wish you the best, and a speedy recovery. Please keep us posted!
Stephanie

Lead replacement

by Tick-tock - 2014-05-02 12:05:11

My lead was popping up causing a great deal of pain, and I went from being bradycardia prior to surgery, to going into afib after my original surgery. I required an ablation and different pacer, so my EP decided to give me the works- including new leads. I continue to go into the clinic every 3 weeks for my readings, but I also sleep next to my merlin at home system, which does daily readings . Every know and then my box yells at me, and then I get a lovely call from my dr. I love the wireless at home transmitting!! It's so simple! Best of luck

Why only 6 months?

by WaterskiMom - 2014-05-02 12:05:34

Why, Stephanie, did your first leads only last 6 months? My original surgery was emergency implant so I didn't have time to prepare or to get nervous. I thought it would be better this time because I have time to prep meals, re-work carpool duty, etc. but I am find the anxiety of it almost unbearable. It's 10:30 p.m. in Wisconsin and I should be in bed and yet I am wound up. Do you monitor your St. Jude from home or do you have to go to the hospital? I currently have to visit the hospital but the new St. Jude is supposed to transmit from home. Thanks for your well wishes,
Sarah

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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Do feel free to contact the manufacturer of your device. I have found them to be quite helpful when I have had questions and concerns.