Possible Infection

Good afternoon,

I had my Metrinc Dual Chamber PM installed on November 10th and a lead reposition on November 21, where at this time a lead punctures my heart and I had a pericardal effusion. Now I have had swelling in my PM site for over a month, went to the Dr. and they thought perhaps I was over doing it. I took it easy and a week later I ended up with what I could best describe as a blister on my already healed incision. I went back to the Dr and they put me on Bactrim DS twice a day thinking maybe it is an infection. I was wondering if anyone else has had something like this and what the outcome was. I will try to upload a picture so you can see what I am talking about.

3 Comments

go back now

by Tracey_E - 2015-03-05 04:03:43

Go back asap, or perhaps consult with an infectious disease specialist instead. Don't let them give you some random antibiotic and cross your fingers it works. You need cultures done immediately so you can be sure you are using the right medication. In the time it takes to do trial and error and find that what you're on isn't working, the infection can spread and be that much harder to get under control. Those wires go straight to your heart. Worst case, they may have to remove the device and wait for the infection to clear then place it again. Obviously that's something you want to avoid so it's important to be very aggressive. Cardiologists know hearts, EP's know pacers, you need someone who knows infection. I don't mean to scare you, but please don't let them drag their feet. Push for cultures.

Building contractors

by Suz - 2015-03-06 09:03:21

I've taught my father (who has a PPM and two open heart surgeries) to think of his doctors as building contractors. The EP is the electrician and the CV Surgeon is the plumber. The infectious disease specialist is the exterminator. You would never call your electrician to get rid of the bugs in your house, so you should take the same care with your body. Call the exterminator and get your infectious disease guy or gal on the phone.

Thank you!

by steeneyre - 2015-03-16 06:03:13

Thank you so much for your replies. I'm sorry I am just now responding to you . I did end up having an infection and had my device removed last Monday (03-09-15) with an over night stay in the hospital and several rounds of IV antibiotics. My new pacer was placed on the right side of my chest on Tuesday and I was sent home. I'm feeling pretty good and started back to work today. Luckily the infections was only in the pocket itself.

Thanks again, this site is so wonderful!!

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