pocket infections

hi . i had 2 pacemakers installed since i was 4 2 .Well my second one thats been in my body for 6 years is infected i go see a specialist on tuesday. can't they just feed me with antibiotics and be done with it . i play sports and if a new one is installed won;t it come infected also because of my constant movement? tks bob

2 Comments

infection

by Tracey_E - 2015-03-13 07:03:27

Infection needs to be taken very seriously and treated aggressively, those wires go straight to your heart. Sometimes oral antibiotics will work, sometimes it takes an iv, last resort they have to remove it then wait for all signs of infection to be gone before you can start fresh on the other side.

Your activity doesn't have anything to do with causing infection. Infection happens when bacteria in the body latch onto the metal.

Are you sure it's a Pocket Infection

by IAN MC - 2015-03-13 09:03:34

Hi
There are two types on infection that can hit pacemakers, the first type is a "pocket infection" which usually occurs within the first few days or even months after implant and causes pain, swelling and redness at the incision site . These can be usually be avoided if the Dr thoroughly cleans the pocket with antiseptics as well as antibiotic cover.

Interestingly, the quicker the implant procedure .the less likely you are to get a pocket infection. Some PM implanters are much faster workers than others and speed is desirable.

The second more serious type of infection is carried in the bloodstream , as Tracey says, and can occur several years after implant . Bacteria can be introduced into the body in many ways e.g via a cut / dental work / flu jab / another operation etc etc

The infection can latch onto the box and the leads ( causing a late-onset " lead endocarditis " ) . The symptoms may be totally different to those with a pocket infection.

The fact that yours has occurred after 6 years makes we wonder if it is just a pocket infection ?

Your activity levels are totally irrelevant and unfortunately it is not as simple as just feeding you with antibiotics . The Drs need to

- identify the bugs
- attempt to identify where the infection is
- choose an appropriate antibiotic which will kill those bugs AND penetrate to the infection site
- be prepared to remove the infected PM and /or leads if necessary and make sure that the replacement PM etc is not likely to become re-infected

I will be amazed if the Drs even consider oral antibiotics for your situation, you need IV antibiotics !! i.e aggressive treatment is needed !

Tracey's first sentence is very important

Best of luck

Ian

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.