Why would they use contrast dye for a generator replacement?

I'm having my pacemaker generator replaced due to low battery. Mine only lasted for 3 years because it doesn't capture unless the "juice" is turned way up. They don't want to remove the leads because their well founded concern is that I was allergic to the metal when implanted but over the course of time my body learned to accept THESE leads and it may not accept even identical new ones. ANYWAY---I'm highly allergic to contrast dye. They did a heart cath on me before my first procedure and it showed only the mildest plague. In short, my vessels were fine. I understood why the dye was needed then. AT THAT TIME they gave me "a" dose of steroids---I did just fine---but it took 3 months for my blood sugar and all of my blood work to return to normal after ONE dose the day of the procedure.

My procedure is in 17 days. They want to start me on steroids now. I am an RN and I HATE steroids.Oh, they have their place when they are needed but I am not willing to take them "Just in case". If they wanted to give me antibiotics, fine...but steroids are serious stuff.

I am just lost why they'd need contrast dye to unplug and plug in a new one. AND, if something happened that they'd need to do the dye, why couldn't they do the steroids exactly like last time...when I was on the table?

Any light anyone could shed would be great appreciated. I have severe panic disorder and this is not helping one iota. Thanks everyone. VK

6 Comments

Dye

by Cabg Patch - 2016-06-14 15:42:41

They do use contrast dye when inserting new leads or needing to get clear pictures for an Ablation etc but just for a generator change out I can't envision the need.

Thanks Cabg Patch!

by verne8 - 2016-06-14 17:01:53

I spoke to a different nurse today that agreed the entire concept of 17 days of steroids for a POSSIBLE need---for which she couldn't even imagine why that would be---sounded ridiculous. She asked a doctor who said that they'd just have IV steroids standing by in case on the day of the generator replacement. Sigh of great relief!!

Thanks so much for your response.

Allergic to Contrast Dye

by Gail4 - 2016-06-18 20:36:25

I hope you do well.   I am going to have a new pacemaker with a third lead implanted.  I am  allergic to contrast dye but they are going to do a venogram first.  Do you think I would be taking steroids first?  I had thought it would be Benadryl.  Any info is greatly appreciated.  Thanks,.

Sterids

by verne8 - 2016-06-18 21:27:06

Beneadryl would not be sufficient if you are allergic to dye. When I had my heart cath and pacemaker done there was no time for days of pre-op meds. They just did the steroids IV and i was fine. Check with your dr for the best advice. Best of health to you.

Thanks, Verne 8

by Gail4 - 2016-06-19 16:51:04

Thanks for your comment.  I had only heard that Benadryl was used when allergic to dye.  So I guess they just hook me up with the steroid and then the dye at the same time and do the venogram?  I am really dreading this as much as the biventricular pacemaker!  I have a two lead pacemaker but need the third lead now because of newly developed heart failure.

Any other comments would be greatly appreciated.  Anything about biventriculare pacemakers and or venagrams of the heart would be helpful. 

Hope all of you Dads out there are having a relaxing day.

 

 

    

Venogram

by verne8 - 2016-06-19 19:29:55

I've never had a venogram but the angiogram was a walk in the park. It, like the pacemaker implant, was a non event. My problems surfaced AFTER the implant. Their theory is that my body tried really hard to reject it and, thanks be to God, after about 18 months my body finally made peace with THESE leads which is why they are hoping they NEVER have to change these leads---so am I! It took about that long for my wacky rhythms to finally seem to calm down. Aside from the rhythm issues if it could have been done wrong post implant---it was. First, the RN beforef discharged had me take a shower. A BIG no-no for at least a week. Then, without even thinking I lifted a ancient heavy laptop---had to weight 20 pounds or better and swung it up on a table. Within about an hour the site looked like someone had inserted a half of a lemon under my skin. I could go on but....nothing life threatening but what should have been a pretty basic procedure turned into far more than it had to and...mostly all my fault.

I do hope all goes well for you. My generator replacement is June 30th and I am really praying this time it IS a non event.

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