Pacemaker Moved

Sorry

by robinclaire93 - 2016-09-21 17:33:24

I don't have an answer for your question, I'm a new pacrmaker recipient, only 2 days out, and I'm worried about infection now, trying to stay dry.. I'm having issues breathing and I'm worried about pneumonia.. Anyway, I know it must be very scary and you will be in my prayers that everything stays good for you, and someone can give you peace of mind about your worries. 

Infection

by Good Dog - 2016-09-21 17:51:31

I propably can't shed much light on this subject, but here are my observations:

Infections after the first six months may occur, but have to be extremely rare. I don't know the science or the exact facts, so this is just anecdotal info. However, I've just never heard of them happening beyond that point.

As far as you being dead if your current one fails; Nope, no way! They can implant a PM in your abdomen if they need to. There are many additional options. So not to worry!

Sincerely,

David

Infection

by Cabg Patch - 2016-09-21 18:13:37

Pretty scary isn't it? I too am going through this and it's not pleasant to say the least. Fact is we are more susceptible to infection once we've been through it. That being said, relax, first I cannot believe there are no options if the worst happens. There's no law of nature saying they can't put the device back in the same position after an infection. They move it to ensure if there is any residual bacteria left behind thay it's not likely to latch onto your device and exacerbate the issue. Doesn't mean it can't be done, and I know a lot of people whose device was indeed placed back into the same pocket.

Then there are other options such as someone suggested the abdominal region. In fact that's where they usually implant children's pacemakers.

There's also other options to eliminate a pacemaker so don't get crazy and start panicking, it's not the end of the road. I'm 100% paced in both Ventricles and my heart is a train wreck. I spent 4.5 months on a life vest, plus infusion pump, plus wound vacuum and I'm still here. I'm not worried, well maybe I am about the features of the next device I get. I want one with a kick starter and GPS.

Your input was GREAT!

by verne8 - 2016-09-21 18:28:24

I've always loved science, medical stuff etc. I used to read medical textbooks for FUN. (Ok..most people go to a movie...) I really don't recall where I read this article but I really like your suggestions of the good sites to stick to. They are all excellent if I recall.

When they did the first replacement on 6/30/16 it was supposed to take, max, an hour. When they opened me up they found what they never could have imagined and, to make a very long story short---despite having one the highest rated cardiologists in our area doing the procedure---my chest was open too long. After the procedure (I was totally awake through it all) I asked my doctor what his concern was. He said---"Infection. Your chest was open too long."  This is a man that is rarely wrong but I would have loved for him to be wrong this time.

The other thing that I am convinced contributed to all of this may sound completely off the wall but--- I was allowed to take a shower after 7 days. I was told not to let the water hit the PM area directly and I never did. However, 10 days after implant my scab was totally off. I felt that was far too soon for a scab to fall off. I believe the warm (not hot) water, the soaps, shampoo etc that ran down over shoulders all softened the area too soon. As I said...I could be totally off base because thousands of people resume normal showering and have no problems. Personally, I have so many different skin issues that I've lost count and that may be why I was more sensitive. I really don't know. Anyway---after the scab fell off the incision line became inflamed. It looked like there was a superficial water blister on it. That opened and leaked serum for a few days and it was downhill from there despite high dose antibiotics.

This time around I gave in to my own neurosis and in the six weeks since my recent implant nothing but sterile gauze and sterile saline has touched the site. The scab took a full month to come off and the site looks beautiful. Dumb luck? Maybe...

My daughter, age 50, is an assistant principal at a middle school. Walking through the outside area where the kids were during lunch she accidentally got hit on the butt with a football. Like you---no opening at all. Long/short---she wound up with MRSA. All is well now too. So, yes...I know those "odd" things are always possible. I am very glad yours turned ut well.

When I was taken back in the hospital for the PM removal I asked a cardiologist what happens if this one fails. He said that since this would be the third invasion into my vessels probably the only option I'd have left would be to go to a major hospital---like the Cleveland Clinic---and have them do this open heart procedure where they place a screw of some sort permanently in your heart. I couldn't think about then and I still can't. However, when I read the article that seemed like confirmation to me that if this one failed I was in DIRE trouble.

I appreciate---more than you know---the hope your comments have restored. No one "knows". I get that. But I knew I needed to come back to the PM Club because so many of you saw me through the very rough days of my first implant 3 years ago.

I'm very pleased to hear all is going well for you. Thank you SO much!!

I

Thanks Cabg Patch!

by verne8 - 2016-09-21 18:32:45

While I am SO sorry for all you have been through, you did put a smile on my face. You don't know me from Adam and somehow you knew I was a "panic-er". Your comment helped---a lot. I appreciate all who take the time to respond.

Itching?

by robinclaire93 - 2016-09-22 00:51:07

Not Trying to steal your spotlight, when are you allowed to take the bandage off of the incision? Mine is beginning to itch around the bandage and basically drive me crazy.. 

No spotlight here

by verne8 - 2016-09-22 01:05:56

Some itching is nornal under a bandage but it can also indicate inflammation or an infecton trying to happen. I'd call my doctor to check on the bandage. I know all 3 times mine was taken off before I left the hospital. I was told to dress the incision myself and watch for redness, fever and itching.

Thanks to All Of You!

by Cutestuff@snet.net - 2016-09-22 15:49:59

I enjoy this forum very much.  Without it, I would be LOST!    This is the BEST place thus far to get info from Individuals who have a pacemaker...YOUNG and OLD.  This was my first choice.  I have learned so much in a short period of time.

I am a worrier, always was since BEFORE my pacer.  It's my nature.  Good or Bad i'm set in my ways.  I envy the ones who take things with a grain of salt and keep plugging along.  I envy you.  I try to be like YOU.

It's great to be informed, but then again, we are ALL different and we All do not respond the same.  We can take bits and put pieces of our own puzzle together.  

Again, Thanks to All of You....

Most Sincerely,   Laura