4 weeks out BIV ICD implant

I am a little nervous about having a second surgery to correct one of my leads that has moved in the morning.  I feel tapping on my rib from the lead on the right side. This happens many times a day but my doctor said he has not heard that before. When he was manually pacing in his office to adjust the rythems I felt it again. I have also had a violent cough since original surgery. Is this normal? I didn't feel bad prior to the implant but not so good now. I have 6 children, 15 grandchildren and my husband who owns his own business.  I have a very busy life I can not be a part of anymore. Is this just my new normal? 

1 Comments

Diaphragmatic Pacing

by Grateful Heart - 2017-01-03 13:25:44

It sounds like your lead is now pacing your diaghragm.  It's very uncomfortable but not dangerous.  It happened to me too but after about 15 months....not typical but it can happen.  

You need to have it corrected.  If it's the RV (right ventricle) lead, the defibrillator function is also in that lead.  The defib will still work in it's current position so do not worry (it is very powerful) but you will be miserable going forward with the constant pacing of your diaphragm.  Long story but they took over 2 months to correct mine so it is not an emergency.  You really shouldn't leave it like that when it can be easily corrected. 

I know, none of us want to go through another surgery but you'll be happier when it's over and corrected. 

Since your implant is fairly new, they may choose to remove the lead and implant a new lead.  Another choice is to cap off the shifted lead and implant another right along side of it.  Speak to your doctor about his approach.  In my case, they did my revision a little differently.  I knew none of this until after my revision....so you are more informed.  :)    

Your life will return to normal and you will be busy again and enjoying those grandchildren....this is just a bump in the road.

Good luck....keep us posted.

Grateful Heart    

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