Replacement pacer

Hi :  had my pacer replaced on Jan 3 of 2017 all seemed greats, no pain at all no soreness even. Then on Mar 11 I started noticing some mild soreness, the next day much worse and swelling/ inflammation all around pacer. The next day even worse hurt to move left arm almost any way. Not serious pain but enough to say don't do that. Monday swelling worse and more inflammation. Called the doctor that did the replacement and got an appt. for 2 hours later! Great! Doc said I have developed some type of a late infection, very rare he said. Started me on cephalexin 1500mg/day said that if they have to take it out that is a much more serious surgery, that he doesn't think will be necessary but could be if not better in a few days. Doc. Said something I never thought I'd hear, he said "it is totally his fault" impressive!

anyone had similar problem and what was outcome?

8 Comments

bad sign

by Gotrhythm - 2017-03-14 15:37:17

Inflammation around the PM site is a bad sign, as you have found out. Best to see a doc immediately rather than using a wait and see strategy. Glad you acted as soon as you did.

That said, a friend started showing inflammation and possibly an infected stitch about five days post implant. A course of antibiotics cleared it up with no further problems.

infection

by hopefulheart - 2017-03-14 15:38:55

I am sorry you are having this serious issue.  Did your doctor order a culture of the infection?  That needs to be done to insure you are on the most effective antibiotic for the particular infection you have.  Take care and make sure that has been done.

hopeful heart

Hoperfulheart

by Buz - 2017-03-14 17:36:14

No he did not, I never thought of that. I am supposed to call him tomorrow and I will ask

dthanbk you

culture

by Tracey_E - 2017-03-14 18:05:03

A culture is imperative! The meds will only work quickly if they are the right meds. You don't want to waste a week waiting to see if it helps or not. It's important to be aggressive and pro-active. Good luck!!!

Good luck!

by admin - 2017-03-14 19:16:32

Site infection normally originates from the procedure in the hospital.  About 7% of implants become infected.  Medtronic recently purchased a startup called TyRx as they developed an anti-bacterial envelope to prevent this.  To learn more, visit http://heartdeviceinfection.com

Good luck clearing this up.

Blake

 

Infection

by Cabg Patch - 2017-03-15 13:24:41

Having lost almost 6 months of life from this, I cannot stress enough, listen to TraceyE get a culture to make sure what the infection is so you are certain they are using the right antibiotic to treat  the infection. I would also strongly urge to get the hardware pulled until the infection is totally cleared up. Residual germs can hide in the hardware or on leads and crop up again unexpectedly.

It is not pleasant wearing a wound vacuum (the size and weight of a ladies shoulder bag) an infusion pump, and a life vest, Even when you can go out in public people run away from you because they think terrorist when they see all the hardware and blinking lights. a year later I still have an impressive divot in my shoulder. Get it taken care of immediately before it gets worse.

Good luck

Complications

by Buz - 2017-03-15 15:09:12

Thanks everyone: to cabg patch: I made an appointment for Friday to get it done. Dr. Said he agreed that it should be done. Thanks for the info. I'll let you know how it goes

cultures

by BOBJ - 2017-03-29 11:35:40

My first attempt got infected but it was early on. They have to take cultures to figure out what meds to use.

The problem with that is how do they get the cultures? In my case they opened me up and removed the device and leads and took cultures of everything. 

Each culture was checked for several types of bacteria.

Only then did they start me on antibiotics. For this type of infection the antibiotics are usually very strong and transfused not oral.

The bright side is that after many many problems. I was finally able to get reimplanted and I have all of my restrictions lifted as of yesterday 3-28-17. You can beat this. 

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

Member Quotes

I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.