Lead trouble!

Hi all,
I know some of you have gone through this so I was seeking well not exactly sure right now. I was suppose to have my pm check this past fri in Chicago but had to delay it due to a asthma attack the worse I have had so far having asthma. I am on a lot more drugs to try and keep my lungs functioning to the best of my ability.
I saw my old family Dr back at home in Iowa and he told me that coming back was great but was hard on my lungs b/c of the floods that they had last year the mold level is so high. Anyways on the side I asked him to look at my scar b/c the pain just seems to never go away. I know with the scar tissue formation and everything that it won't but I have been getting this bump to formon the corner and it's sharp.
If I move the wrong way I have to stop for a minute and get my breathe back. I know you would think by now I could handle pain it just has not happened.
He told me that b/c of the scar tissue built up that my lead is poking me. I asked him how soon he thought I would need to get it taken out. I like that my family Dr here was debating on becoming a heart surgeon or regular family Dr. He told me I needed to get a emergency Dr while being back here just to have in case of something goes bad. So he is going to talk to some friends.
I am pretty sure it's my lead from my last surgery in January that they could not get out. I was wondering I guess how many of you just waited it out or would you ponder getting it removed? The lack of having no health insurance to cover another surgery is what is pulling me down right now.
I appreciate any feedback and sorry for such a long message. To all of you who are going to go enjoy the beautiful weather in Florida I pray for safe travels and tons of fun. I look forward to seeing all the pictures.

Blessings and love,
Tammy

2 Comments

Poking Lead

by ElectricFrank - 2009-09-21 05:09:54

It could be the old lead, but more likely to be one of the active ones where it connects into the pacemaker. I have thing skin and can feel around my pacer where the leads attach. If it were oriented slightly different it could easily be poking me and I'm sure wouldn't feel very good.

The insurance issue is sure hitting a lot of people. I can't be of much help on it. The surgery to correct it isn't very involved, but they charge so much for even small things. This used to be the kind of surgeries a doctor just did in his office(good old days). With the family Dr getting involved you might be able to negotiate something workable.

good luck,

frank

Thanks Frank

by tcrabtree85 - 2009-09-22 12:09:13

Frank,
After pondering on what you said. I may agree with you that it may be a new lead. I saw the x-ray they did for my lungs adn the direction the pm is placed that would make much more sense. When I press down on the spot causing me discomfort it's right near the pm so I am guessing you are right on target. Thanks for the feedback.
I am hoping that my family Dr can help me more get something done. I have been fighting disability for two years now. I only started the process because of one of my Dr's told me that was the only way I would have health care being so young. Though at this stage I get warn down so much faster than I use to.
I hope things are going well for you and really do appreciate you. Take care of yourself.

Much Love,
Tammy

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.