Pacemaker Club: Infection

Infection

by JSJ
2009-05-19 11:05:14
ICDs
1914 views
3 comments

Hi All.
Have a Medtronic icd implanted since Nov 07. Developed what I thought was -and still is- a bad cold or flu for past two weeks. Sunday 5/17 I awoke with pain and swelling around icd and thought it was from excessive coughing.Mon 5/18 awoke with redness around icd site and more swelling. Went to hospital and was told icd and leads were most likely infected and complete removal is generally the only treatement This am redness is reduced but still have swelling. I am hoping situation will resolve itself. Has anyone experienced a similiar situation and had a happy ending to the story?
Thanks for any and all input
Jim J

3 Comments

Infections

by wiredwoman - 2009-05-19 09:05:13

Hi Jim,

I haven't had this happen to me, but I did just post some general info on infections in response to Holderme1997 that might be of interest if you're not aware of it already. Scroll down to "New to Club Not Devices".

All the best to you!

**wiredwoman

PM and infection

by Vai - 2009-05-19 12:05:07

I don't have an exact experience but a similar one.

A couple of months post PM implant, I contracted a bad case of flu like conditions later diagnosed as bronchitis or pneumonia. The GP contacted the cardiologist and the instant concern was infection of the PM and the leads. I was put on a strongest dose (that I can tolerate) of antibiotics for about 2 weeks and continued with a lower dose for another 2 weeks to totally get rid the infection and eliminate any residual infection that may lurk around the PM and leads.

As your case is only an suspected infection of the leads, it may be only necessary to try get rid of the potential infection as a precaution with antibiotics immediately. In situations like this, I consider it the doctor's call.

infection

by joeitaliano - 2009-06-29 11:06:37

Hi Jim,
Had a guidant installed in 2002. About 2 months afterward got a little swelling around it. Doctors put me in hospital assuming infection and removed it and replaced on right side of chest. Problem is they assign you to an infectuous disease doctor and is hard to get released. My new one was fine but in 2006 batteries down and had it replaced with medtronic. Been fine since.