New Plugs and Wires

I went for a check-up last Wednesday and was advised that my 13 year old ventricle lead needs to be replaced soon. The threshold (amount of energy needed to pace my heart) is 2.75 V (highest possible for my model) and my battery life has dropped to less than 1 year. My surgery will be scheduled by month-end. The surgeon doing the procedure has a pacemaker as well. So, I ordered what he has.

My old leads will not be replaced. Just a new ventrilce lead and device will be implanted. I new it was going to happen someday, but I'm a little bummed out about it. I've been feeling great and now must get over this bump in the road.

My cardiologist agreed to lower my lower limit to 60 pbm, but advised not to increase my upper limit beyond 150 bpm. She is concerned my heart may be more likely to go back out of rythmn if my heart goes faster.

Blake

3 Comments

bummer

by Tracey_E - 2012-05-21 10:05:59

So sorry to hear you've hit another bump when things have been going so well! But this is just a little one, I had the same thing two years ago. Recovery was more than a regular replacement but easier than the first time. Way easier than the valve was! Prayers for a quick recovery.

I had a lead pulled out with my

by janetinak - 2012-05-21 11:05:57

2nd PM after only 2.5 yrs. It was a single ventricle lead too. The new placement was in the septum (middle) the 2nd time rather than ventricle wall. It has worked very well & my EP states it was a new thing in 2003. And as with TraceyE's comment it was as easy as just a PM replacement except had to do the arm down thing again. But that was no biggie. Hopefully this will be a tiny bump & you'll be back at them for the summer fun.

Janet

blake

by jessie - 2012-05-22 07:05:27

thinking of you and praying it all goes easier for you than you think. you have done so amazing continue to do the same. i have a feeling you will.. lots of positive thoughts your way. hugs jessie

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

Member Quotes

Yesterday I moved to a new place in my mind and realized how bad I felt 'before' and the difference my pacemaker has made.