a new 3-wire in December, 2011

March 2011 I got my first ICD, a Boston Scientific 2-wire. At a check in November the cardiologist said I was "ready for a 3-wire", so since I wasn't satisfied with my shortness of breath I agreed. A BIOTRONIK 3-wire was implanted December 2011. At a follow-up a week later the check showed that the 3-wire wasn't performing and now the cardiologist may have to go back in and repaid. I'm often even more short of breath than before. My next scheduled check-up is March 27, 2012. Should I be worried, or concerned?

At a recent follow-up the regular cardiologist couldn't make it and the substitute told me I will never feel any better than I do now because I'm too old ! I'm 80, and swim every day!

3 Comments

Lead revision

by Tennismary - 2012-01-18 01:01:07

I had a 3 wire implanted in June, 2011. I went for a pacemaker check 3 months later and was told my 3rd wire was not functioning properly.I didn't even know! Unfortunetly, If the 3rd lead is not positioned properly,it can't usually be corrected by tweaking the settings. My Dr. did chest x-rays and an echo to check position of wire, and recomended that the lead be repositioned. They opened up my pocket and were successful in repositioning the lead. I was cautioned to be extra careful to keep my arm down, as not pull the lead again. I have a regular pacemaker check this week. Keeping my fingers crossed everything is ok.

If there is a chance they can reposition the lead successfully, the decision should be yours, not an insensitive agist cardiologist. I wish the best for you, and keep on swimming!

Real Cardiologist!!

by donb - 2012-01-18 03:01:52

Real nice comment not ever feeling better as I'm to old!!
Makes me love my Dr. even more seeing I just turned 80. Hope I never receive such a complimentary quote!! Donb

Find an Electrophysiolit Cardiogist

by Michael G - 2012-01-19 05:01:04

I am 75 years old/young...and have found that the cardiolgist that installed Defib/PM...also did not place the 3rd wire properly...so, with myrecently replaced StJudes by Dr. Zagrodsky, a extrodinarily trained Electrophysiolgist...that he fould the 3rd wird was placed properly inside the heart. On Feb 6th, he will place another wire down into the heart, cap off the impropertly installed one....His Stats for 2011 show that placing the new 3rd wire left 2/3rds of his patients with a greatly improved energy and lessened fatigue condition. Search out for your Medical Doctor with the disingnation of Electrophysiolgist and then use your Cardiologist for the routine heart monitoring. Also request your Factory Representative to be there at his office for the meetings of progress for you heart. Do not permit your Dr. or his asst. to be flippant with you when you are having tweaking of your hear when you the "donut" adjustments in their office...Best
Wishes Michael
Michael...

You know you're wired when...

You have a high-tech ticker.

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