Lead Issues - St. Jude Lead

You guys are probably going to get really tired of hearing from me. I consider myself incredibly lucky that I have gone almost 25 years with no issues caused by my PM, but now that there are issues I am constantly looking for advice.
Just found out that one of my leads is a St. Jude lead. I did some research, which I should not have done I guess, and found out that there have been recalls on some of their models. I have no idea what model mine is, as I just found out recently that it is a St. Jude lead.
I am having issues with polarity change and fluctuating impedences, which seem to run right in line with the models that were recalled.
The changes happened approximately 1 week ago and I have progressively felt worse since. I just feel "off" and have a lot of discomfort.
Has anyone else had St. Jude leads? Any issues with yours?
Just looking for some insight as to what to do next, if anything.
I almost feel like my doc is taking this too lightly, but maybe I am taking it too seriously.
Thanks
Carol

8 Comments

Hold on a minit!

by donr - 2012-04-26 01:04:27

Carol - I now recall that my printouts have the model & serial numbers of PM & leads.

Can you get a copy of your last print out? Or ANY printout, for that matter.

Good for you for the effort you have expended.

Don

Printout

by Carol M - 2012-04-26 07:04:07

Don,
I will find out if I can get a copy when I call my cardio today.
Thank you!!

Jan,
I really had to dig to find the recall. I also saw the defib recall. There were several unfortunately.
Thanks for trying to make me feel better though :)
Carol

Riata

by sputnick - 2012-04-26 07:04:28

According to a google search I just did the leads were Rita leads n were for a defibrillator not a pacemaker
jan

One article

by Carol M - 2012-04-26 07:04:57

Jan,
This is one of the many articles I found if you are interested in reading it.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/146089315.html

pm

by sputnick - 2012-04-26 08:04:05

Thanx 4 that Carol,I am fortunate in that I have a pm not a defib so not worried about leads personally.
Hope you get the info you need. This pm business can be a bit stressful at times I reckon lol!
keep well Jan

Tired, no - that's what we are here for.

by donr - 2012-04-26 12:04:39

Carol, you are not getting too serious over the problem w/your leads. If you have had good experiences w/ your Pm for 25 yrs & suddenly something goes wrong, you are bound to notice it & you have a right to decent answers.

I'm w/ you - your cardio is taking it too lightly.

Now - all that being said - HE knows or can find out what model leads you have. It has to be in his records OR St Jude knows or can find out. Do you not have a PM card? It's on there. And why do you berate yourself for looking out for YOUR best interest? No one else will, that's for sure.

To give support to yor concern - things do not suddenly change w/o a reason - even for the good - and especially for the bad.

Good luck in your quest for knowledge.

Don

Unknown Lead

by Carol M - 2012-04-26 12:04:48

Don,
I do have a card, but on it it says Unknown for both of my leads. Apparently my medical records did not move well between Johns Hopkins and St. Joseph's. My first device was a Pacesetter, but I have had Metronic for the second and third devices. When the medtronic rep was doing my interrogation last week he said he was able to determine that the one I am having issues with is a St. Jude lead, but that's all he told me. Guessing if he could find that out, he could find out more. It's really amazing what they can tell with that darn computer.

To give my cardio a bit of credit though, we are new to each other. I recently moved to a different state, so he doesn't know any more about my history than what I have told him. Still waiting for my medical records to arrive from Maryland.

Thanks for your support. I will hopefully be able to find out more tomorrow. Gonna try anyway.

Will let you know what I find out.

information

by Carol M - 2012-04-28 12:04:27

Well gang, I am a bit more informed than I was before. Don, thank you SO much for the advice. I did call and found out that my lead is not on the dreaded recall list.
I am going back in on Monday and they are going to try and reprogram this crazy thing. Hoping and praying for the best.
I am, however, looking for a new cardio. I was very lucky with my last one, whom I had for 15 years before he retired. He would have never let me leave his office that first day without concrete answers. I need to find another doc like him.
I will let you all know what happens Monday.
thanks,
Carol

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

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My pacemaker was installed in 1998 and I have not felt better. The mental part is the toughest.