Scar tissue and pacer lead

Hello. I'm 35 years old. I got my 1st pacemaker on February 1st of this year. I have a Boston Scientific dual chamber pacemaker. I have scar tissue that developed over the end of the lead that goes to my bottom chamber. It's causing my pacemaker to emit too much energy just to pace the bottom chamber. As it stood, I would only have about 2 1/2 years of battery left. My doctor turned off the bottom lead, to conserve energy. I'm scheduled for surgery to replace that lead. Has anyone else gone through this? My doctor said it's a 1% chance that this would happen. I'm scared that it's going to happen again.

4 Comments

Not sure but I believe that is

by janetinak - 2013-09-01 09:09:21

what happened to me. I got my 1st PM in 10/00 after an AV node ablation for Afib. Glad it was my 1st as it only lasted 2.5 yrs with a lot of adjustments thru out those 2.5 yrs. My EP stated that he would pull the single lead in my ventricle if he could get it out when he put in my 2nd PM. Gladly he got it out, put in #2 & all good since. I got 8+ yrs out of #2 & am now on #3 since 8/11. The thought was that I put calcium (or I guess scar tissue) on the tip of my lead. Whatever, I have my 3rd Boston Scientific PM & feel great. Hope this helps. Best of luck.

Janet

Thanks, This Makes Me Feel Better

by Tiffanym78 - 2013-09-02 01:09:34

Thanks for your response. I more optimistic about the second time around, now. He had mentioned, that they could wait until I needed a new pacemaker in a few years, but he said that the scar tissue would have hardened and make it much harder to remove. I just hate going through this again, so soon. I guess it's better to get it over with. I have mine placed unconventionally. I have my pacemaker placed under my breast and I have another incision near my armpit, where the leads go in. It's a little more invasive, so that's why I'm not looking forward to it. I really appreciate you sharing your experience. :-)

Tiffany

Lubro

by Tiffanym78 - 2013-09-03 06:09:55

Thank you so much! I appreciate it! It could always be worse. I'm not going to lie though, I do hate the fact that I have to do this all over again, so soon. :-/

Tiffany

Tiffany...

by lubro - 2013-09-03 11:09:04

I really don't have any information to contribute here, but just want to send positive energy your way...try to stay positive...these things are never easy, but I just wanted to wish you the best...take care...

Lubro

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

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Since I got my pacemaker, I don't pass out anymore! That's a blessing in itself.