Being re-admitted 6 days later

Hi,

I received my first PM implanted last Tuesday. I have the Medtronic, dual chamber MRI compatible device. I had some complications after surgery and had a lot of inflammation from the leads. I spent two days in the hospital. This past Saturday, I was found to have pericarditis. I spent the weekend in pain but received a new med to go along with my motrin. It has helped quite a bit.

Today, I recieved the news after my echocardiogram that I now have fluid around my heart (pericardial effusion) and will need it drained. Also, my atrial node lead has failed and needs to be repositioned. I check into the hospital for surgery tomorrow to drain the pericardial effusion and fix the faulty lead.

My question is for those that have a different pacemaker than
mine. Should I have them place the Meditronic lead again or just forget it and go with a non-MRI compatible device. I've had such a rough time and obviously don't want to go through this again. Thanks for any input.

8 Comments

Ahhhh Hogwash

by PacerRep - 2014-09-23 01:09:01

They are a tiny bit more stiff, but as far as procedure goes....I don't buy it. I highly doubt you will be able to convince the hospital to open another $5000 device anyways, they would have to eat it as insurance won't pay for another one unless there is a real good reason...aka infection.

It won't make a difference.

by PacerRep - 2014-09-23 01:09:02

For the problems your having it will make no difference if they switch to a non-mri. The process is all the same.

Best of luck.

Thanks

by carolinagirl27 - 2014-09-23 01:09:58

Thanks PacerRep....

My doctor is still wanting me to stay with the MRI compatible PM,(mainly because I am 40 years old) but they will have to move the lead from the outside wall to the inner wall. Because the MRI compatible wires are a little less flexible than the non-MRI PM's, I am just thinking I would rather go with the non-MRI PM and avoid this whole mess of potentially having another episode with this Medtronic PM. Ugh...so many decisions and being so new to having a PM to begin with I'm feeling overwhelmed.

Thanks again!

You are 40

by Harrie - 2014-09-23 08:09:12

According to a report I read you have a 50% chance of needing an MRI at some point. No way would I opt for a non-MRI compatible device if the doctor was recommending sticking with what you have.
You've had a rough time... But I doubt it is because of the wires. I know that they are a little thicker and a little less flexible but complications such as yours are the exception rather than the rule. Not that that makes you feel any better, I know.
Anyway I'd imagine most of the newer models are MRI compatible these days?
Good luck, and hope you feel better soon.



Not alone

by Marine8914 - 2014-09-26 04:09:15

I am starting to think there is an issue with Medtronics MRI sure scan dual chamber pacemakers. I have been having issues with my ventricular lead. This past week things got so bad I passed out and fell down a flight of steps because my ventricular lead was not working properly. My new EP replaced the lead yesterday. I am in so much pain right now.

I'm sorry to hear Marine8914

by carolinagirl27 - 2014-09-29 12:09:50

So sorry Marine8914 that yours is giving you trouble too. Mine was the atrial lead that detached from the wall and had to be revised. I know how you feel about the pain...it's no fun having the same surgery twice in such a short amount of time.

Hoping you are feeling better now!

Carolinagirl27

by Marine8914 - 2014-10-02 03:10:40

Thank you! I am now one week postop and my pacemaker still isn't capturing properly. Dropped into the 40's, severe chest pain, hypotension, and yet another Syncopal event. I think there is something wrong with the generator but no doctor will listen to me. :(

What hospital ....

by Duke Heart Patient - 2015-01-06 01:01:53

What hospital in NC are you going to ? I am a Duke patient. So far so good, I have had my PM 3 years and thank the good Lord, no issues. I had open heart surgery at Duke when I was 2 months old. Just turned 40 :)

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