atrial lead

Thankyou for your replies.This is my first pacemaker and believe it or not I have had it in 29 years.It is due for changing, I am scared they dont know if I will need a new lead aswell.I wonder if any of the leads will be any good after all those years.I had it put in because I had a fast pulse, then after 5 years it went slow and missed beats.I only had bradycardia for a week then they put the pacemaker in . Sometimes I wonder if I ever really needed one.I have probably just been using one lead for some years then.

4 Comments

29 years?

by Good Dog - 2016-02-25 07:02:54

Maybe I misread your post? You have had the same PM generator for 29 years?? That seems impossible. Maybe you could explain?
In any case, I have an atrial lead that is 30 years old and still working fine. So there is no reason to think that you will need a new one unless there is something wrong with it.
If you do need a new lead, they usually just cap the old one and add a new one. No big deal.
Not to worry.............
Sincerely,
David

atrial lead

by manduf - 2016-02-25 07:02:59

Thankyou for ypur reply david.Yes I have had the same pacemaker generator in for 29 years.It is due for changing.When I ask them if I use it much they say they dont know till it comes out because ot gives them mo informano information like the new ones.My consultant said I will have to have a temporary pacer wire up my groin, then he may do a vienogram, and when they take pacer out if they cant do it on the left side, they may put a whole new system on the right side.I wish they would do vienogram first to see where I stand.I am worried its a lot of procedures done at the same time
I worry if I am strong enough to cope with it.

Get a 2nd opinion

by Good Dog - 2016-02-25 08:02:50

If I were you I'd go to a different cardiologist that works out of a different hospital and get another opinion. You situation is very unusual. The PM you have should not even be working after 29 years. The battery should last only for 8-12 years depending upon use. It could last longer than 12 if you don't use it much, but 29 years doesn't seem feasible. Also, unless I am missing something, there is no reason why you can't have a new generator and lead implanted on the same side. You spoke of only one lead, but I am wondering if you have two. If you do, there is still no reason why a new generator can't be implanted on the same side.
I think we are missing some information here. None of the procedures that you may need carry much risk, so you shouldn't worry. However, I continue to think that it is really important to get another opinion if you have any serious doubts or concerns.
Sincerely,
David

new pacemaker and lead

by manduf - 2016-02-26 03:02:38

Hi David, yes I do have two leads
The consultant said that if there are amy blockages on the left side then they would have to put a whole new unit on the right side.I am also worried about sedation, I dont want to be totally out of it, I want to know whats going on.They said they would give me a small amount of fentanyl to make me comfortable.

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

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