Loved one{daughter} on edge

This may be the wrong site for me to be looking for answers but.... my mom just had a pace maker put in about 21/2 months ago ended up with every complication that can happen Anyways after being hm for only 10 days {since 3rd week in 12/16} she discovered puss coming out from around where the pace maker was placed.So now once again she's back in the hospital. My question is are multiple complications more common than not, on average?

3 Comments

Complications are not common

by Good Dog - 2016-04-14 11:04:11

No, they are not common. On the contrary. Most PM patients go on to live a long and normal life without any major complications.
Infection though, is one of the more common complications and it occurs in only a very small percentage of patients. Usually less than 1% on a national basis.
Of course, it varies by hospital. Your Mom's hospital should have their infection rate publish somewhere to compare with other local hospitals.

David

Not common

by Tracey_E - 2016-04-14 12:04:46

As David said, it's usually less than 1%, it's generally a low risk, low complication procedure. What complication did she have other than infection? Have they removed it yet? If not, don't be surprised if that happens. They can't risk infection going down the leads and getting into the heart, so the safest way to go is remove everything, let her heal, then start over. I'm sorry to hear your mom is struggling.

It depends

by swilkes3 - 2016-04-16 01:04:19

We were told and understand that complications are rare but it seems if you have one complication then you are prone to many others. We had an infection and went on to have more complications of unknown origin. We have had 3 medical emergencies since it was put in March 11. Still have fluid around heart, enlarged heart, blood clot and are on 4 meds. Nightmare.

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