Pm and lead extraction after 3 months

Hi-in a couple of weeks I go back to my new EP and find out if the PM stays or goes. If the pm hasn't paced me in the last month both my EP and cardiologist reccommended extracting it. (If it has to stay then I need surgery anyway as one of my leads isn't in the right place) it seems that my low heart rate was due to the bystolic I took for 7 years. Once I came off that, my heart rate is now in the 70's and I am not being paced at all. What kind of questions should I ask at my next appointment? I do plan to ask how many times the doctor has performed this surgery. Anything else?

thanks!

3 Comments

removal vs extraction

by Tracey_E - 2017-06-29 09:41:15

If it's only been in 3 months, it should be a very simple procedure. When it's been in a year or more, then scar tissue builds up so they have to do an extraction with a laser which is considerably more involved and when you want someone very experienced in extraction. The biggest thing to ask is are they 100% sure you don't need it, but it sure sounds like the meds were the culprit. Good luck!!

THank you TracyE

by FitMomma - 2017-06-29 12:44:36

Yeah, I think the meds were the problem. I will find out soon enough. I still have the fluttering/arythmia but the new EP and the new cardiologist both said there are other ways to handle those symptoms.

I am so grateful for this club that has given me so much support and advice!

question

by Tracey_E - 2017-06-29 13:15:11

Then a question to ask, is it better to wait until the arythmia is under control with meds before removing the pacer. There are people who get paced specifically so they can take the meds they need to control afib, etc, and there are people who have ablations to fix arythmias and end up paced. Both instances are rare, but it would not be fun if you took it out now then found you were one of those people a few months down the road. You've got some time before the procedure gets more complicated so I wouldn't be in a rush to take it out. That's another question for the list, how long would removal be simple. 

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