Dislodged Lead! 9 days Post Op!!

Well, I just recently received my pacemaker 8/28/18. I was feeling ok until a heavy feeling in my chest occurred a few days ago. I thought it was just me needing to adjust to pacemaker. So today I was scheduled for my first post op check up... explained how I was feeling and they immediately sent me for an echocardiogram and chest X-ray. They found that my atrial lead had dislodged and that’s why I was feeling the heaviness. So long story short .. straight to Cath Lab and into surgery to relocate lead. Thank god for no more complications and hopefully I’m in the clear. Idk if I happened to move my during sleep but I plan on wearing this sling a lot more, especially at night. My wound had reached the healing “itch” stage just to be cut open again 9 days later : (....I will b more cautious about my movements and take it a bit easier this time. I don’t want this to happen again! 

5 Comments

Lead pulled loose

by AgentX86 - 2018-09-06 23:06:26

I doubt your problem was reaching.  The lead probably wasn't anchored right to begin with.

Be careful but not too careful.  A sling isn't a good idea if you're going to rely on it as a crutch.  You have to move your shoulder - a lot.  The restriction is in range of motion, not so much the quantity. Just don't put your hand behind your back, above your shoulder, or reach forward fully extended.  I used a sling to get back to my walking routine because it was pulling at my shoulder but I used my hands normally after that. 

@Agentx86

by Blessed31 - 2018-09-06 23:12:55

Hi! Thanks for the tips. I figured the sling would help me out at night more. The fact that I’m at Day 1 again n less than 2wks with recovering sucks ...but it could also b worse. I never felt the increased energy that the docs said I would...just the heaviness n my chest. But Now that I have had the lead placed again I feel I have a better outcome. ...and hey,it gives me more time to catch up some reading besides the pain of being cut again. 

well that sucks :(

by Tracey_E - 2018-09-07 09:00:24

Ugh, so sorry to hear that! Odds are it was not in a good spot or not anchored well, not that you did anything wrong. Leads are not in tight, they often leave so much slack that they coil the extra behind the device so no amount of movement on our part is going to pull on it all the way down in the heart. 

Be careful of overusing the sling, you dont want to end up with a frozen shoulder. 

Thanks!

by Blessed31 - 2018-09-07 10:58:06

Yes I will be sure to not overuse the sling. The doctor has reassured me it’s in good this time. Sucks to have to start all over with recovery but better safe then sorry! Also the heaviness I was feeling in my chest is gone so that’s a plus. Turns out it was the dislodged lead creating that feeling. Now if they can just remove my IV I’ll be able to go home and relax! 

Sling at night

by Going Forward - 2018-09-07 17:28:00

My EP wanted me to use a sling--at night only. Mine has a strap that goes around the waist to help keep it in place. I haven't found that this has caused any shoulder or arm stiffness as I use my arm normally {except for the restrictions) during the day. Good luck with your recovery. 

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