New pacemaker

My doctor

by Pacer2019 - 2019-11-27 12:19:20

...said the tips were treated with a steroid that promotes the growth of scar tissue 

Leads

by Pennstater - 2019-11-27 13:19:09

Thanks for your comment. Guess I am just in the trust building phase and am a little unsure about the whole thing. Do any of you restrict former activities or are you pleased with having the device put in?

Steroid-eluting tip actually *suppresses* fibrous tissue

by crustyg - 2019-11-27 20:50:07

Pardon me, Pacer2019.  The experience of steroid-eluting lead tips is that for a tiny area around the very small contact between conductor and heart muscle the steroid *reduces* fibrous tissue growth in that tiny area, so reducing the rate of increase of impedance of the lead/heart muscle.  Once the main fibrous tissue growth is complete around the main part of the lead that touches the heart muscle, the lead is physically anchored and the conducting part has a good and long-lasting connection to the heart muscle, and by then the tiny dose of dexamethasone built in to the tip has been washed out/used up.  It's only a few micrograms.

Lead dislodgment is uncommon with actively fixed leads (little metal helix that screws into the heart muscle) and properly chosen lead length, and avoidance of seriously strenuous activity in the first few weeks.  Once this period has passed, almost all physical activity is acceptable (yes, I know that there are one or two that really are unwise - search for Tracey_E's list in other posts), but in general you get on with your life, living it to the full - athletics, gym, swimming, dancing, however you like to take your exercise.

Leads

by Pennstater - 2019-11-27 21:42:29

Tganks again for all the comments. Just working on living with the pacemaker. 

Itch medicine

by Pennstater - 2019-11-28 10:44:50

I think the flecanaide I am taking is giving me an itch. I heard Eurax helps. Whete can I get it and what are you guys using for itching if you have it?  Should I change the flec for something else?  Thanks in advance. 

Itch

by Pennstater - 2019-11-28 10:55:04

i am also taking metoprolol. Is that the itch source?  And it says be careful about anti acids.  Anyone have problems taking tums?  

Flecainide and vision

by Pennstater - 2019-12-04 16:09:23

Do the visual issues cease over time?