Need NEW lead

Hi
I am 34. I have had my pacer from 1980(6ys old). I am not on top of the name and years of my pacers and leads as I was so young. To be honest I am not even sure how many leads I have had. However, the doctor has told me that one of my leads are old and needs to be changed. He says I do not need to extract this time(I will next time due to space) but not sure what putting in a new lead entails. Pacer was just replaced in 2005 so still have another 3-4yrs of that. Does anyone have this problem and can advise or explain? I am very tired and lethargic and often my blood pressure drops very low. Anyone out there had this before? Would love to speak to someone with the same experiences.

4 Comments

bad leads

by Tracey_E - 2009-02-10 01:02:59

Leads go bad sometimes! When they can, they just put a new one on top of the old one and leave the old one there. They try to wait until the next battery replacement, but it sounds like you're symptomatic and they want to do it now. They go in the same way they would for a battery change, disconnect and cap off the bad lead, put the new one in. You'll need to watch lifting weight and raising your arm above your shoulder for 4-6 weeks until the new lead settles into place. Other than that, it'll be just like a replacement battery.

Whats the longest!!

by PC - 2009-02-10 11:02:49

Whats the longest a PM has lasted?? I was told that my would last 13.9 years??

New lead changes to replacement lead

by amshirley - 2009-02-16 05:02:35

LOL! Thats funny no I have had SEVERAL PM changes since 1980 not the same PM. Too many to count. But you are right Fideaux that would be some record....I wish. The longest I have had is 6 years. But I think it depends on the make and how much you rely on it.

I just came back from the doctor and from the X-ray done last week they were wrong. I have too many leads in the same vein(whatever the technical terms are). So they will have to do a lead extraction. I am living in Jamaica and they are NOT able to do it here so I desperately need advise as to anyone in the club that has replaced leads and where I can go. I want someone ofcourse who has done this alot. I read past emails where someone named pacer13 and someone else where saying they did it with a doctor who I had done it over 200 leads prior to him. I would prefer South Florida as I am closest to that location and have a house there I can stay for recovery. PLEASE anyone with this info reply ASAP as I need to make arrangements. Anyone with more info about the recovery too as I am a working mom with a 3 and 4 year old(BOYS!!) so no lifting is gonna be difficult. Please anyone answer with any info.
Also how can I find people to talk to like Pacer13 and others in the comments who i reaid have done this
Eagerly awaiting a reply from anyone!

Technical, but...

by Sandee - 2009-02-22 08:02:29

http://www.springerlink.com/content/tngd9ne4tmdp3km1/
Is on laser removal of leads. Find one of the study authors and perhaps that would be good for you!

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