Can some bodies not tolerate pacemakers?

In June 1998 I had a pacemaker put in for sick sinus syndrome.
For about 11 months everything was fine; then 3 times in 2 months
my pacer had to be reprogrammed because my heart rate fell into the 20 and 20 bpm range.  After being cardioverted in Sept 1999
my single lead pacer was replaced by a dual lead pacer. When the
second pacer was put in the doc discovered the wire on the first pacer was broke.  Less than 3 weeks after second pacer was put in
the lead in the top part quit functioning.  That lead was turned off and I don't see the doc again until Jan 13.  Can pacermakers
go "bad";  should I question my doc's capibility, or do some people just  have problems with pacers?  I am really upset because I now have to non-working leads in my body.  Thanks for any imput

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Gee, I would't buy any lottery tickets with your luck.  These are all potential complications and it is unfortunate that you have had them all.  Hopefully you have "used up" all your alloted complications and things will be "smooth sailing" from here on.  It is not a big problem to have the extra leads there and it is generally safer to leave them in rather than remove them.  Best wishes for a complication free pacing future.

[Deb]

Hi Lisa,

I know how you feel.  I am on my 3rd pacemaker in 2 yrs.  I have had about 18 different leads too.  I now have an epicardial one (outside the heart) with 4 leads.  Only mine are all working.  But I still have complications.  I may have yet more surgery to replace the 4 leads with new ones that just came out.  I will have to think about it though.  It is not a sure thing that the new lead will work. I have had all the pacemaker complications that can happen.  I have had 14 pacer related surgeries too which IS NOT what usually happens. Did you have an EP doc place it?  Do you see an EP doctor now?  You need to get to a really good one.  Please do not be discourged, as we are better off with them then without them.

You can mail me if you want.  Go to the support area and do a searh for pacemakers. My name will come up, "Deb". Then you click on it and you will have my e-mail.  I would be glad to chat with you. But please remember, that you will be ok in time.  The pacemakers do help alot. Hang in there.  

Deb  

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Thanks Deb.