pacemaker leads

[lindalee795]

i had a dual chamber boston scientific pacemaker put in a week. ago. my 2nd. one since aug. of this year. i got staph infection in the first one. i had my one week check up yesterday and it looks as though one of the leads has moved. they did an x ray which shows the same as the x ray taken at the hospital the day after the pacemaker was put in. but i go back in 2 weeks to do the test again as they say the ex ray does not pick up micro changes. my question is. is this normal? and my dr. if so adamet about me not lifting my arm above my head after surgery for 2 weeks. but the ex ray tech. had me lift my arm above my head the day after surgery. could that have caused the lead to move.?

[lindalee795]

Lisa, thanks for your imput. we asked the nurse practictioner why we had to have the lead replaced right away. she said. the battery would only last a year because i am pacing at 100% on one chamber and 98% on the other. good luck. and thanks again.

[Mom2four85]

I lost my health insurance so I didn't go back, but the last dr's appt I had in April 2010 they said I would.  I have new insurance starting Jan 1st so I'm anxious to ask a new dr questions and see if the leads moved - there was no reason for the leads moving and the dr's were stumped why they did.

[lindalee795]

did you end up having your leads replaced. i thought after 2 weeks, you are home free and can put your arm above your head. i can see this pacemaker is going to be a lifelong problem. thanks for your help.

[Mom2four85]

it's really important not to lift your arm until they check again to see if the leads are implanted; they can do that by xray and by an interrogation and check the lead impedance (sp)

I know with mine; it was weird - my leads were high after implant, then went back down but then several months later even wearing a sling mine went back up and within 6 mths they told me it looked like I was going to have my leads replaced because my impedance in both side were high; over 1000 and went to almost 1100 last time we checked

I would ask your dr, but I think anything that makes you lift your arm above your head could have done it; you may not even realize doing it in your sleep - which is what I think I did just to get comfortable :(