general anaesthetic when wearing a pacemaker.

[jossikins]

Hi! It is a few years since I posted anything about myself and I suppose that is a good sign. However, I am in a bit of a quandry and I wonder if any of you can advise. I had skin grafting done on an ankle wound that refused to heal. Both the inside and outside ankle are affected. The grafts did not work and are under consideration for being done again on an even bigger scale. The problem is that I had local analgaesic injections because of my pacemaker. That was initially fine by me but, in the event, it was without a doubt the most painful procedure I have ever had to undergo, so much so that I am in dread of having it repeated. I have a high pain threshhold but I don't think I could stand going through that again. I have to have the procedure done because it is a messy, distasteful, inconvenient condition and, as the summer comes to an end, I have no idea what I am going to do for footwear. (For the last 4 months I have been living in the heat of a French summer in flip-flops.) It is also a very painful condition, the nerves attacking without warning and usually during the night, like a swarm of wasps on the kill. What I would like to know is, is there any real risk with a general anaesthetic? Might it be worth asking for an epidural (which I have never had). Does anyone have any advice? I am due back in the UK at the end of next week and will have to resolve this problem soon.

Thank you for any pearls of wisdom you can offer.

[Pita]

I have had 2 GA's since my pacemaker was implanted in 2012, no problem at all. I am sorry what you are going through. Pam

[jossikins in reply to Pita]

Thank you, Pita. Just the words I wanted to hear!

[BobD Volunteer]

We are not medically trained so anything we say is really a guess but I can't see any problems. Lots of people with pacemakers need operations so why can't you have GA? I would suggest that you go and discuss this with the hospital right now and get it sorted.

[jossikins in reply to BobD]

Thank you BobD. Yours are the pearls of wisdom I was hoping for. I will proceed accordingly.

[sann]

Hi jossikins, I had a GA , and also have a pacemaker, and all was fine, so try not to worry about it. Take care and let us know how you get one . Sann

[jossikins in reply to sann]

Thanks so much, Sann. I won't worry now and I feel strong enough to stand my ground when the time comes to say I would rather have a GA.

[Roseyuk]

I had a GA not long after my PM two yrs ago.

For a AV node ablation..

was fine and thankful I had one.. in Liverpool heart hospital.

[jossikins]

Amazing that I wrote the original entry over a year ago - scary, actually! In the event, I did have the local injections. I was duly apprehensive but it turned out to be not nearly so awful. It was not any more successful, either, however and I am now awaiting the verdict on what is called a "free flap" operation in which a section of tissue is taken from another part of the body and transplanted into the open ulcer, attaching the small blood vessels individually. Needless to say, it will be a decision that is not taken lightly as it is a long and tricky operation. Not in the least bit life threatening - just intricate. I am hoping that the decision goes in favour of the op because, after more than 5 years of struggling with this condition, it would be a last resort procedure but still holds an element of hope. I have committed myself to doing the last 120 kms of the pilgrims' walk across the north of Spain to Santiago de Compostela, any and all sponsorship going to the BHF, next May, and I will allow NOTHING to stand in my way!!. I live with the hope that I will yet be able to wear normal walking shoes. At present, I am still wearing leather flip-flops with socks that have individual toes, which make me look just a wee bit eccentric and are not recommended for walking great distances (the Santiago walk is about 20 kms per day for 6 days). So, watch this space!!.