Pacemaker

[Joebel]

I am due to have a pacemaker fitted on 28th January in St Thomas’ in London but I have had a bad chest infection and I am on my second lot of antibiotics and steroids. I feel ok in myself now but have this hacking cough, will they still be able to do it as I know they do it by local anaesthetic. I am worried I will cough while they try to fit it and it be becomes dislodged. I know I can phone the hospital nurse before I go but just want to know if anyone else has had this problem. I have already had to cancel two appointments for this due to family commitments. any advise?

[Hidden]

My pacemaker insertion took over an hour and was not routine. It would have been even more difficult for the cardiologist if I had not been able to keep still.

[Hidden]

You would have to ask the experts , you should be able to speak to your specialists secretary and advise them of your situation

[jennydog]

You do need to obtain their advice. A pacemaker installation is a complex procedure and its success would be compromised were you to have a coughing fit at a critical time.

I had a lumbar puncture last year. They had 4 attempts before obtaining the necessary sample. Afterwards the surgeon said " That was only possible because you didn't move about." The whole procedure was pain free and thanks to his skill there were no side effects.

[SteveCairns]

You’ll probably find thry May defer the pacemaker operation with your chest infection , let’s face it London has crap weather , you should move to a tropical country instead