Pacemaker and stents

[RosieRob]

Is it possible to have a pacemaker fitted at same time as having stents fitted following a heart attack. My hubby had HA in August and had 2 stents fitted. During 2 conversions with GP he is insisting hubby also has a pacemaker fitted. There is no insertion mark on his chest and no mention while in hospital. Could the GP be wrong? I'm worried that medication may not be properly being prescribed.

[bantam12]

If your husband had a pacemaker fitted he would have an obvious incision and a bulge where the pacemaker is sited, he would also have had paperwork from the hospital about it and instructions for recovery. You need to call his Cardiologist to find out what exactly was done.

[RosieRob in reply to bantam12]

Thanks for the quick reply. That's what I thought about there being an incision. Its causing us both unnecessary stress as hubby disagreed on Friday last week with GP he hadn't had a pacemaker fitted and again today he was told he definitely had. Hubby will ring consultant tomorrow. Thanks again.

[bantam12 in reply to RosieRob]

He should have been given a discharge letter when he left the hospital, that would normally state what was done and a plan going forward.

[RosieRob]

He has discharge letter and he's read it out twice to GP but GP is insistant even asking how far above nipple is pacemaker. My worry is there medicating someone who has a pacemaker fitted not stents as GP stopped statins and prescribed cocodomol for pain in chest (hubby not taking them) Fingers crossed hubby gets through to Consultant or his secretary for clarification tomorrow.

[CRTD]

Hope this gets sorted out. Very strange that GP is ignoring discharge letter. However, in March I had a cardiac arrest and my ICD saved my life, I broke my ankle in the collapse. My GP still refers to the incident as an inappropriate firing of ICD, fracture clinic stated on discharge that I’d broken my ankle as was unsteady on my feet . Further letters from orthopaedics refer to inappropriate firing of ICD. All this despite letter from cardiology pointing out I had a fatal arythmia . So I fully understand your frustration

[Vic67]

HiI apologise for the nudity! but it will be quite obvious if your husband has a pacemaker. This is mine, the bulge is the device under the skin and the scar above it is where it was inserted. Also he would have been given a follow up appointment shortly after with the device clinic to make sure it is operating correctly and annual check ups after that. Hope this helps

Colour photo

[Fred1954]

Not too long after my pacemaker was fitted I received a credit card sized plastic card. It gives information on its type, where and when fitted and who fitted it. I believe this is standard procedure across the NHS.

[Nettekin]

Hi rosie. I read your post with disbelief and a certain amount of horror! I assume your husband has only had telephone consultations with his GP? Perhaps your next step is to insist on a face to face appointment. Maybe then the GP can clearly see for himself. With best wishes to you both. X

[RosieRob]

Thanks everyone, hubby has spoken to Consultant secretary first thing this morning who confirmed stents fitted will write out to GP. Hubby then rang and spoke to surgery who confirmed they had had a 'discussion' about this yesterday and apologised as code had been wrongly inputted. They insisted that medication would not be affected!