EDIT: Ok...surgery done..Seroma/hematoma? at pacemaker site. Pocket revision

[kathie659]

Went back to former (ablation) surgeon. He took me immediately because had cancelation.

Saw this lump, bumped someone from surgery next day and operated next morning.

Very infected, removed pacemaker. In hospital to see if infection responds.

Another pacemaker will be installed asap.

they are waiting to determine if its safe to release me without a PM or if i need stay in hospital until infection clears.

Surgery to remove this large encapsulated "lump" over pacemaker (think tennis ball size) was scheduled for next Wednesday. I canceled for following reasons:

It took a call to surgeons dept head for her to even discuss this with me.

Surgeons recurring insistence that possibilty of infection is very high;

Was advised not to discontinue blood thinner before surgery.

I have been asking her to address this issue for 11 months. I'm told it could have simply been aspirated in office if she hadnt ignored it.

Lastly (irrationally) the date she is available is the same date that I lost my brother (in 86) and husband (in 92) due to illness/ heart issues.

I am awaiting word from the surgeon that did my ablation to see if he'd consider doing this procedure. He is 3 hours away. He is the most egotistical, condescending doctor (think House) I've ever met...but he is brillant and I trust him completely.

I moved to a rural area and this situation has shown me the lack of quality health care providers in my area. I have seen 4 doctors concerning this and all have said "it's nothing", a bit of swelling" and would "disappear ". Meanwhile it has grown larger and more painful by the week.

I feel as a 63 yr woman, they simply dismiss my concerns....it is very disheartening.

I appreciate being able to vent and to see my reasoning in "print". It helps me to realize cancelling was a good decision....

[Cee-Cee1]

I'm afraid I can't help Kathie but just wanted to say I'm so sorry you've been going through this and I'm sure someone will be along to help that has a bit more knowledge of this. Your post also compounds for me how very lucky I was with my treatment after a HA and triple bypass last January and February. I do hope you have a positive reply from the surgeon who looked after your ablation - even if he is a bit 'House'. Trusting someone like this is incredibly helpful. The night before my bypass operation the surgeon who was looking after me popped into my room at hospital to say Goodnight and when he left to go home I put my head on the pillow and slept like a log - while others, with different cardiac teams were practically queuing up for sedatives! I trust him implicitly, he and his team, were so empathic. Good luck and I really do hope you get this issue sorted properly - Carol (also a 63yr-old female).

[Milopalm]

Hi Kathie really sorry to hear all that.Can you contact the pacing department in the hospital that put pacemaker in? They are usually very helpful and would be able to advise. It's bad that you are finding doctors unhelpful so I hope you get a positive response from the doctor who did your ablation. Is there anyone who could go with you to doctors appointments as it's not so easy for them to be dismissive if they see you have support. I can really understand why you want to avoid " that date"

Good luck and keep strong!

[kathie659 in reply to Milopalm]

The cardiac surgeon who put pacer in is the one I am uncomfortable with. I retired and moved to a village...while I live the lifestyle? Im beginning to fear that this is where they send lesser doctors. The surgeon who did my ablation? Johns Hopkins sends their people to learn from him.

[Milopalm]

I'm so sorry that I got that wrong. Who does the checks to see pacemaker still working etc? It does seem that as your "House" doctor is the person you trust I hope he will reply to your request. I'm afraid that I am out of ideas but my experience with the pacing department in Raigmore hospital in Highland Region has been good as has my experience with the surgeon who implanted it. Best wishes Milopalm.

[kathie659 in reply to Milopalm]

Technicians (representatives from company) check PM...No doctor involved...healthcare not great in this area

[EMBoy]

Sorry you are having a hard time, but I have to say that if I had tennis ball sized lump over my pacemaker site, I would be extremely worried and would be heading for A&E. The possibility of an infection reaching my heart is not a risk I would like to take.

I hope you can get it sorted as soon as possible.

[kathie659 in reply to EMBoy]

I have been asking for answers for almost a year...been ignored or dismissed by 4 doctors. Here in US? Healthcare is hit or miss...wonderful doctors or absolutely uncaring @sses

[onadiet]

I do agree. I live in the country and do not drive.Bus service is minimum and Surgery is impossible to get appointments.Partially sighted and high bp hernia and gerd. Getting palpitations and still can't get appointments.