Post implant

[possum]

I had my battery changed a week ago - very traumatic, brutal and no sedation. I was concerned about the look of the wound so saw the GP this morning. It is infected despite the IV antibiotics given just prior to the start of the procedure.

Has anyone else had this?

[honeybubs]

Hi I’m sorry no one has answered you yet it must be a rare thing that happened to you. Always make it known prior to any procedure you want some sort of sedation. I’ve got a pacemaker and all went well and I had sedation which I asked for to make sure and didn’t feel a thing whilst it was happening but when it wore off the pain kicked in but I was fortunate that I didn’t get an infection with the wound. So sorry it was traumatic for you. Hope you ar ok now.

[possum in reply to honeybubs]

Thank you so much for your reply. I presumed that as Papworth had given me sedation and great patient care from all the staff that my local DGH would at least give me sedation!The cardiologist replaced my Medtronic with a Boston, supposedly better & smaller. In fact it sticks out from my chest wall a lot more. The antibiotics are starting to work but there's still obvious infection.

[PinkKizzie]

Hi possum, sorry you found the battery change very traumatic. When I had an attempted pacemaker implant at the end of 2022 I was given sedation and all was going well until the 3rd lead pierced my heart and emergency OHS was performed to remove the lead and repair the hole. The implant was halted, it was so traumatic I won't try again for a pacemaker. Both my scars have healed great. I only take medication now and feel well. I do hope you are recovering well. Take care.

[possum in reply to PinkKizzie]

Thank you so much for your reply.Your replacement sounds horrific - how did you recover mentally from it nevermind physically?

The incision infection is starting to respond to the antibiotics thankfully. The GP was concerned it would need to be taken out & a new sit found.

I was allergic to the dressing they used as well!

So glad you are doing well. Take care.

[PinkKizzie in reply to possum]

I am so pleased the site is responding to antibiotics, you must have been worried. Mentally I've been OK. I was so shocked when the consultant told me at the beginning of 2022 that I was in the severe category for heart muscle failure (EF 25%). When a pacemaker was advised, I said ok, but being honest, I dont think I would have coped with it so I was actually OK when things went pear shaped, stuff happens. I keep as active as I can, I'm on great medication and just take each day as it comes. Wishing you well. x