Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Pacemaker revision 8 months later?!

    Posted 27 days ago

    I have a history of SV ASD & PAPVR. 11 years after my open heart surgery and repair it was recommended that I get a single lead atrial pacemaker for sinus node dysfunction. After 10 years the battery was depleted as expected, but the surgeon recommended that the surgical pocket be moved from under the muscle to under the skin saying that cutting into the muscle so many times would atrophy it. Now 8 months after replacement I have scar tissue in my subclavian where the pacemaker lead is inserted and it is moderately occluding my subclavian causing swelling and discoloration of my arm that I've also happened to have multiple DVTs in. I am 31 years old and work as a Registered Nurse. All of this has recently triggered an awareness that my congenital heart issues will be life long and sometimes the outcomes will be good and sometimes the outcomes will not be so good especially because I have other chronic illnesses that require lots of attention. Please provide support.  



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    Rachel Lounsbury
    Registered Nurse
    Long Island City NY
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  • 2.  RE: Pacemaker revision 8 months later?!

    Posted 27 days ago

    Rachel,

    I had open heart surgery in 2007 to replace an ascending aortic aneurysm with a new aortic valve at MMC. In 2017 my aortic arch was replaced at NYP Well Cornell.

    In 2023 I received a lead-less pacemaker by Abbott.  It's installed percutaneously with expected life of 6 to 16 years.  You should  discuss this with your cardiologist.

    All the best,

    Vic 



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    Victor Fabry, Founder
    Healed Hearts of New Jersey
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
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  • 3.  RE: Pacemaker revision 8 months later?!

    Posted 26 days ago
    Rachel,
    First, I thank you for your work in nursing. I am sorry you are having the issues you are dealing with. In Jan of 2007 I had CABG x 5 and 6 years latter had a stent put into one of the bypasses and have done very well. About two months ago I was diagnosed with Afib and placed on Eliquis. It appears that in the near future I will get a pacemaker following a Cath and ablation. I have several friends who have gone down this path and are doing fine. I am 50 years older than you and consider these past 18 years my bonus years. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and wish you the very best. You have a lot of support from the people in this group.

    Tommy Broughton
    MH Chapter 28
    Richmond, Va

    Sent from my iPad