Question for al lodwick

[BudEBoy]

I have a mechanical aortic valve and a pacemaker since 2000 and have been on coumadin since 2000.
my question is when it comes time to change the pacemaker out (which should becoming up soon) and they put me on heprin is this something that would require me to be in the hospital for until they get me where they can do the battery swap or is it possible to give my self heprin shots until they get the blood where they need it for surgery.

 

[Guest]

Most people give themselves Lovenox or Fragmin shots. These are derivatives of heparin that do not need the lab tests that heparin needs. Ther are lots of people on this site who have done it for various procedures.

 

[John & Joann]

Cleveland Clinic has found that you can remain on coumadin at 2.5 to have the pacemaker changed. NO PROBLEM. You do need to go off the coumadin if the wires need to be replaced.

Cleveland Clinic is the best and will provide this information to physicians. Going off the coumadin for a pacemaker change is a convenience for the physician, but does create risks for patients. We take no more risks. Been lucky before with several serious issues.

We are POSITIVE about this information. Been there, Done that!

God Bless!

 

[Guest]

I agree J&J. I've seen quite a few put in without stopping warfarin. I have seem some spectacular bruises from this but almost any bruise is better than the mildest stroke.

I also hear the term swap the batteries, but it seems to me that they change the whole pacemaker + or - the wires. Is that always the case?

 

[John & Joann]

The pacemaker is a sealed unit. Therefore the term pacemaker replacement and battery replacement is the same procedure. Different terms but EXACTLY the same!!!!!

Rather have a black and blue spot than the stroke.