my name is melinda.... and i am in the hospital right now because i have a defibulator that the leads are infected by staph......ive had open heart surgery and everythng......but the doctors want to treat this with antibiotics i want them to take it out so i wont spread anywhere else......im getting an echo today......but im scared on if there going to take it out.....what do you think
Hello, Thanks for writing to Chat Doctor, I am Chat Doctor. I am sorry for what has happened with your define but here is a thing, this infection can be cured with the help of antibiotics, but without define your life would be in danger, Yes there is a danger of infection spreading to neighboring areas, but even then is lest riskier than having a cardiac arrhythmia or a stopped heart. We doctors weigh risks over benefits, high-end medications can control and treat and infection very easily but opening the chest again and removing the device is very risky and even if that is done, and you get rid of infection, there is a big chance that you will get a cardiac even and that is more dangerous to life than infection, for which we have antibiotics. I would suggest you not to panic and let doctors help you get out of these situations, doctors will definitely decide in your best interest. I hope this answered your question, If you have more queries I am happy to answer you. Regards.