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What Does High WBC Count Post Pace Maker Surgery Indicate?
Question: Hi there, my 86 yr old healthy dad had a pacemaker put it about 3 1/2 weeks ago. the day after the surgery the cardiologist did an X-ray and found that one of the wires was not properly in place so he went back in to correct the placement. my dad seems to be dying in front of my eyes! he has had several blood tests done, a few of which indicated a high white bloodcell count the recent blood tests appear to be normal. he cannot feed himself! what happened?? thank you, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Infection/stress causing anorexia...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have gone through your queries and understood your concerns.
The presence of high white blood cells count (leukocytosis) is indicative for infection caused during the micro-procedure of putting the pacemaker. It is great that leukocytes count is being normalized, indicating that the infection is well-controlled.
With regards to anorexia, it is caused by infection he is experiencing and stress/anxiety of intervention. It is important to collaborate and convince your father to start eating gradually (first liquid foods, then solids). It is important to get him fed to gain forces to fight infection.
At the beginning, you can give him i.v. replacement fluids, until he will be totally fed orally. If he still refuse, can schedule psycho-therapeutic seances with the specialist.
All the best to your dad and all of you!
Dr.Benard
Infection/stress causing anorexia...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have gone through your queries and understood your concerns.
The presence of high white blood cells count (leukocytosis) is indicative for infection caused during the micro-procedure of putting the pacemaker. It is great that leukocytes count is being normalized, indicating that the infection is well-controlled.
With regards to anorexia, it is caused by infection he is experiencing and stress/anxiety of intervention. It is important to collaborate and convince your father to start eating gradually (first liquid foods, then solids). It is important to get him fed to gain forces to fight infection.
At the beginning, you can give him i.v. replacement fluids, until he will be totally fed orally. If he still refuse, can schedule psycho-therapeutic seances with the specialist.
All the best to your dad and all of you!
Dr.Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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