Pacemaker move

Has anyone had their pacemaker moved after initial insertion? Mine does alright where it is, but I just don't know if I can hold out for 6-10 years, or until something goes wrong. If anything happens and they gotta go in there for any reason, I'm definitely going to tell them to move it.
My pacemaker is right on the edge of my armpit, and just underneath my shoulder joint. I can grab it by it's edge and probably flip it over if I really wanted to. (I don't though, and I leave it alone as much as I can)
Is it a big deal to have it moved. I'm scared of creating another incision. Right now I haven't said anything to my doctors because I'm quite content with my one inch incision. I know that my incision will grow over the years with replacements and such. I just don't know if I wanna change it so soon. It's only been 4 months. (Jeez, it seems like I've had it longer than that- HA)

6 Comments

mine has moved

by sculptor - 2008-12-19 09:12:23

And I've only had it 4 weeks. It's heading for my armpit just like yours. A couple times lately it has hurt, waking me up at night. Wonder why they can't make these things stay put???

Pacemaker moving

by Pookie - 2008-12-20 03:12:52

Hi.

Pacemakers can move. Pacemakers can move into your armpit. If you are not comfortable with it there, ask to have it repositioned....I did and I feel great.

Yes, it is yet another surgery but I chose comfort for the next 6-8 years. I also discussed with the cardiologist about having the pacemaker anchored down so it would never move again!!! Still don't understand why it wasn't sewn down the first time. My reposition surgery was exactly 5 months after the first surgery and it was a lot easier.

I'm sure your cardiologist would be willing to discuss this with you as apparently it happens more than we think.

Good luck & keep us posted.

Pookie

Pacemaker moving

by gsue55 - 2008-12-20 04:12:02

The reason they don't put your PM under the muscle in the first place ( I have been told by my Ep) is....That it takes a surgeon to do that and not just the EP & Rep from the PM company. Also, it makes it harder- more of a surgery when you have to have a new one/b attires checked. Whereas when you just have it put under the skin as usual....It is much easier for them to work on.

Hope this helps a little bit more.

Gloria

pacemaker move

by aldeer - 2008-12-20 11:12:39

Mine moved while swimming backstroke, and it really is much more comfortable now.(think it wants to be right where it is now). I really don't think the incision will grow at all. I have had many over the years and they stay there but become less noticable. Just remember that (as my doctor said) there always is that chance of infection with any surgery. aldeer

pacemaker move

by gsue55 - 2008-12-20 12:12:00

Hi,

I did have mine repositioned because of the same reasons you are having problems with. I told my Ep, If this is the way it is going to be..."Take it Out' He finally moved it & I feel much better. It doesn't move when its under your muscle. My Dr. made the same incision as the first time. Theres just a little part at the top of it that he went off track So, I can't complain.

My problem now is....We had very heavy snowfall yesterday & I had to walk 8 blocks in near Blizzard conditions. I don't feel well at all. My shoulder hurts & I can actually feel something there now which before I couldn't. I feel sick & I am shakey. Trying to decide what I should do here. I am flying out of Milwaukee on Christmas Eve to visit my daughter & grandsons in Pa.

Best of Luck to you & Happy Holidays
Gloria

correction

by aldeer - 2008-12-20 12:12:08

When you are young, your incision can raise a little (scar tissue...keloids) but over the years it does flatten out) and become less noticeable.

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