Answers?

I posted sometime ago and had a couple responses. Thanks to those who responded. I recieved my PM 11/20/2009 due to HB 3 and EF of 40. I had a really rough time for while, weakness, anxiety, and fear in general. I had had gallbladder surgery 2 1/2 weeks prior to my PM being placed. Too much for a little gal like me almost. I am feeling pretty much back to normal now, but do have a few questions. First of all, Ladies what do you do about your bra strap rubbing against your incision site? I am quite small and this really is uncomfortable for me. I can't run around without a bra- or can I? I don't think so because people would notice.:) There has to be a solution that I have just not thought of. Secondly, I still am lightheaded when I lie down. Meds have been switched without eleviating this problem. Body twitches are much better since I am now taking magnesium daily. Thirdly, I have been dancing a few times, however if I fast dance, I have a burning hurting sensation in my abdomen which sometimes goes up into my neck and ears. This also happens sometimes when I walk very fast. I have started back to the YMCA and pace myself when exercising. My PM is a Medtronic. The rep says it is working perfectly and not causing any problems. It is set at 60 and 120. Perhaps this is not a correct setting for my situation.

I enjoy reading all the posts and comments so much and I do await your comments.

Hope all are having a great day!

6 Comments

Sensitive.

by qwerty - 2010-04-15 06:04:05

I really identify with your problem with the incision site. My "wires' stick up significantly and I have just about given up wearing some of my favorite bras. There are some tricks I have learned on this site. One is to take the old shoulder pads that come out of other clothes and wrap them around the strap. This is great padding, and a little piece of velcro on them holds them in place. My Dr. suggested wearing a gauze pad, but the tape was more irratating. Not wearing a bra is not an option for me either. when it comes to boobs gravity has not been kind. I keep hoping that my incision site will "toughen up" a little. That won't helps the boobs, but if I can wear a bra it makes the world a little nicer place to be.. for everyone! LOL Some have had good luck with the sports bras because they have thicker straps and usually are softer. I tried these but really were not my favorite.
Sounds like you are a very active person and you are doing great overall. I have not had any of your other issues, so I can't help you there, but I bet some folks on here can.
Have a great day.

Ditto what qwerty said

by heartu - 2010-04-15 06:04:13

I am using my old shoulder pades to place under the bra strap. I cut one in half and placed a velcro strap around it. It covers the incision.

As for how you feel when you dance, perhaps the upper limit of your pm is too low, as what you describe is what I have felt when my HR went up to 130 when I exercised (probably higher) any my pm is 50-130.


I hope to get it raised at my next EP appointment on the 29th.

PS- qwerty, you are too funny!!!
0

Bra ?

by LS - 2010-04-15 07:04:18

I keep the strap off my shoulder on that side. It's getting better, but still a bit tender, especially if it rubs.
As far as the tummy pain? I doubt it's PM related. Maybe from the gall bladder & something you're eating? Who knows.
Liz

Pick wide-strapped styles

by SaraTB - 2010-04-15 08:04:59

Can you wear a sports bra? I bought a couple when I had my first PM implanted and wore those until the incision healed. I hate being without a bra too, even though I'm pretty small. The sports bras have wide straps which helped hugely. Now, thankfully, I'm able to wear regular bras.

Same Problem Here

by MAXI1439 - 2010-04-15 11:04:03

I am now wondering if Medicare will cover breast reduction surgery due to the fact that it affects my pacemaker. I had a really bad time during surgery because of the taping of my breasts, and now have numbness still from all the pulling. I keep my left strap of my bra really loose and really don't care right now that I look lopsided, I just tend to walk a little tilted.

I remember when my parents had open heart surgery about a year apart from each other. My dad's scar healed much faster than my mom's, due to the fact she was also large breasted.

I know they sell a seat belt cover for pacemaker wearers. Maybe one of us should invent a strap cover for bras for women pacemaker recipients. If anyone comes up with an idea, let me know.

Not me

by Beckes76 - 2010-04-16 03:04:13

Honestly I don't recall me having any problems with my bra strap. All my straps are pretty loose anyways. For the seat mel. I remember I had to adjust it pretty often at the beginning. It was irritating but it got better after a few weeks.

Becky

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