Post Implant Pain

I had a PM implanted due to a vagas nerve problem and have been experiencing pain almost continually since the implant.
At first the doctor felt it was soreness of the collar bone due to the procedure. It has since "spread" from the collar bone across the left side of my chest. I am being followed by my second pain clinic and acupuncturist. Have been on lidoderm patches, Voltarn Gel, nerve meds, muscle relaxers and pain meds. Even had physical therapy. We are discussing lidocaine injections and thoracic epidermal. The doctors are not sure if this is short-term or long-term so I'm looking at almost any and all options. I'm starting a pain management support group next month.

Has anyone had similar pain and discomfort? What worked and what didn't? I know everyone is different as are results.

3 Comments

Continued Pain

by cookiegrl - 2010-04-23 02:04:35

I am very glad that your pain lasted a few weeks. I am going on 1 1/2 years and some of it is quite severe. I am most uncomfortable driving, working at the computer (and that is most of my job) and sometime just getting a comfortable position to sit. Sleep with extra pillows and drive with large piece of foam to lift the seatbelt away from touching the PM. Have never been able to drive with belt touching PM.

Hi Cookie

by Pookie - 2010-04-23 04:04:52

Hi.

I am very sorry to hear that you have had to endure pain for so very long.

I'm only guessing but perhaps one of the wires or the pacemaker itself is pinching a nerve???

I too have had chronic pain, that was misdiagnosed I might add, (but not from my pacemaker) since October of 1998 and only last month did I finally have surgery on my throat/neck as it took all those years to finally get a proper diagnosis...Eagles Syndrome....but that's another story as I had chronic head pain.

So, back to your pain. I too was on numerous drugs over the years and all it ever did was mask the pain. However, I found that Botox injections did help a lot. Another drug that helped me was medicinal weed. It comes in pill form in Canada, called Cesamet. Another drug that sorta helped was Tramadol and Indomethacin.

I too went to numerous pain clinics and massage therapy and had accupuncture too, etc.; but again, I wanted to get to the root of the problem, not just mask it. I too went to pain management groups. There wasn't a thing I didn't try.

I finally got diagnosed after seeing a doctor that took the time to go over ALL my medical reports. And that is what I think will be the answer for you too...finding the right doctor.

Is there any way you can be referred to somewhere like the Cleveland Clinic or the Mayo Clinic???

Have you done any research on your own and perhaps came up with a diagnosis that YOU think it is? That is what I had to do and finally, like I said, found a doctor who was willing to help me.

I truly understand what you are going thru, and you will find the answer, the key is to NEVER give up.

Take care,
Pookie



cookiegirl

by LS - 2010-04-23 06:04:23

I'm so sorry you are experiencing that severe of pain!
Oh my. I can't imagine.
Hope it turns out to be short term, but gosh, a year & a half sure doesn't seem like it.
Wish I had some answers. I was fortunate & just had the "normal" 6-8 weeks of discomfort. LOL
I'll keep you in my good thoughts & prayers.
Liz

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