device moving into breast

I am 38 and one week ago had a pacemaker/defibulator implanted. 5 days after the procedure, I still had tremendous pain and noticed my left breast had a huge lump in it. Went to the Dr. the next day and the lump was actually the device. It had slipped out of the pocket...and now sits in my breast betwwen the top of breast and nipple. They are trying to tell me that it will heal and fix itself and move back into place. My husband says he thinks they are just making light of a complication that they caused.......anyone have any thoughts?

12 Comments

Should Not Move That Much

by SMITTY - 2011-05-02 09:05:32

Hello,

I'm gong to be brutally frank with you, I think you are being fed a bunch of unadulterated B.S. Yes. a pacemaker can move a littler, maybe 1/4 inch, but not as much as yours has apparently moved. There is one or more tiny holds in the top of the PM where the for the Dr to suture, or anchor the pacemaker in place.

My advice is go back to that Dr and tell him that you want it put back in its original location at his expense, which is where it should be. If he hesitates for just one second tell him he will be hearing from your attorney and walk out. Then go get an attorney, show him what has happened and ask him to get you a Dr to fix the mistake.

I've had two pacemakers and the first stayed in place for 9 years, never move one iota. The second started moving shortly after I got it 2009 and continues to get worse. I'm afraid I'll have to get it re-anchored soon. If I were a normal physically active person, I'm sure I would have already had the work done. But I'll be 82 in a couple of weeks and physical activity is no longer my forte.

I'm sure you will hear from some of the other members with their opinions, but again I say get it fixed and the sooner the better.

Good luck,

Smitty




p.s.

by Tracey_E - 2011-05-02 09:05:52

mine has moved considerably over the years! I'm on my 4th one, got the first one in 1993. It's a good 2-3 inches lower than where the first one started.

odd

by Tracey_E - 2011-05-02 09:05:53

I have never heard of that happening!! They're put there on purpose sometimes, they shift sometimes, but I've never heard of one drifting that much. Usually when they drift, unless it's not functioning or it's very painful they just watch it for 6-12 months and see if it settles down on its own. They won't want to do a second surgery unless it's necessary.

Mine is buried in the breast, it was done deliberately. I love it. I don't have any of the discomfort some women get with backpacks and seatbelts.

If it would make you feel better, maybe get a second opinion from a plastic surgeon. Wait and see is the accepted approach when they move. It may not land where you thought it would land, but if it heals comfortably, I'd leave well enough alone.

Traveling Pacemaker

by J.B. - 2011-05-03 03:05:40

I guess how much the pacemaker has actually moved depends on how big the breast is since she says it is between the top of the breast and the nipple.

The movement of my pacemaker is zero inches. The scar was in the middle of the pacemaker at the start and is still right there.

But to me the important part isTconely says it has moved and it is painful.

Movement

by fishfighter - 2011-05-03 07:05:00

I'm 2 weeks into my implant of a CRT-D. Mine has moved somewhat, well the bottom of it moved about an inch were the top moved very little. I find that this implant is a pain were it is located on me.

Anyone have theres located somewere else other then the shoulder?

Human Anatomy?

by donb - 2011-05-03 09:05:40

I have questioned this PM placement also. I can't believe that so many of us have our bodies put together so our Drs' can't decide a proper implant site & then also neglect to suture the PM properly. I have had 3 PMs' on my normal left chest site, 1st directly under collar bone, next slightly lower & 3rd lower again. All were sutured & didn't move.
Each PM replacement were progressively smaller in size.
Now my 4th PM is on my right chest, tucked close under my collar bone & secured. Very comfortable!!

I would encourage any newcomers anticipating an upcoming PM to thoroughly discuss the implant procedure with their Dr before having the surgery. Always remember to remind your Dr. that it's not him/her that has to live with that PM, it's You!! And, you don't want your PM wondering all over your body as it certainly isn't in anyone's plans. Sorry to get tough on this but it's just getting out of hand with sloppy workmanship with some Surgeons. donb

Cosmetics

by ElectricFrank - 2011-05-03 11:05:52

A lot of the issue is cosmetics. While an old fart like me doesn't mind having an obvious bump on my chest under my clavicle, some of you younger folks (and not just females) are concerned about appearance. Unfortunately, the deeper the pacer is implanted the more invasive the surgery. So it's a trade off.

It's not all your fault though. How many have actually been told of the options and been given information they affect pain, recovery, etc. By the time we get around to the first replacement it is now easier to put the new one in the same pocket.

For me the left chest location has been great. It is part of the reason I've been able to have my original and replacement done while wide awake. The surgery is easy and healing is fast.

So I guess we either pay for it in looks or suffering.

frank

Yes, A Pacemaker Can Move

by Pookie - 2011-05-03 12:05:23

Hi:)

Sorry to hear that this has happened to you and as a few of the above posts mentioned - it wouldn't/shouldn't have moved if it was placed/sutured in the 1st place.

I know from personal experience........take a look at mine in the Members Gallery (just type in "Pookie") and you will just see my pictures instead of going thru about 100 looking for mine where it SHOULD be placed.

This was AFTER mine decided to travel across my chest and nestled into my armpit!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your doctor telling you it will heal and fix itself, well, he is giving you the biggest bunch of BS I've ever heard and I would not only get it fixed but I'd make sure he was taken to task for saying what he did, too bad you couldn't have what he said in writing!!!!!!!!! Perhaps you should ask him to put that in writing, eh?????

Seriously, the pacemaker can move ever so slightly, but NOT THAT MUCH.

It just makes me SO angry when some doctors give us a line of BS hoping we will just disappear.

The corrective surgery for mine wasn't that bad, even though I didn't have it re-positioned until 5 months after the initial surgery.

Let us know what happens.

Pookie

I second Smitty's statement

by ElectricFrank - 2011-05-03 12:05:44

Not only are there holes in the pacemaker case for the purpose of suturing the pacer in place, but the manufacturers implant instructions say it should be done.

The only problem at this point is that it means opening up the incision again to do the job right. However, with the problems you are having it would be worth it. They won't go away with time.

Be prepared to get assertive with the doc and suggest you will get a second opinion if it isn't fixed.

frank

full of it

by Sidman - 2011-05-03 12:05:45

I believe the doc is full of *%##& get that checked out never heard of this before wow.Here for you and let me know how things go.Your husband is right I am sure.

Where My Pacemaker Should Be Located

by Juan - 2011-05-04 10:05:51

I know what would be the perfect location for my pacemaker. Six 6 inches up the rectum of my doctor.

I'll admit it may not do my heart much good if it were locaated there, but it would give him a taste of the pain and misery the thing has given me.

kisses to patch

by Tracey_E - 2011-05-04 12:05:07

You are so very well behaved and tactful! (you know,this once, I promise we won't come to expect it)

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

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