placement

Hi, I'm a 31 yr old mom of three. I just got my first pacemaker on 4/10/12. It seems too close to my armpit, it even pokes out when I raise my arm a little. I wanted to know if this was the standard placement. I always thought it was under your collar bone. Thanks for your help!

4 Comments

PM Location

by SMITTY - 2012-04-20 05:04:03


Hi Bradymom,

I guess placement or location of a PM is pretty much at the Drs discretion and I guess it depends on the build of the patient. However, if you will go to the Member Gallery, upper left corner of the Home Page, after signing in, and put in my name you will see a drawing of what I think is the most common placement. At least that is about where both of mine have been located.

I would suggest that you discuss with your Dr the problems you are having. I'm from the school of thought that says a PM should not be uncomfortable from its placement or in its operation.

Good luck,

Smitty

17 Years of Pain

by donb - 2012-04-20 06:04:05

Hi, I'm a skinny male having had 3 PMs' on me left chest. They all were below my collar bone with each replacement a little lower. All 3 implants were a pain & yes they were secured but just under my skin with no fat for padding.

Fotunately my 4th PM had to be implanted on my right chest as my old site was a mess. I was very fortunate to have a very skilled surgeon do this implant as he put it under my muscle. What a differance, as it's been another 3 years and have not experienced any movement or pain.
So, I'm so happy to have the feeling of no PM now. I was also blessed to experience that for 2 months without a PM as it had to be removed from my old left chest site because of erosion.

donb

Me too

by Peg541 - 2012-04-20 06:04:28

Mine too pokes out when I raise my arm. BUT I think the EP was trying to hide it a bit when I got mine in Jan. I'm fine with where it is. It'll be easier to access for a battery in a few years. I move that arm differently when I take a shower. Otherwise it's not a problem.

Maybe you with young children have a tougher time but give it a try and see if you can adapt..

Peg

Same

by bjbumblebee - 2012-04-21 12:04:31

I just had my 5th PM implated in March 2012 and mine is just like yours. I was surprised it was so close to the edge and it has taken some getting use to. I am assuming for me it had to do with all the scar tissue.

Bonnie

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Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.