Moving the PM?

As a woman with a PM, I am having trouble keeping the PM from showing with many clothing necklines (especially with the hotter weather). I know that PM's can be placed elsewhere besides on the chest. Mine is so near the center, and I am on the small side.
Can a PM be moved over nearer the shoulder, or put in another place when the battery is changed?
I wish that my Doctor had asked me where I wanted it placed. Do Doctors take into consideration the gender of the patient when placing the PM's? After all, we have to function while having these "bumps" to contend with.

8 Comments

Seems like most don't...

by turboz24 - 2009-05-26 04:05:49

Most doctors really don't seem to take into consideration location when it pertains to appearance, on a male or female patient.

I wasn't really asked where I wanted my ICD, but when I saw it, it's horrible. It looks like someone stuffed me with a large flip cell phone.

At the moment, my technique is to never go shirtless (private or public), and as long as I wear a baggy shirt, I'm fine. I've adjusted to not looking at it, so most of the time I'm ok.

When it comes to replacement, my current EP will implant it under the muscle, so at least I will not have to look at it anymore.

small female

by gniwgniw - 2009-05-26 06:05:16

Im also a small woman and my pacer is very visible when i wear a Vneck shirt or open blouse. On one side of it my bra strap rubs and causes pain, on the other side, it shows. I cant avoid it either way. I use lotions to keep skin soft and it takes some pain away from irritation.

As far as it being visible, Im not as aware of it as I was a few months ago. Its part of me and I want people to know I have a pacer. I have a lot of friends who mess around and/or are physical. The scar keeps them aware.
My dr did say he could put it deeper into the muscle when he changes battery later but I hear that can cause longer healing time. To relocate it all together, I imagine would require even a longer time like the original operation.

The links here show a store that has pads for bra straps. they not only protect from the strap but hide the scar. I bought one and use it daily. I have decided to actually start making these pads in colors and pattern of fabric. The pads sold from the link here are over $20 each. I can make them for less than $3 each and they look much better. lol Im going to start selling them on EBAY!

placement and scars

by Tracey_E - 2009-05-26 06:05:51

Starwish, A few doctors ask where you want it or worry about how it'll look, but it seems like most of them just want to get in in there easily. Just under the skin is easiest and heals the fastest, and it's habit for them. You can absolutely ask for a reposition when they replace your battery. The only thing you might have to deal with is the leads not reaching where you want it to go, so you may be limited in where they can put it.

I'm fortunate that my surgical team thought of location and my comfort when I got my first one, it's buried behind the breast. If you'd like more information, let me know. No lumps, no visible scars, no problems with backpacks and seatbelts.

Paula, great attitude!!!

Turbo, I'll bet it's not half as bad as you think it is. It makes me sad that it bothers you so much. I'm going to say something I've thought before when you made similar comments but never posted because it's probably inappropriate LOL. It's clear from the knowledgeable way you discuss working out and nutrition that fitness is not something you take lightly. I don't think I've ever talked to you in the chat room when you weren't checking in between rounds of weights. Women notice that at a glance, fit men walk and wear clothes differently than couch potatoes. I can tell ya that if a guy has great muscle tone, I'm sure as heck not gonna notice a bump/scar over the fit of his jeans and nice biceps. You're a great guy, I'm just saying you don't need to hide behind baggy shirts. You are so much more than your icd, don't let it define you.

healing

by Tracey_E - 2009-05-26 07:05:45

gniwgniw,
Yes, healing is longer if it's buried deeper but it's not that bad and once you heal, you don't have to think about it anymore. I'd rather that than longterm mild annoyance.

Mine isn't just a bit buried under the muscle, it's inserted from the side and completely buried behind the breast. I was probably sore longer than average, but I never took more than tylenol after I was released from the hospital. I've had three replacements now, all using the same pocket. I hike with a heavy backpack, have had numerous mammograms and I nursed two babies- no problems with it.

bra?

by turboz24 - 2009-05-26 08:05:53

At least I don't have to deal with a bra strap...... ):

I did check into some backpacks, but couldn't wear them. Probably try again.

Do doctors ask?

by Mary Anne - 2009-05-26 10:05:32

I don't recall if anyone asked if I had a preference where the PM would go. It all happened so fast. I was on my first trip to Disney World when my third degree heart block became critical. I passed out several times, heart rate was in the 20's for awhile then stopped for 22 seconds. I woke up to them telling me I was about to be transported to another hospital for a Pacemaker implant. They saved/ improved my life. But did they have to place it right where I have a little mole directly in the center of the bump? It looks like a little third you know what! And talk about getting a bra that fits comfortabley over the PM: ) I am really relying on my sense of humor to get me through all this. So far all my family and friends are so happy that I am alive and well, they don't seem to have a problem with my new fashion issues. Good luck with your decision on relocating it somewhere you can feel better about. But don't let it get to you. We're a unique group of people. And that's a good thing. And the first thing I did when I got out of the hospital was go to Disney, in a wheel chair as doctor ordered at that point, but I got to see the parade and fireworks before my flight home.

Not behind muscle.

by StarWish624 - 2009-05-26 11:05:21

I am thin, and the PM pushes out from under the skin. The whole thing is completely visible and bumps out almost 1/2 inch. I don't think that it was placed behind any muscles. It seems to be just under the skin. When it was placed, I was heavier, and had more of a layer of fat that hid it. Now, I am thinner, and it shows completely. It looks like I have a cigarette lighter under there, pushing out and stretching the skin. I can live with the scar, but this very large bump embarasses me.

Dont be embarassed

by walkerd - 2009-05-27 05:05:50

Star you are alive and well because of that little bump behind your skin. Im sure they can reposition your device talk to your doctor, ep, cardioligist or surgeon. But Im not a woman and I dont care what it looks like because Im still alive to enjoy each day that I wake up in the morning. Im sure you look very beautiful with or without a small lump where your pm is.
Smile and remember it is there to help you and if someone comments on your bump well tell them that it your little emt keeping your heart going and you love it.

smile

dave

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.