Painful breathing

Hi everyone! I had my pm inserted 9  days ago.  Still dealing with acceptance issues, I was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome and since it is mostly seen in older people, at times I'm in denial. 

I've had pain right below the sternum only when taking deep breaths since the first day. The chest xray is normal, leads in good place, the wound is healing well with mild discomfort as expected. Has anyone had something like this? Could it be paIn from the cables?

4 Comments

ask to be seen again

by Tracey_E - 2016-12-21 13:47:44

I would ask to be seen and repeat the xray if the breathing is not better by now. It could be healing, it could be you picked up a bug or something at the hospital, but it could also be pericarditis, when fluid builds up around the heart. It's rare, but serious if not treated so you want to be sure to rule it out. 

Denial is normal! I was 27 when I got my first one. 22 years later and I'm still the youngest in the waiting room on pacer clinic days. 

Mild improvement of painful deep breathing

by Dil - 2016-12-21 14:25:16

Thanks for your understanding, the first time at the office I asked the secretary to wait outside since I felt so out of place there. I turned 40 and a week later had pacemaker insertion :(

My doctor saw me 4 days ago and expects it to improve, but I need reassurance from those who have actually had a pm inserted.

Thank you so much 

 

Acceptance

by Lana11 - 2016-12-21 17:13:05

I know exactly what you mean about being the youngest in the waiting room. I'm 21 (got my ICD pacemaker at 20) and feel out of place a lot haha. Acceptance is difficult and I'm still not there yet, but you've only had yours 9 days so keep well rested and allow yourself time to recover both physically and mentally. You're not alone in this, this group has helped me a lot.

Yes, be seen again

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-21 22:19:12

18 days after my implant I suddenly had strong pain in the center of my chest that got worse daily.  An Echo revealed fluid around the heart. 

It may not be but don't ignore it.

Grateful Heart

 

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