Pacemaker repositioning

As a follow-up to https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/33858 (pacemaker moved 12 days post-implementation) I went to the hospital today and saw first the specialist arrhythmia nurse and then the senior EP consultant in the arrhythmia team. They both agreed the pacemaker had moved -- even if they couldn't actually find it -- it was placed under the muscle and has shifted up and sideways to pinch nerves but is still so well-padded they can only estimate an approximate position.

Because of the neve problems and the uncertainty, they want to reposition it (although they don't usually do that if they can avoid it) and I'm waiting for a phone call with an appointment for early next week. If they can get it done on Monday or Tuesday, they're happy not to move my AV ablation appointment (Late October)

I'm looking on it as another adventure... or trying to. At least it should only take half an hour (they said...)

6 Comments

adventures

by Tracey_E - 2018-09-21 11:25:48

That's the best way to look at it! Sorry you need another surgery so soon, that sucks. Fingers crossed it's as quick and easy as they say. 

Hoping for all good things

by Gotrhythm - 2018-09-22 14:47:02

I'm sorry you're having a hard time, but it sounds like you're keeping your attitude where it needs to be. I'll be holding good thoughts for you.

There's something I can't help but wonder when you say they can't actually find it. At the risk of asking a stupid question, can't they find it on x-ray?

Mine, leads and all, is so sharply defined on x-ray anyone could find it. Of course, mine is just under the skin, but if ribs show through the pectoral muscles, why wouldn't a pacemaker? Just asking.

X-ray?

by atiras - 2018-09-22 15:00:01

Gotrhythm, they debated doing an x-ray but decided it wouldn't tell them anything that surgery wouldn't -- and as it's very painful, not doing the surgery wasn't an option.

X-Ray

by AgentX86 - 2018-09-22 20:27:26

Well, it would tell them where to cut.  An ultrasound seems like it would work, too. 

Where to cut

by atiras - 2018-09-23 04:54:08

Don't they go in through the old scar?

where to cut

by Tracey_E - 2018-09-23 09:45:17

Yes, they'll go in the same place. And probably use xrays as a guide also. They'll find it, lol.

You know you're wired when...

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