CRT-D aches

I am at 5 years on my 4th devise, still have 1 1/2 years left on battery. The device seems to move a little more than usual and aches a lot of the time. Has anyone else had this experience? Do you have any suggestions to make it more comfortable? Is there anything on the market such as a compression shirt that will reduce the movement?

5 Comments

Movement

by Lavender - 2022-07-13 18:52:18

I'm sorry no one has yet replied with thoughts. I have no experience with this issue, but have read on this site of others whose devices have moved. It sounds uncomfortable. I still sleep with a small pillow laid over my device. I hug the pillow to sleep. I just feel more secure that way when I lie on my side, sort of leaning into the mattress. 
 

I hope you know not to touch the device. It's called Twiddler's syndrome and can further loosen the device. Wonder if you spoke about this with your doctor and asked if it can be secured?

CRT-D aches sounds uncomfortable

by Gemita - 2022-07-14 05:56:58

Like Lavender, I am sorry no one has responded.  Movement of device is a very common problem for so many of us.  Being female I wear sports bras and this helps prevent undue movement of my pacemaker device which has certainly moved slightly out of position since implant in 2018.

Have you looked at protection products on this site or tried the PACEGUARD website for a compression shirt?  I found the following Pacemaker Club link in case it is of help.  I would also mention the problem to your doctors, even at this late stage, just in case there has been any significant movement of your device.  They might wish to ensure that leads and device position are still within normal limits.  I don't know what else to suggest except to hope you will find something to help you feel more comfortable and "secure"

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/36466/something-to-hold-icd-in-place-while-running

Movement

by gandjbrown - 2022-07-16 14:30:45

Thanks for your comments. Over the past 20 years I've had 4 devices and 5 leads replaced, my Drs are aware of my issues. The muscles and fat around my device are not what they were 20 years ago so movement is more common. It's possible to move the device to the right side to make it more stable and will consider that when this battery is depleted. I bought some really tight undershirts to see if they will hold the device in place. I don't/won't take pain meds. Wondering if anyone uses a cream like Aspercream or Valtoren?

Voltaren

by Lavender - 2022-07-16 15:05:53

A pharmacist told me not to put Voltaren/diclofenac cream near my heart. 
 

I read this also on a mayo clinic link:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/diclofenac-topical-application-route/precautions/drg-20063434

Good idea to try smaller undershirts to try and hold it tighter. 

Moving

by ROBO Pop - 2022-07-16 17:13:26

Unfortunately time doesn't heal all wounds. I'm on device 3 and had this one put on the opposite side. Still have pain in the old pocket as well as a massive divot. Unfortunately after 4 years I have  some pain in the new pocket as well. All I can suggest is Tylenol if permitted. Hope you are lucky enough to find a solution that meets your needs

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