pacemaker movement

Can the pacemaker become dislodged and what would it feel like? I am 4 weeks post op and have been active but not up to my normal activity level. The site burns and I am aware of the pacemaker at all times. How do I know when the tissue has grown around the site enough to be able to pick up my little grandchildren? Thank you.

7 Comments

Ask your doctor!

by Swedeheart - 2008-03-24 01:03:26

Frank gave excellent advice! I would say you shouldn't pick them up yet... I had quite a helpful conversation with folks here about what I could lift and do (I am just at 4 weeks since implant too) they all suggested I should take it easy. We don't want anything to make our leads migrate or dislodge!

If your pacemaker is "burning" I would call your doctor and ask if you should be seen. Is it all the time? Is the area red? Make sure you don't have a infection brewing or anything!

I know I am aware of my pacemaker 99% of the time. It is still sore in the area and when I bend over to pick up something I may have dropped (like a fork...) I can feel it shift the weight in the little pocket they made and it isn't really comfortable. I am hoping it will settle down before too long. Mine is just under my collar bone on the left side, but implanted under enough tissue that it doesn't protrude very much. Just a slight bump.

My site...

by heckboy - 2008-03-24 01:03:44

would itch a bit for a year after my implantaion after going to the gym. I figured that it was tearing the edges of the pocket when I worked out and my Dr said that that was likley the cause.

If I were you, I'd wait to pick up the grandkids for 3 months... and at that, I'd still ask my Dr first.

When it doesn't hurt

by ElectricFrank - 2008-03-24 01:03:45

You didn't say where it was implanted. Especially, if it was put under a breast which is common for women, it can take a while. The best indication is just to listen to what your body is telling you. If it hurts don't do it.

I can understand your wanting to pick up those little grandkids. It is a wonderful experience. For now maybe someone can put them in your lap where you can hold them. If they are old enough to understand tell them you have an ouch.

good luck,

frank

Good Advice

by auntiesamm - 2008-03-24 02:03:22


Everyone has given you good advice. Did your EP or cardio give you post-implant instructions to follow? Not to raise the arm above shoulder level for 6 weeks? No lifting of anything over 5# is what I was told. That would be a bag of sugar or flour. Before picking up your grandbabies you should check with your doctor. It seems that would be an unecessary strain on your arms and upper body. Frank is absolutely right - have someone pick the little ones up and place them in your lap. If they are old enough show them the PM site and explain that you can't pick them up but they can sit by you, etc. You know all that good grandma stuff! LOL We are real soft-touches aren't we? Good luck as you continue to heal from your surgery. I am so very grateful for this little computerized gem that keeps me going! May will be 2 years for me and I seldom give the PM a second thought! It just keeps "ticking", thank the Lord.

Sharon

Burning Sensation

by gentlben4u - 2008-03-24 12:03:18

I thought I was the only one who was having a burning sensation at the site of my incision. I have had a pacemaker for 3 months, and I have been getting burning sensations at the incision site. I told my doctor, and he recommended me seeing the surgeon who did the implant. My doctor said the incision healed great but I can't understand the burning sensation.

Sensations

by kaka - 2008-03-25 01:03:29

I am 7 months post op and I still have that"burning,itchy,ground glass feeling".MIne PM is on the left side also under just below the collar bone.The Dr said it would probably last at least a year(so I never forget that I have my "little buddy" with me. I also use Neosporne +Pain Relief and I rub it on the site at least ever 2 hours and it really helps.

As far as picking up the little loves of my life,it wasn't until at least 2 1/2 months later that I actually picked up the little one ( he was 18 lbs). Before that they would come and sit on my lap. We still did our normal playing, except I couldn't do cart wheels and handstands( I doubt if I will anymore).

Hugs to all.
Kaka

picking up grandbabies

by Nona - 2008-03-26 10:03:25

Thank you for your comments. The Dr told me to wait 4 weeks before lifting and carrying. All of you have already gone through this so your advice is very helpful. I am 61 and was in good health before PM. My PM is on my right side below the collar. (I am left handed). I guess I have to think of the PM as my God gift and I will be reminded of His gift daily.

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