Maybe a problem

Another pacemaker was installed about 2 months ago--battery in old one pooped out.
I was awake during surgery also again. During surgery heard dr. say--They're making them bigger now. Dr. had difficulty getting pacemaker back into the pocket under the skin and muscle--tried making pocket bigger but I don't think he could. Now pacemaker is placed more upward than other one and sticks very close to skin surface at slight angle outward. I feel almost constant pain in the uppper arm. I'm scared and worry the leads will pull out.
Do I have a problem or should I not worry.
Paul

3 Comments

leads are fine

by Tracey_E - 2010-03-05 06:03:56

Did you get new leads this time? If not, they're not going anywhere now! After the first year, it would take a laser extraction to remove them, you will not dislodge. And if the pm is moved, the leads are probably not pulling tight. They take the extra lead, coil it up and place it behind the pm so there is always give. So, I would not worry about the leads.

I would, however, be concerned about it hurting all the time. It's not dangerous (as long as there are no signs of infection) but who wants to live with pain!? Two months isn't long, it could settle in more. They usually like to watch it for 6-12 months before doing a reposition, but if it hurts you should discuss it with your dr.

hmm

by Pookie - 2010-03-05 08:03:09

Hi.

It sounds like your pocket may be too small like you said you heard and the doctor perhaps tried to squish everything in. Perhaps that is why the pacemaker itself it protruding a bit more now because it is sitting on top of the excess wires that go directly into the pacemaker.

Two months for me would be one month too long before I'd be back asking or demanding for a solution.

I had mine re-opened 5 months later to be repositioned because it was causing me too much pain. And the only reason it took 5 months is because I also was told to "let it be", that things would "settle" when in fact, my pacemaker did settle ~ it settled into my armpit.!!!!

If you are in a pain and you can clearly see your pacemaker protruding, I'd be calling on Monday morning as there is no need for you to live in pain. That's only my opinion. :)

I'm rather certain that your leads haven't moved ---meaning the end of the leads where they go into the heart, but the end of the leads that go into the battery is what or where I am guessing is causing you your problem/pain.

Take care,
Pookie

Larger pacer

by ElectricFrank - 2010-03-06 12:03:35

Replacing my Medtronics Kappa with the newer Adapta has the same problem. The cardiologist mentioned it to me as well. They have increased the size slightly to include a larger battery, which extends the life a bit.

My pocket has been a bit tight, but it is adjusting after about 7 weeks. The old one had a bit of slack in the pocket which may have allowed room for the new one.

There is no reason to be concerned about the leads pulling out. They leave quite a bit of slack in them. However, if it is still painful and causing nerve pressure I would have it checked out. From your description of the way it is stick out at an angle it needs to be fixed.

frank

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