Pocket question

This question is for those of you who have had multiple replacements. Have you had any luck rebuilding a pocket and continuing to use it? I think I've about maxed out on the number of replacements I can comfortably do in this pocket but I really don't want to move it somewhere else. The pm tech suggested getting a plastic surgeon for my next replacement to clean out the excess scar tissue and leave it where it is. I know it's a question for the surgeon, but thought I'd see what your experience is.

9 Comments

pockets

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-09 06:09:40

Patch, how do we ever survive the dry spells without your wisdom??

Moving PM

by donb - 2009-09-09 09:09:16

Hi Tracey, You'll probably remember the pocket episode I had about 9 months ago. A new location, right chest was really in order and turned out to be high just below my collar bone. Practically no pain and even now I hardly know it's there.
Cleaning up my old site was really the pits as I had a Plastic Surgeon do the site reconstruction twice as he finally took out the excess old leads and also lots more scar tissue. Now the area is also comfortable but just doesn't look the greatest.
I guess the decision is tough but as you also need a replacement lead just as I did also, it was decided to go new location. Might mention also the infection risk factor probably would be less than trying to reconstruct and use the same area for the PM. I really am glad now that it's over and with all the antibiotics after 4 surgeries I'm finally feeling like eating again only have to gain 10 more lbs to be back to my 150 lbs. I'm sure you'll be hoping for a nice tiny compact PM. Get lots of opinions from your medical friends and good luck!!!
DonB

thanks, Gellia

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-10 02:09:46

That is exactly what I was hoping to hear! I've heard of cleaning up pockets but the next sentence is always they moved the pm to a new pocket. My pm's haven't changed that much in size I don't think, but *I've* changed sizes. It's behind the breast, and they just don't say the same, er, elevation, LOL. Babies, weight gain, gravity... the pm is about 2 inches lower than where it started 15 yrs ago! It's actually buried better than ever now, I used to be able to feel the edges but now I can't.

The scar tissue isn't really that bad now, just starting to ache here and there, but I need a new lead so they're going to have to do some extra digging to get it in there. I'm concerned what it'll leave me to deal with if we don't do some clean up.

Enjoy sleeping on your side!!

I agree with Frank

by ShadowWeaver - 2009-09-10 03:09:34

I like the zipper idea, or maybe even installing those fancy zip lock things like on the zip lock bags or the bags of cereal. Should make the whole process a lot easier. :)

Zipper anyone?

by ElectricFrank - 2009-09-10 03:09:38

How about asking to have a zipper put in? Sure make the process easier!!!!!

frank

zippers

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-10 04:09:22

Oh, I asked!!! Last time I had it changed. They laughed like I was kidding around. Uh, no, lol. It's been opened so many times it's totally numb, might as well give me a zipper.

Moving PM

by donb - 2009-09-10 07:09:32

Hi Tracey, To answer your question I was lucky in all the years, I DID NOT have an infection as the good Drs' loaded me with antibiotics with each surgery. The problem was the antibiotics cleaned out all my good digestive bacteria leaving only the bad stuff and also left an open door for the usual hospital bug C-Dif. It's taken till just a couple of weeks ago to clear that up needless to say I was kinda homebound. They finally put me on the expensive stuff, Oral
Vancomycin. So anyone out there with this problem get a Dr. to prescribe this before it's too late, get the drift!! I might add I went this route before in 2000 with a major back surgery, picked up the same bug. Like I said had I had a bad infection and contracted C-Dif,it wouldn't have been pretty. DonB

don

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-10 11:09:35

I definitely remember! When did you get the infection- when it was moved or when they cleaned it out? I'm keeping my atrial lead, so if it gets moved we don't want to go too far. We are going to try to add the new lead on top of what's there and not extract.

Hi Tracey

by Gellia2 - 2009-09-10 12:09:27

I have had multiple replacements. My first pacemaker pocket (1975) held a three POUND unit so it was quite large.
Each time I have had a replacement (7 so far) they have revised the pocket smaller and used the same one.

On my last revision, the pocket was partially collapsed, sutured as they went along, and the wires and generator moved further under my arm. This made the whole thing so much more comfortable.

With each surgery, they have gone through the same incision site and used the same pocket, making it smaller as the unit itself got smaller.

My EP not only did the replacement, but this last revision, and I couldn't be happier. For the first time in 34 years I can finally lie on my pacer side. Something I couldn't do before because of the wires and unit catching under my collarbone.

Hope this helps!
My very best to you,
Gellia

You know you're wired when...

You can feel your fingers and toes again.

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