3 days after implant

Hi had a pacemaker/defibulator put in tuesday. I know these are going to be general questions and i know they may vary but im still going to ask.
does it always stick out like it does, how long does the pain last. i also feel like im short of breath, dr tells me to take it easy and drink lots of water, they think i may have had reaction to pain meds in hospital, which they did make me sick to my stomache.
the only thing im worried about right now is the shortness of breath it actually feels like shortness mixed with hyperventalation, that is what it feels like to me hard to explain.
thanks for any help, input, or just your feelings.
dave

6 Comments

early yet

by Tracey_E - 2008-09-19 04:09:11

Sometimes they always stick out, sometimes they settle in. It depends on your build and your surgeon.

Listen to your doctor re: pain meds. My first implant was supposed to be overnight, turned in to 3 days when I reacted to the pain meds, symptoms similar to what you're describing but bad enough they wouldn't let me go home. You'll feel better when it's all out of your system. Try to get by on Tylenol if you can, take it easy and stay hydrated. The worst is over!

If the shortness of breath doesn't go away within a few days, ask to be checked. It may be that the pm needs reprogrammed. The factory settings aren't right for everyone.

Hang In There

by LindaScarberry - 2008-09-19 05:09:59

I'm four months post implant and mine really sticks out when I lay down. Sometimes I can feel the top corner poking up a little bit. They tend to move a little; don't worry it will be fine. You have a computer in you now and it takes getting used to.

About the pain; ice yourself constantly. That's what I did and I never took a pain pill, only Tylenol.

The shortness of breath will take time; you have to clear the excess fluid from your body and lungs. That's may take some time.

You should have your pre-op appt within the first week or two; take a list of questions to your doctor. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor and get input from the people on this site. I relied heavily on them the month prior to my implant and it helped me tremendously.

The site will be sore for quite a few months; they have to cut thru a lot of muscle to make the pocket for the ICD. Put aloe vera or vitamin E oil to help minimize the scar. My doctor told me the site would be tender up to 12 months.

Just remember; keep icing and asking questions.

linda

stomach

by winesap - 2008-09-19 06:09:06

Antibiotics can also mess with your stomach. Surgery always entail prophylactic use of antibiotics. I had a couple of miserable stomach days after surgery but it settled down after a week or so.

The wound is also dressed - part of what we feel could be dressing and/or swelling. The external "visibility" should become less obvious over the next few weeks.

Sounds like you may need the settings tuned a bit - talk to the Dr or better yet an Electro-Physiologist (EP) if you have one.

Try to exercise - walk at least - it will help your system get back to "normal".

Can Answer some questions.

by turboz24 - 2008-09-19 08:09:34

If it sticks out immediately after implant, it's probably going to always stickout. Mine got a little worse once the swelling went down.

As for the pain, it seems to really depend on each person. I still experience pain several days a week 1 year after the implant, but some people are fine.

Moving

by Snoviper - 2008-09-20 11:09:59

Mine actually feels like it moves, they placed it under my breast because of the way they had to run the leads. If I move certain ways it sticks right out. I was going to go back to the surgeon but it is working ok and I really don't want another surgery. I am 45 and a little over weight so it's just another imperfection on my body... :) From what I heard it can take a year or so before you get used to having it.

Pain, Breathing, Etc,

by bobad - 2008-09-20 12:09:18


Dave,

I can tell you my 1st pacer site wasn't bad for pain, but I was 1 sick puppy for 2 weeks.

My 2nd pacer site was very painful, but I otherwise felt fine from day 1.

No telling what goes on in surgery. I guess they press hard on your chest and belly, as I had bruises all over my chest. My belly felt like I swallowed a box of toothpicks. I guess the sedative plus antibiotics plus laying on your back is bad for your lungs, and could cause edema. Of course that causes a feeling of shortness of breath, and since your blood oxygen is a little low, it makes you breathe faster. Sometimes I suspect the leads restrict the blood flow, causing some light-headedness, which I experienced quite a bit of.

Best of luck to you, and don't be bashful to ask more questions.

You know you're wired when...

You can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

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