Pacemaker shifted

Hi everyone!
I had my 3rd pacemaker and a new ventricular lead implanted on 10/01/10. At first I was so happy to have my whole heart pacing again, it didn't matter that my arm hurt so much. (I'm 100% paced. My ventricular lead had gone bad in 2008 and once the pacer battery got low and it shifted to single lead mode, I wasn't getting regular pacing, felt very weak and light headed.) Since the surgery my PM has shifted down and to the left. I can feel the part where the leads connect right at my arm pit and it hurts, especially when I go on long walks. I get sharp pains in my armpit and my upper arm right at the shoulder hurts constantly. I'm also having more chest pain than before and a lot of muscle jumping just below my breast (the new lead seems to be stimulating the muscle or nerve).
I have an appointment with the cardiologist who implanted this baby tomorrow. Just wondering if this has happened to anyone else, and if so, what was done about it? I'm hoping it won't require another surgery, but this pain is getting to be too much.
I'm so thankful for this site where I can vent and whine like this - I don't feel comfortable telling anyone else what's going on. My friends and family are happy that I'm still alive, so I just tell them I feel so much stronger than I did before the surgery. Thank you in advance to anyone who responds.
Teresa

3 Comments

Hi.

by Pookie - 2010-10-13 08:10:41

My pacemaker took the same trip as yours...right into my armpit, unfortunately, the only solution was surgery.

But it was worth it as now I don't have the pain that you described.

Best of luck,
Pookie

Arm Pain

by dsaunders - 2010-10-13 08:10:50

My PM hasn't moved, but the lead wire did come out of the ventricular. I had to have surgery to reconnect. I too have constant shoulder pain since the first implant in Jan. It seems to be worst since the 2nd surgery in June.I would love to know what your doctor says about the pain. I just read at Mayo Clinic that a side effect of PM surgery could be nerve damage near the PM site. :( It feels like it is out of the joint.

Good Luck and keep us posted.
Dee

kirby knight

by papaknight - 2010-12-06 04:12:29

sorry t hear about your problems. remember to keeep good records and ask for copies of your flouroscope films. This will show you eactly where everything is. Its sad to say but you just cant trust every doctor. find one who takes time to answer your queestions and explain things. They dont know near as much about these things as they tink. God Bless and good luck to you.Remember, its your body any ultimetly you are responsible.
PapaK Knight

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