Implant site pain?

I got my Medtronic PM a week ago tomorrow, for a third stage block. The surgical site is still painful, especially near the shoulder where the muscle (or tendon?) connects to the chest. No redness, fever, or sign of infection. Also, I have at least as many dizzy spells as before, though milder, and new symptoms--palpitations and a sensation like my heart's jumping in my chest, a sort of "ka-chunk" feeling. Anyone else experience this? Does it mean the device needs to be adjusted?

Thanks--the people on this site have been great. Don't know what I would have done without you. I'm pretty depressed but hanging in there.

8 Comments

healing

by Tracey_E - 2010-07-12 01:07:06

I'm not surprised it still hurts some, it's only been a week. Give it some more time.

The jumping and palpitations might just be a hyper-awareness of your heart now that you have a pm, or it could be that the settings need adjusted.

Dizzy spells are worth a phone call, they may want to see you. Are you on pain meds? They can make you dizzy.

Newbie

by Heather1234 - 2010-07-12 02:07:01

I am with you...as a fellow newbie (June 2, 2010) my incision and site is still sore. I get these "electrical charges" that run the length of my incision. My cardiologist says it's the nerves trying to reconnect after being cut. I can't stand people, clothes or things to touch the incision or the area of implant. LS...how long does it take for your incision and site to start feeling some sort of normalcy again? Hang in there Lulu! It does get better each week. Take care of yourself.

pain

by LS - 2010-07-12 02:07:55

For such a newbie with the pacemaker, the pain is perfectly normal. Call if there is oozing or it feels hot to the touch. That could be a sign of infection.
Since it's just coming on a week, you're probably scheduled for a check up right?
Make sure you ask these questions to your Dr.
I'd call about being dizzy.
Liz

It will improve

by travlin50 - 2010-07-12 03:07:24

I had my PM on May 13, 2010. I never thought I would be able to wear a bra again! My girls are large and I spent the first week holding my left girl up everytime I moved. I had those same "ka-chunk" heart jumping feelings. I also had some dizzy spells. How long have you been suffering with this heart issue? My doctor told me the longer you let it go - the longer the recovery. I had on and off trouble for about a year and thought it was stress. I am young for a PM so heart trouble never crossed my mind, I just knew something was wrong. I had a low heart beat and oxygen was not getting to my organs or brain the way it should. I was dizzy all the time and short of breath with walking and so very tired. I went to the doctors when I was having trouble thinking and remembering. Not good when I have a full time job working with engineers!! After I got my PM I did not feel better right away, but I felt a tiny bit better everyday. I am now starting to exercise and have a long way to go to get back to where I was a year ago. I thank God everyday for my PM. I would not have the quality of life I now do if it were not for my PM. I am glad you are hanging in there. It is depressing but when you start to feel better, things might look brighter for you as they did for me.

Heather1234

by LS - 2010-07-12 05:07:28

. LS...how long does it take for your incision and site to start feeling some sort of normalcy again?

In answer to your question, for me about 4 months.
Now if I swim too much, playing in the pool with the grandkids, it tends to ache a bit, but nothing like before from the irritation of the bra strap or seat belt. LOL
I can now predict rain too!! The site just gets a bit achy. LOL
I swear, 4-5 months was a turning point for me.
Good luck to you & speedy recovery!!
Liz

Pain still at 4 months

by aportice - 2014-11-13 11:11:30

I too am having site pain. The incision site is very tender and seems to have an electrical charge feel to it when the pain kicks in. Very sharp and immediate type pains. No look of infection but just not a happy area right now. Now that things have healed it's like the pacemaker is rubbing on the inside of the incision and causing a lot of pain.

Anyone else dealing with this so far in?

aportice

by SarahM - 2015-01-13 05:01:46

I had my pacemaker installed in June... usually I do get I have it.. but since losing some weight, just 15 lbs.. I find I take uncomfortable to lay on my left side and I'm getting sharp, burning pains near the incision site... just started about a week ago though...

not enough padding can cause pain!

by suesp85 - 2016-03-25 07:03:03

I got mine in January of 2015. I had to have a pocket revision for pain and because it was trying to push out the side in April of 2015. I had to pad the incision site and had adhesive of some sort on my chest for almost 10 months. In December 15 it started hurting more than before. I can't stand anything touching the site itself. I can't wear my seatbelt correctly, it has to be off to the side, I can't stand clothes or my hair brushing it. It has gotten to the point where I can't raise my arm, roll my shoulder or lift well without pain. It aches pretty much all the time. When I couldn't take it anymore I went to my cardio. (he called his partner in too) They think it's because I don't have a lot of padding by the collarbone and I had 3 options. I could ignore it (for the next 8-10 years and the battery dies), have it shot full of lidocaine or have it revised again, this time under the muscle. I can't ignore it, and after a fluoroscopy that was negative I caved and had the shots. lasted one day.I am now using lidocaine patches (also not working). I feel for you all! So on the 8th I will go back in after using the patches for 30 days and see what's next.

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.