Possible Flipped PM

I have lost over 6st since my pm was implanted, so now as I turn in bed the unit seems to come out of its pocket and flip maybe as much as 130 degrees - all very disturbing, in fact it makes me feel sick. I started worrying that I would flip it over completely coming out of sleep and trying to push it flat again, but the wrong way, so I took myself off to hosp. They x-rayed me, said it was in the right position (not flipped) pacing was all fine - go home don't worry

This morning however it was laid over again when I woke up and I did the groggy groping thing and now I'm beginning to wonder if I did push it the wrong way - Tonight it 'feels awkward' I don't notice it normally when sitting etc or when I lie on my left side - tonight however I'm getting the sensation of a light fizz or buzz from my chest, the whole area feels tight ... anybody out there who can reassure me. I really don't want to go back to hosp, I felt like I was wasting their time and although they said it could be re-positioned they frightened my to death with talk of infection if the have to open me up again
I'm starting to hate this damn thing, I don't want to go to bed and lie down and am seriously thinking I might start sleeping in a chair :( I don't want to be so worried

6 Comments

Flipping Pacers

by ElectricFrank - 2013-02-07 01:02:42

They are supposed to be stitched down in the pocket according to the Medtronics Implant Manual, but many surgeons don't do it. I've heard all sorts of claims, but suspect it is just laziness or in a hurry to get out of the OR and on to the next.

frank

Flipping pm

by Alma Annie - 2013-02-07 03:02:06

Mine turned 90 deg. during the first 6 weeks. "What have you done?" says EP. "Nothing" I reply!! Oh well not to worry he said.. Then it flipped up vertically one night, as I lay on my left side/ stomach. It flipped down again when I moved. No worries says my GP. Now it often flips up vertically but flips down when I change sleeping position. The only trouble I had was with a mammogram, the new digital kind, when the machine pushed it right over to the left, and it hurt and I yelled. It is still more over to the left and the wires or whatever are under my arm and a bit uncomfortable, but tech says still ok.
They are tough I am told, and so long as they are still working, not to worry.
I can remember all sorts of funny feelings, stabbing and the like when I first had pm. I have had it 20 months now, and am quite used to it and all the funny things that happen with it.
I don't know if this will help or not. I hope so.
Alma Annie

possible migrating PM

by jaxze - 2013-02-07 04:02:22

Hmmm.. After reading the posts it makes me wonder if this is part of why I'm having so much pain. I'm 2 months post op as of today And it feels like the pacemaker Is migrating to the left Almost all the way to my armpit. I see my doc tomorrow.. so I can have him check it.. but my pain is severe I have nerve pain from the inside of my armpit and then across my chest with a pacemaker is. I never thought the Pacemakers could move but it makes if its under muscle that are not stable. I'm large breasted and no bra seems to help supported it enough. I generally have to hold my breasts really tight against my chest to keep from feeling the polling on my chest muscles.. nothing really seems to help. I'm on strong pain meds for chronic pain and I've been taking a lot of ibuprofen for pain at the narcotics don't help with in case the pain is from inflammation. but at this point I don't know what to do and I don't want the pacemaker to move out of place. I've never heard of it flipping And can't even imagine that But I definitely feel like mine is moving toward my armpit And I'm afraid it's going to move so far and pulling the leads out So far the leads are solidly in place and working properly

same here

by ratsyp - 2013-02-07 05:02:09

I have a very simular situation. I have lost a large amount of weight and my pc flips during my sleep. I dont feel it happening but when I wake and sit up I feel it pop into place. I was concerned a couple months ago and called and was told not to worry. Then it happeneded a few more times and I called again. The person I got this time never heard of this and ordered a chest xray. Well xray look perfect. Dr wants to see me in a couple weeks but I like you feel like I'm wasting his time my time and money. He will just send me home I'm sure of it. Maybe I'll just wait and see. It seems to be working great. Had a few blurps along the way but I have it for 3 years now.

same problem

by samopat - 2013-02-22 09:02:38

I have same problem I posted question about it recevied some info from others that have had this also. ask your dr. about it when you get check up, I called my dr. they said it was ok and not to worry but I still do.

Update

by GillyC - 2013-02-23 06:02:22

Thanks to all who commented - I didn't get any success really - they seem only to want to 'treat' outcomes rather than preventative measures. My advise to EVERYONE who is overweight is to talk to the surgeon beforehand about having it anchored.
I really did struggle for a week, trying to manage the flip by wearing a sports bra but woke one morning to find it had tilted up but the edge of my bra wouldn't allow it to flip back when I changed position, that was scary so I abandoned trying to wear the bra and changed tack completely. I spent a week of having a good half bottle of wine before bed, so that I could sleep on my pacemaker side and go straight to sleep instead listening to my heart beating and churning it all over in my head. I've had two sober nights now, it still flips back and forth but I'm learning to not panic about whichever side I sleep on and to be honest I think lack of sleep makes everything worse - so again thanks for the replies and good luck to those having similar difficulties xx

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