My New Pacemaker!

Would be very happy if anyone out there in email land can tell me if their pacemaker is as big as mine is......Supposedly it is supposed to be the best there is but it sticks out and is uncomfortable.....It is the size of a deck of cards or a pack of cigarettes.....All have a good EASTER and a healthy EASTER.

9 Comments

Model?

by Swedeheart - 2008-03-22 05:03:15

Hello,

I have a very small Medtronic pacemaker, probably similar to your earlier device. Because of the description you give it appears your device does much more for you than your previous one.

Did they implant this new device in the same place as your previous one? Is it located under your collarbone? When did you receive your new device? I looked on your profile and I think your earlier device is still listed. I thought I would look online to find information, but not sure what to look for.

Is your new device close to the surface of your skin? I would think that might make it pretty uncomfortable. If it is "new" I am sure that contributes as well.

Perhaps with additional information it can be determined you are not "alone"! Sorry to hear you are uncomfortable, I hope it improves quickly.

Pacemaker or ICD

by VonnieVern - 2008-03-22 05:03:27

Do you have just a pacemaker or an ICD - defibrillator?
My mom had a pacemaker first, it was small as mine is, but she got "upgraded" to a defibrillator, which is about the size of a deck of cards.

Vonnie

large PM

by thomast - 2008-03-22 05:03:43

I also have a large PM ICD combo, it is about the size of a deck of cards. It is a 3 wire biventricular unit which cause all my heart chambers to beat in sync. It gave me a lot more energy than the 2 wire unit they put in first and replaced after 6 months. I am male so don't notice it. Also I hate cold so if is below 70 degree I usually have a flannel shirt on, so nobody even sees it.

Uncomfortable..

by turboz24 - 2008-03-22 07:03:01

I have an ICD around that size (pack of cards, 2.25 x 3" or so) and it can be uncomfortable at times, yes. Recently the skin is more sensitive/hurts at the top edge of the implant. I will talk to my EP about it when I see him here next week. My biggest fear is erruption of the device, since it's sitting under very little tissue.

As for sticking out, yes mine sticks up badly. I try to deal with it by wearing loose fitting shirts and just not looking it at.

Sounds Big

by bowlrbob - 2008-03-22 08:03:23

If it is just a pacemaker it should be about the size of a pocket watch. I got mine in 2005 and that is almost exactly the size. I don't know about ICD"S Bowlrbob

Cadillac of Pacemakers

by Seniorcitizen - 2008-03-22 09:03:21

Thanks for writing back on my feelings. I also feel as though it could break thru the skin since I can see the little parts of it right up there near the top of the skin. I got it in 12/6/07.....It is not a defibulator. Just a pacemaker............It is kind of where a bra touches.....It was put in the same opening that was used for the small one......The durgery took over 5 hours because they put in a third lead. I feel better in not being so short of breath....I am 74 years old and since it is this or death......I will live with this one. Just wanted to know how you others felt about yours.

3 lead may be larger

by ElectricFrank - 2008-03-22 10:03:41

The extra lead requires more electronics which means more battery drain. It may take a larger unit to handle all this.
It should be implanted comfortably though. Most insurance pays the cardiologist a fixed fee to do the surgery so they will do everything they can to discourage you from wanting them to fix the problem. DD you are probably getting the same story about the fluid. I'll bet if your insurance paid for another round of surgery the doc would be warning you how risky it is to have that unknown sack of fluid.

An finally, what's all this stuff about being in your 70's and too old for surgery. I was 73 when they put mine in and layed there awake while they did it. If the battery life projection is right I'll be in my early 80's (I'm 78 now) and don't see any problem with having them replace it.

frank

Mine to!

by dw5281 - 2008-03-27 05:03:15

Hi Seniorcitizen! My pacemaker is about the same size! Its Medtronic dual lead & ive only had it 6 weeks. I'm slim & its VERY easy to see - I dont have problems with it sticking into my collar bone though. It can be uncomfortable if I'm in certain positions when it pushes to one side & it does make shaving my left armpit difficult (had some tufts for a while!). Mine is in the same place as yours as well - right where your bra strap goes - very uncomfortable depending on the bra!! It does get on my nerves cos you can see it easily but I still feel lucky to have it - stops my heart from stopping!!

Hope you feel a bit better now!

Debs x

Cadillac of Pacemakers!!!!! #2

by Seniorcitizen - 2008-04-05 06:04:08

Thanks for all the comments. I have been short of breath since last week and wonder if my new big pacemaker is working properly. Can not get an appointment with the Interventional Cardiac Team until a week from Monday but I had thought my shortness of breath was better with this new one. My pulse is 80-85 and I feel as though I am gasping for breathe when I am out or doing anything much around the apartment. Also my left hand gets pins and needles, does anyone else get that and sometimes I look down and my left hand is more towards a bluish color that my right hand.......I do not think that this pacemaker is going to be as easy to forget as the first one was.....Someone out there please answer me and tell me why I also feel as though the pointy ends are going to push thru the thin skin....HELP.....Hope you are all happy with yours......It is keeping me alive but wish it were not on my mind all the time....Never was like that with the first one. Joan

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

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