location of pm

Am having PM implanted Thursday and am asking if there are options as to where the PM is located and is there are what are they?

4 Comments

placement

by Tracey_E - 2012-07-10 07:07:45

There are lots of placement options, but many drs automatically put them just under the skin, just under the collarbone on the left side. Reason for this is it is the shortest path to run the leads, and it heals quickly with the smallest chance of infection. There are some arguments for putting it on the right side if you are left handed, but imo once you heal it doesn't make a difference so keep it simple.

Another alternative is to bury it a bit, either go in lower or more toward the shoulder. Burying it is a little longer recovery time, but it's not bad. It took me longer to heal than most but I never took more than tylenol after the first few days. It was about 3 months until I was back to my full routine at the gym with no twinges.

If you are an athlete, thin, and/or young, or just plain worried about the possibility of a lump - these are reasons to consider going a little deeper. I got my first one at 27 (1993) and I was very underweight at the time, so my dr brought in a plastic surgeon and they buried it under the breast. Pm's are much smaller now so this would be overkill, but I'm still glad it's buried. If I were doing it today, I'd just go lower on the chest, not to go all the trouble to bury it as deep as mine is.

Benefits- a seatbelt never rubs, no lump, I can carry a heavy backpack, scar is inconspicuous.
Downside is recovery is a little longer when I need it replaced and when I needed a new lead it was a little more complicated.

i was told

by ohiolaura - 2012-07-10 08:07:32

I am right handed,and was told the PM would be on the left,since I do everything on the right side.I didnt have a real choice I think,but I have to say it is the correct spot for me.
I do shoot guns,on the right,as well as a bow some,so I feel the left was my only option,andits just below the collar bone I guess it is in the front.8 days out now and its doing well by my standards,sore,tight but ok,good luck Thurs.
God Bless!

PM positions

by Mary1998 - 2012-07-10 12:07:45

You can discuss with your doc. I know folks who shoot a gun on their left or right side want the PM placed on the opposite side. Perhaps you have a situation similar to that. You need to talk to your doc if you want options prior to your surgery.

pm implanted today

by tgot17@gmail.com - 2012-07-12 05:07:37


Returned from hospital a couple of hours ago after this morning's pm install. Everything went well. So far, I don't feel any pain. Have to be very careful with it as it heals and as the leads solidify their connection to my heart.

I have been dreading this, but it really was not that bad. So far so good.

Thanks so much for the positive words from so many of you. This support group is great. It helps to know that you are not alone.

I was also told that my Medtronic pm(latest model) will allow mri's without interference with the pm.

You know you're wired when...

Your device acts like a police scanner.

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Good luck with your surgery. It will improve life amazingly.