My bruise!

I have a complicated history as can be read in my bio. I have had a pacemaker for 10 years and since my epicardial pacemaker have had no problems until it was changed over a year ago.
My EP said he hadn"t replaced many in the abdomen, which was to me very clear afterwards when I found it to be so close to my ribs that every time I bend it clicks on my ribs. He didn't really have an answer other than trying to move it myself.
(My first was done by a cardiac surgeon)

Anyway... 2 weeks ago I developed a bruise around the site.so thinking maybe it had moved closer to my ribs I thought I should have it checked, waited for the appointment, saw the nurse tech, she told me I have no padding there, if I was fatter it wouldn't happen. I asked her if I could show my EP as he was there."Just to see your bruise" she said. He came by, obviously not too happy with his work, and probably me for pointing it out!..gave me options that in 7 years maybe I could have a smaller one or maybe a surgeon look at and revise the pocket but the lead is not long enough for it to go any deeper.

Did I overreact to insist that my EP should see the bruise? I felt as though they insulted my intelligence.
My thoughts are.. if you do a job do it to the best of your ability or pass it on to someone who knows better.

3 Comments

No

by Harrie - 2014-03-30 04:03:35

You didn't over-react. Sounds very unsatisfactory to me. Can you get a second opinion about having it moved before you need a replacement?

Hey, it hurts!

by Theknotguy - 2014-03-30 05:03:41

If it hurts, it hurts. Tell him it hurts and needs taken care of. You're in the USA. You can contact your insurance company, let them know you're bruised and hurting. If your current guy won't look at it you can get another in the area to help.

I had a chest tube for a week. Know how much something on the ribs bothers you. Can't imagine what it's like to have a PM bouncing around on your rib.

My cardiologist listens and answers questions. His thinking is if I understand what is going on, I'll be more active in my own personal care.

So if you have a cardiologist or EP who isn't listening to you, get someone else. And if the guy isn't communicating with you, your care isn't as good, you're more likely to make a mistake when something goes wrong, and you can end up dead. Not a good situation.

In the USA you can change your doctor at any time and for any reason. You can also call your medical insurance company and find out who the cardiologists and EP's who are covered by your insurance are in your area. In the USA quite a few of the medical insurance companies have a free nurses help line. Calling the nurses line can get you a lot of help too.

Oh, and don't apologize because it hurts. If it hurts, it hurts. There is a difference between something being irritating and something that hurts. Let your doctor know you know the difference.


Hope you can get some help soon.

Theknotguy

Bruising

by cheshirealice - 2014-04-01 02:04:00

I had my abdominal pacemaker replaced in November. I had large, weird bruising about a week after the surgery. It ended up going away without incident after a week or two. Unfortunately my replacement didn't go as well as I hoped and the leads were damaged. My EP wanted to wait until the leads broke but I pretty much forced them to replace it again. I didn't want random zapping of my abs.

I just got a new-replacement last Monday under my pectoral muscles going in through the armpit. I wanted this scar hidden and even at the last minute right before I was wheeled into surgery my EP was trying to change my surgery plans. The only one who will fight for you is you. I believe that the bruising is totally normal for the abdominal surgery.

If you are uncomfortable, especially about the placement of the PM and how it bothers you I would speak up. I ended up getting a new generator in a new place but that's all I would settle for. I wish you the best of luck.

-CheshireAlice

You know you're wired when...

Airport security gives you free massages.

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Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.