Pain during pacemaker implant operation

Hi everyone, I am doing well after 18 months but I am thinking back again to the actual op (which I had to have twice due to a loose lead!) and how PAINFUL & UNCOMFORTABLE it was!!! I thought I would feel some tugging but I felt I was being wrenched open...both ops! I can tolerate pain well but did have a little scream and everyone looked shocked, gave me more sedative and I think doc injected me with more of the local anaesthetic BUT still no relief!

Anyone else experienced this? What is YOUR story? I am dreading the battery change in years to come :-(

16 Comments

Painful implantation of pacemaker

by Diamond Jules - 2014-04-07 02:04:13

Ooh, sorry to anyone awaiting the op, although it was painful it was bearable, not excruciating! But make sure you discuss this with your doc first and find out what they can do if you start to feel really uncomfortable.

I probably have around 7 years before needing a battery replacement and I will certainly speak to my doctor again to find out why I felt this way.

On a good note, I feel great! It certainly is an amazing thing and worth it if course :-)

Hi Jules

by IAN MC - 2014-04-07 02:04:42

While I am sorry to read of your experience this is NOT typical . There will be people reading this who are apprehensively awaiting their first PM implant and your post will probably terrify them. You were very unfortunate that 2 attempts were required.

I would use a different Dr next time ,

To restore balance, I experienced no pain during the procedure . I had it done with a local anaesthetic and quite enjoyed the conversation with the Dr during the procedure.

I can honestly say that I found the whole thing to be no worse than a trip to the dentist !

Ian

Hey Dyna, No worries

by NiceNiecey - 2014-04-07 03:04:11

Your leads should be firmly embedded by now.

Regarding the original question/comment, I had so little pain that I didn't fill the Rx they wrote me. I took a Tylenol the second night and that was it.
Niecey

@Diamond

by kmom - 2014-04-07 03:04:40

you just about gave me a heart attack LOL! no not really, I'm just about to leave for the hospital. I know it will probably be a little uncomfortable but I certainly look forward to feeling better. Glad that you are feeling better and it gives me something to look forward to.

PM Procedure

by daynanestor1 - 2014-04-07 03:04:44

I had lots of pressure during my porcedure and alot of swelling/bruising afterwards which lead to my now spasmatic shoulder/neck/upper back. I am in physical therapy now and hope to recover soon.

QUESTION: How do you know the lead was loose? I am doing lots of moving in PT and don't need the leads loosing up on me. I had my procedure on 10/23/2014.

Thanks,
dayna

No pain here

by Parrothead57 - 2014-04-07 04:04:25

I also experienced very little pain. I remember the stick when the doc injected the local and some pushing on my chest and that was about it. I was fully awake and aware of what was going on. The team had some good music going and I was moving my foot in time to the beat. It was wasn't a bad experience at all. The doc didn't even prescribe pain meds post op. I took Tylenol for the pain and missed only 2 days work. Piece of cake for me.

Jules

by IAN MC - 2014-04-07 06:04:52

I really do think that you should consider getting a different Dr to do your next implant. When you get a chance ,ask your PM technicians if Drs vary much in their skills in doing implants. Ask who they would choose if they themselves needed one !

Their replies were a real eye-opener to me, fortunately the Dr who did mine was described as " by far the slickest implanter in my area " . I had it done, not that far from you, in Slough . If ever you want his name, let me know !

Cheers

Ian

Pacemaker op

by Diamond Jules - 2014-04-07 07:04:15

....and the very best of luck to you kmom.....
:-)

Pacemaker pain during implantation op

by Diamond Jules - 2014-04-07 07:04:57

Thanks guys, interesting replies...sounds like it is more the norm to have no pain and lite discomfort luckily. At least I have a few years to do more investigations!

I didn't personally know or feel I had a lead come 'unhooked' but it showed up when I was monitored/checked after a few weeks then eventually I had another op 9 weeks after the first. Apparently it can come loose and be nothing to do eith me moving or stretching! I think the first time the lead was the hook type so the second time it was a screw type which worked fine.

Pain

by kmom - 2014-04-08 01:04:34

Yeah I had some pain when they were doing it but it wasn't that bad and they gave me more numb stuff and sedative so it was doable. it wasn't excruciating but I could feel it mostly the pushing.

no pain

by wjs1954 - 2014-04-08 01:04:58

I can still remember my mom saying, many years ago.

" No brain no pain" oh well ....

I did not feel a thing, lucky me I think ; ),

Completely out

by Tick-tock - 2014-04-08 02:04:06

I was under general anesthesia for both my pm surgeries. I did have a great deal of discomfort after, but nothing Percocet and ice couldn't handle . I would definitely look into another surgeon for your battery change. I think it is. Very important to have complete trust in your dr. Pain is very subjective, and many doctors believe there is no way they could be inflicting pain on you- I've sat in on many surgeries- some surgeons will tell their client it's not pain they are feeling, it's just pressure- if the shoe was on the other foot would that surgeon still feel the same, I doubt it. All medications work differently for all of us. You want to go into your next surgery free of fear and anxiety. Hoe. You find an incredible doctor!

2nd

by Porkypig - 2014-04-08 03:04:07

Hi, I just had my second pm fitted 6 months after my first as I had an infection. At the time of my first pm being fitted I found it very painful and upsetting, I guess I knew what was coming with the second but I must say the second was even worse, it took for hours to put new wires in and new pm in the other side, all my veins were two small and took a long time to be located, after I felt like I had been to the butchers, I couldn't move my fingers for a week as it was all so sore and spent a week on morphine. I don't think I could have another one put in unless they put me to sleep next time.

Yuk

by Porkypig - 2014-04-08 04:04:00

Yuk!! I feel your pain!!! When I was having the old pm cut out a bit of flesh landed on my lip, I will never get over that!!!

Ouch....twice!

by Diamond Jules - 2014-04-08 04:04:01

Hi Porkpig.....not a great experience for either of us, especially as we both had to go through it again! The worse bit for me was when doctor was making the pocket for the pacemaker, it felt like he was forcing his whole hand or whatever it was, ripping my skin from my muscle all the way down my body rather than just in my left chest area!!! So forceful and rough and scary!

Made me laugh :-)......

by Diamond Jules - 2014-04-08 04:04:59

.....but how horrid for you Porky Pig, perhaps we should insist on a general anaesthetic next time! Although that has it's own dangers and the docs usually prefer to have us awake to check things with us at times.

But I'm surprised your face was exposed during op as I couldn't see anything, or the doc, due to the huge blue sheet thing they draped up!

You know you're wired when...

You forecast electrical storms better than the weather network.

Member Quotes

I am active and healthy and have been given a second chance.