I'm in a quandry

Just found this sight when I looked for info about mastectomy with pacemaker. Saw some postings from 2009. It is the day after Thanksgiving 2012 and I wondered if anyone has info that may help me.

In a nutshell: I have a pacemaker left side. I am facing a mastectomy due to a medical error. Oh well!!

That being said: I desperately need an MRI, but of course can't have one. I have been evaluated for high-risk MRI, but that option is off the table.

I have a port-a-cath on the right. If the pacer has to be moved then the port comes out. Really no biggie. Just wondering if anyone has experience in this kind of situation. Haven't talked to my EP guy yet, but was sitting here thinking about it and thought I'd see what cyberworld had to offer.

Blessings.

2 Comments

mri

by ReWired - 2012-11-23 03:11:36

Ask your doctor about the MRI because it is not the case anymore, sometimes.
http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/mri-no-longer-off-limits-for-pacemakers/

mri

by Tracey_E - 2012-11-23 08:11:41

There are a few places now that can do mri's on pm's. Mixed reviews if it's safe or not, depends what's at stake I guess.

There have been one or two members over the years who have dealt with breast cancer with a pm but I'm not aware of any that are active members right now.

Can you work with a plastic surgeon to keep the pm on the left?

Good luck to you.

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker has ultimately saved mine and my unborn child’s life for which I am thankful.