movement of pacemaker

I have had my pacemaker 2 months 1 week, when I sleep on my right side the pacemaker shifts and seems as if it flips side ways. is this common? Also at times there is a stinging pain on the left side of pacemaker, it just seems like it pulls a little, dose anyone also have this happen?

5 Comments

Left to float

by Suzie_G - 2013-02-22 02:02:26

When mine was fitted in Nov 12 I was told that they used to stitch them in place but tend not to now so that they settle down to maybe an inch lower than the original position. Having said that, I needed a lead revision and this time it seems to have been stitched. But it still sticks out when I sleep on my right side.

Yep !!!

by sue uk - 2013-02-22 03:02:15

l'm a flipper too !
Mine moved a couple of months after it was put in.First it disappeared behind my left boob, l had no idea where it was & my GP managed to locate it eventually :-)
lt then moved back up to where it is now but it flips when l lie down, when l bend down, & if l have a shower or apply body lotion etc l have to be careful as l can easily "knock" it if l move across from the left as it stands up sometime.
l had to have an Xray just to check my leads were ok but other than that they dont seem bothered & l am now used to it (nearly 2yrs now)
l have been told they should be sewn in place but obviously some are not, as long as your PM is doing its job l wouldnt worry too much & l get a burning sensation too now & then but have got used to that also (rightly or wrongly)
But as l said l have been Xrayed & l think it would be wise if you did the same just to make sure your leads are still where they should be.
Good luck.
Sue x

flipper

by ratsyp - 2013-02-22 03:02:35

My pm has flipped a couple times due to large amount of weight loss. Xray was taken It looks fine and its doing what it should. I was told to keep an eye on it if it happens too frequently they will have to go in and tack it in place. Its ok if dont bother you and its not happening all the time.

me too!

by azkat - 2013-02-22 11:02:16

I have had my pacemaker about 14 months. I had a lot of problems. The lead came loose several times. I finally found a wonderful doctor. He fixed it, and its been fine since. Mine flips also. It's getting better, wear a tighter undershirt, or bra (women obviously) that covers it. It has calmed down a lot. I also have pain in the site. It frequently burns, sometimes severly. I was told it was because they had been in the same site so many times (8) but I'm not sure. Just know it hurts. I tried capsation cream. It didn't work. Good luck with yours. I think it will probably calm down, or you will learn to get used to it.

Moving PM

by SMITTY - 2013-02-22 12:02:53

Hello,

No it is not common, but does happen too often. Has happened to me and I am approaching the day I'll have see about getting fixed. Our pacemaker is tied, or sutured, in place. They can come close due to a blow on the PM or one of the Drs' knots has come lose. Either way, it puts you at risk of having a lead fractured.

About 3 years ago I tried over a water hose and took the dangest fall I have ever had, cracking two ribs. That was two years ago and it was a couple of months before I noticed the PM flipping up on one side. At first it was just an occasional nuisance but has now become something I have to be careful about. And yes if I lie on my right side mine sticks out the full width of the PM. I suspect I have been able to live with this condition as long as I have because I'll be 84 yrs. old in May, that plus the fact I have a severe back problem that keeps my physical activity held to a minimum is the only reason I haven't had to have mind repaired before now. So I suggest that you have yours taken care of ASAP while it will a more simple job.

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for being a couch potato.

Member Quotes

Life is finally better.