What is a normal PM site???

I had my pacemaker implanted on Jan 22. I am feeling fine, I can move easily and now sleep on either side which is wonderful. The pacemaker was implanted just down from my left shoulder. The scar is healing and hardly even tender now. However I can see an outline of the pacemaker just under my skin. Looks like a matchbox or something under the skin. I phoned my cardiologist and his nurse said this is normal. She said if someone is overweight you can't see it but if you are slender it is normal to "see the generator". I am not overweight and it doesn't worry me as long as all is OK. I can feel the outline easily with my fingers and if I was wearing a strappy top the outline would be obvious to anyone. My only problem is choosing clothing that doesn't press on the site. Also taken care with car seatbelts. I would be interested in feedback . Thanks. Patricia.

7 Comments

Seeing your ICD

by MrsH - 2013-03-14 04:03:12

I had my ICD put in on Nov 7,2012. I am thin through my chest and shoulders and mine does stick out a bit. I live in Washington State so since getting me ICD I have been wearing sweaters and layers. I went to Hawaii the middle of January and was concerned about my ICD showing with the swim suits so I brought ones that covered it and found they were really uncomfortable sitting on it so I had one with less strap that sat at the side of the ICD. I wore that suit all week - proudly showing by scar. I never felt like people really gave it much thought and was I totally comfortably. It's just us getting used to the new "us" Not sure what to do about the seat belt thing-it continues to be uncomfortable!

Problem of not having fat

by Selwyn - 2013-03-14 06:03:51

I'v had my PM for some years. Still plainly see the outline of the box and the leads coming out. I have no fat worth talking about to mask over the implant which is under the skin. The scar is fine, now white.

As a male, I am not bothered, and no one has ever commented on the box when I go swimming. As I sit here I can feel box through my fleece jacket and shirt with the flat of my hand.

On this club site there has been a number of ladies disturbed by their change in appearance and talk about the type of clothes to wear.

If you are thin, you are probably stuck with the change, those some surgeons are able to offer alternative sites to hide the box ( see http://ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/reprint/51/6/992.pdf )

Too Soon to pass judgment

by donr - 2013-03-14 09:03:08

Patricia: Only two months is really too soon to pass final judgment on how it's going to look.

Give it a few months for the scar to assume normal skin color & for ALL swelling to dissipate & you may well have a hard time seeing it. Especially if you are a stranger & not looking for it. The world splits into three groups: 1) those strangers who are not looking for it & never see it. 2) Those strangers who look for it, see it & critically comment on it. They do not matter in your life - they are boors. 3) Those who see it, don't comment & don't care or comment with a sense of wonder & joy that the little device allows you to function normally & invite you to join them in taking on the world, followed by offering you first choice at taking on Arnold Schwartzenneger. They are to be cultivated as friends.

Realize that you KNOW where to look for it. Strangers do not. Therefore, it is far less obtrusive & obvious to a stranger than to you.

Reading your last few sentences - Can you really SEE it w/ your eyes, or does it take your fingers to, as you say, "...feel the outline..."?

Also - my PM is still a bit sensitive to clothing even after ten yrs; ditto for seat belts across it. By all means resist the desire to relieve the seatbelt sensitivity by wearing it UNDER your arm. That is extremely dangerous & can lead to you eating a mouthful of steering wheel in the event of an accident. You did not say whether or not you desire a full set of dentures.

Really glad all is going so well for you. Here's hoping that life continues in the same vein.

Don

Such good and varied feedback

by Unexpected Changes - 2013-03-14 09:03:22

Thanks peoples. I am not fussed with how it looks, just wondering if all was as it should be. I take my pulse from time to time to ensure the heartbeat is not going below 50 BPM which is where it is set. Other than that ... all good. I live in Australia by the way. Happy day all. Patricia

settling

by Tracey_E - 2013-03-14 09:03:31

It can take up to a year for it to settle in completely. Many of us don't see it after it heals, whatever our weight.

Look in the member gallery

by ElectricFrank - 2013-03-15 12:03:06

Scroll there are several of us who have posted photos of our little friend. I have one.

frank

falcon

by joismith - 2013-03-18 07:03:05

I'm SKINNY ! My PM sticks out like a sore thumb. Just kind of "sits" there . Don't care. My friends and family say it's beautiful (although I tend to disagree, cute maybe, but not beautiful, smiles!) Without it I wouldn't be here writing this. Look at it as being given a second chance at life. Love you all !

You know you're wired when...

Your signature looks like an EKG.

Member Quotes

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