frustrated and concerned

So it has been one week since I had my pacemaker implanted, went back to work today and did ok. Unfortunately tonight when I was sitting on the couch, my husband leaned over to give me a hug and when he raised back up he accidently pushed his arm on where the pacermaker is located. It hurts of course but now I am more concerned because the placement seems different. Seems to have moved up a little which is not good because it already seemed too close to my collarbone, and would bump the bone when I moved my arm a certain way. Should I be concerned? I have a follow-up appointment next Thursday, but should I go ahead and call the doctor tomorrow?

6 Comments

I would

by dad4dds - 2013-04-11 10:04:33

call. If you are concerned at all I would call if for nothing other then piece of mind, I don't know what kind of work you do but one week does not seem like enough recoperating time.

Hope all works out.
Brian

wait and see

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-11 11:04:39

As long as you feel ok otherwise, I'd probably watch it. You might want to ice it tonight. It's unlikely you did more than shake things up, which hurts but there's nothing they can do about it. If it swells more, pain gets significantly worse, any signs of infection, (or if you'll just feel better having them look!) then call.

They tend to settle in as we heal. One week isn't much time, it's likely it will look very different in a few months than it does now.

calmer now

by Snlp - 2013-04-11 11:04:59

Thank you both. I am icing the area now and calming down. Just an initial panic over it and my sweet husband felt so bad for what happened. I have checked my heart rate and it seems to be fine usually between 70 to 80 most of the time, so everything is still working. I think it will just take me some time to adjust and not be so worried all the time.

honestly

by jessie - 2013-04-12 01:04:01

i was retired already but it took 3 months to feel myself. i received mine for braddychardia tho and i slept a lot for quite a few weeks. it seems soon to go back to work but everyone is different. keep an eye on it and if you are at all concerned call the dr. yes at first it is an adjustment for sure and all i did was cry but i am good with it now so you do adjust. i hardly ever think about it so....hope you become the same as i am sure you will. let us know how things go jessie

leads

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-12 09:04:14

When they put the leads in, they usually have plenty of extra which they coil and place behind the pm. This means that even if you bump the device itself, you won't hurt your leads. It takes months for the scar tissue to build up around it so a good knock during that time can really hurt.

As long as your hr is where it should be, you can be confident you are pacing! Know that by the time they discharge us from the hospital, the leads are pretty much in place. The rest of the healing time is just precaution, if they were going to get out of position it almost always happens in the first day or two. Bumping it or reaching too high without thinking then worrying we ruined it all... it's all part of the initiation to the club :o)

Fragile

by Jax - 2013-04-12 10:04:03

When I first had the PM I felt like I was made out of glass. After a time you get used to it...and don't think much about this little gizmo that makes me feel so much better.

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

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