Second Pocket Revision?

When I had my pacemaker originally put in they just put it in under the skin but soon after it started moving around and almost flipping over. The cardiologist recommended getting a pocket revision and having it put in the muscle. I got my pocket revision about a year ago. I fell the other day and started having a lot of pain when I move my arm and went in to make sure nothing was wrong. They did a x ray and had the tech check the devise but the doctor was not there. I asked the tech if everything looked okay and was told that the devise was fine but was shifted more toward my shoulder and that was probably what was causing the pain. He said it's not effecting the devise but it will continue to hurt if I didn't have another pocket revision. I was told it would be up to me on whether or not to have it done. I have 13 years left with this pacemaker but didn't know if it's worth going through another surgery or should I just try to deal with the pain.

3 Comments

give it more time

by Tracey_E - 2015-03-13 07:03:11

If you just did it a few days ago, I would try ice and wait for it to heal. It may settle down and end up ok. It's way too early to be talking about another surgery.

Thanks

by bearss27 - 2015-03-13 08:03:13

I'm 26 years old and very active. My current EP thinks I overuse my arm which I didn't know was possible. I know I am his youngest patient he ever put a pacemaker in so I have considered getting a second opinion. It is currently positioned in the muscle which was suppose to keep it stable but it has shifted more under my armpit and when I move my arm that's when I get sharp pain. I doubt I will hear from the doctor until Monday so I will definitely try putting ice on it. I do love horses but my cardiologist said it was to dangerous to ride because of falling. I know he is over cautious so I hardly listen to what he tells me so maybe that should be my sign to look into finding another doctor but the next closes one is like two hours away. Thanks for the advise.

Interesting

by Janey L - 2015-03-15 06:03:43

Hi. Just read your post & hope things get sorted out for you soon.

I'm in the UK and my PM has moved from it's initial implant place to now being right down to my left boob and nearly into my armpit. My EP says he won't move it until I need a battery change - which will be in about 5 years time!! At times I have to take painkillers for the pain and have had to put my latest scheduled mammogram on hold because of where my PM is situated now. Very frustrating. Sadly we get no choice over here under the NHS, I can't have it moved.

It's interesting for me to see the difference between the UK & other countries as to how moving PM's are dealt with.

Hope yours gets sorted out soon.

Janey

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I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.