Still sore

I had my pm implanted this July 15th under my right collar bone. Most days it still feels a little sore, especially when I exercise or when I am more active. Does the soreness eventually go away and will I be less aware of my PM as time passes?

Also, my cardiologist prefers implanting the pacemake on the right side. Seems counterintuitive to me. Wish I had found a cardiologist who could have done it on my left side since I'm right handed. Is it common for doctors to choose the right side? At the time of my operation, I wasn't feeling well and was in 3rd degree heart block, so I didn't research my options as well as I could have under less duress.

Many thanks for your thoughts!

5 Comments

what side may be done

by ItsmeWayne - 2013-08-27 11:08:38

Hi,
It is typical to have the PM placed on the opposite side from your dominant side, but in many cases, there may be a good reason to put it on your writing hand side.
Soreness can also mean infection, so if the area is hot or reddish, get to the ER or your doctor and explain your concerns.
Itsme Wayne

6 Weeks

by Grateful Heart - 2013-08-27 12:08:41

It's not a long time, it can take a few months. Especially if you are already exercising. It's different for all of us.

There will be times you will forget you even have a PM. Hard to believe now, but it's true. Sometimes I forget about it....other times, fully aware. It depends on the situation and what is going on with my ICD. Mine likes to remind me from time to time.

I think if you are right handed, it is typically implanted on your left side and vice versa. Sounds like it was your Doctors choice.

But it will get better. Things will settle for you.

Grateful Heart

Hello,

by jeanlancour - 2013-08-27 12:08:57

Yes, it is normal to be sore at first, and when you resume exercising it is sore until you work into it. Just don't push to hard at first, work into it. In 3 to 6 months you probably won't know it's there. As for right or left side, my PE was a left side guy, said unless I was left handed it belonged on the left. So thats where it is. You sound as though you will do fine. Good luck Jean

I have discomfort too

by Acin - 2013-08-28 11:08:52

I got my ICD on July 16th. I saw my doctor for a check up last Friday. She said it takes about 6 monhts before you feel completely and normal and not even know that it's there.

Thank you!

by HoneyBadger - 2013-08-28 12:08:52

Thank you for all your kind and encouraging
feedback. I will give myself time to heal. I will
ask my Dr. why he implanted pacemaker on
my right, dominant side. My sense is he feels
more comfortable doing the procedure on that
side. Interestingly, I did see one study on line
concluding that there may be less side effects
and complications with a right sided implant,
although I still would have preferred a left sided
Implant.

Thanks again everyone!

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