bulge after pacemaker

Hi, I just joined the forum.

Got a Medtronics dual valve, MRI comparable four weeks ago. Had a Wenckebach 1 second degree AV block. I am a very active 72 year old, and my cardio felt that with my activity level, and a few 4 second intervals in a 24 hour heart monitor, this would be perfect time for me to get rid of problem with pacemaker.

Am beginning to feel good, fishing shore every day and no problems. the only concern i have is cosmetic. I still have a small "lump" where pm was put in. Will this go down after a few more weeks or should i just get rid of vanity and accept it.

Appreciate any thoughts.

6 Comments

Welcome

by lbdina - 2013-11-09 08:11:28

Welcome striper2.

I've had my PM 2-1/2 months and the bump is still there. There was a little swelling due to the surgery, and that did go down, but I'm positive I will have a bit of a protrusion for the long term.

There are different locations PMs can be implanted, depending on body type, body build and the activities you are involved in, but it seems most have their PMs implanted just below their collar bone on the left side. Anyway, that is where mine is located. I suspect you will probably have to get used to it, but perhaps not all the swelling has subsided yet.

Lou

Ditch the vanity AND...

by donr - 2013-11-09 09:11:16

...be hapy that you can shore fish already & things are improving.

Wear the lump, whatever it becomes, as your "Badge of Courage" & something to start conversations.

At 72, no one will either notice or care about that lump.

Now - IF you were competing against Arnold Schwartzenegger in a body building contest, it might make a difference.

Besides, keep your shirt on, you've made it this far, why get Melanoma at this point?

Don (Age 77 & counting)

ditto

by Jonny - 2013-11-09 09:11:55

Hi Striper2. Similar situation to Lou. Got my PM 3 months ago - had some swelling which has now gone. You can just see a small protrusion, but I don't care to be honest. At 65 I'm not entering beauty contests - not that I ever did - and I'm happy to have it under the circumstances.

Ditto

by Grateful Heart - 2013-11-10 05:11:28

I've had my ICD for 5 years next month. My device used to lay flat but ever since I had a lead revision, 2 years ago, The top half of my device and a lead (wire) protrudes from under my skin so it is not going to go away in my case. Also, I am not a thin person.

It is possible, next implant it may lay flat again...we'll see but at this point it doesn't bother me as far as appearance.....it's such a part of me now but often times I still have a problem with seatbelt straps or clothing rubbing against the area.

Very happy and grateful I have it. Yes, acceptance is a huge part of the hurdle.....Welcome to the club.

Grateful Heart

Lump

by gleesue - 2013-11-11 01:11:34

I have a lump and my wife still loves me.

Jerry

Get over the vanity

by Theknotguy - 2013-11-11 11:11:12

Just got my PM and have the lump. Been sitting next to a WWII veteran in church and he has lump too. I look at the lump as a kind of medal. What we've been through and have to show for it.

Besides the lump makes a great conversation piece. I get to tell kids what not to do in their lives so they don't get one. Then tell 'em leave the PM to us tough old birds. We're able to withstand the pain that would cripple them. Besides they can live their whole lives, never have one, and be just as happy.

Hang in there. Catch a big one for me.

Theknotguy

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