Pocket Revision

depends

by Tracey_E - 2016-02-15 02:02:54

Everyone is built differently, heals at a different rate, has a different tolerance for pain and no two are placed exactly the same. For me, I was pretty sore for a few days, but nothing otc pain meds and ice couldn't handle, back to my regular schedule but being careful of my left side after about a week. It was about 3 months before I was doing my full routine at the gym with no twinges when I stretched the wrong way.

Don't assume the dr "screwed up." Most people have it placed just under the skin and do just fine with it there. Under the muscle is the exception, not the rule.

had revision

by suesp85 - 2016-02-22 04:02:19

I agree with the previous post that it may not be the doctors fault. I can't help you about the revision under the muscle, just offer support! I have a dual lead that was implanted 23 Jan 2015 and I was taken back in for a position revision 3 months later as it decided it wanted to push out and was uncomfortable. I went through the first surgery with some pain ( I cannot take pain meds) but was ok. The 2nd surgery was horrible. I won't lie.I didn't tolerate it well. (no pain meds) it took 2 months for the incision to heal. was pretty ugly (I have other health issues that probably contributed) I ended up having to pad the site for almost 9 months with bandages.I still am having problems with it trying to push out.I have the option of getting it moved again and so far have refused. Now it's compromising my mobility and aches all the time. I am going in Tuesday to talk to the Dr. He said he could move it to the other side because of scar tissue being an issue, but to be honest after the last time I am so not wanting to have an incision on both sides of my chest. I am going to talk to him about under the muscle. I would like to know how yours goes!

Muscle

by Brenalan - 2016-07-02 07:41:44

i opted for subpectoral based on other posts on this site. My surgeon was opposed, saying more pain both this time and during any future lead or generator changes. But he accommodated my wishes. The anesthetist said he had to sedate me pretty deeply, but I have no bad memories. PM went in at 6 a.m; my daughter and I went out for lunch and did some shopping later that day. I took half doses of norco the first day, less the second, and at bedtime only for a couple more days. The initial pain before first dose of narcotics was fairly intense, but after that I Think I'd have been ok without the light dose. Lots of icing for about 4 days. I could carry a 30 lb pack comfortably right away, being very cautious lifting and lowering it. (Don't mention that to my surgeon...) Seatbelts are no bother.

i suspect pain was a bit worse than if subdural for things like sleeping the first couple weeks, and it seems like anything new brings some pain while the muscle adapts (e.g. Sleeping on side, stretching or reaching further) but that has diminished a lot and is nearly gone as I approach 6 wks post op.

i do think your results from either surgery depend in part on pain tolerance/ management and how well you heal in general. Likewise, the better you take care of yourself, the easier- lots of rest, good nutrition, some exercise. I napped a lot for a week. If this is your worst surgery ever, it will probably be a bigger deal to you than to someone who has been through bigger surgeries. I have had a few surgeries, and this was by far the easiest.

Oops

by Brenalan - 2016-07-02 07:42:54

meant subcutaneous, not subdural, in prev post!