Pacemaker feels heavy

I had a PPM pacemaker Mediotronic MRI Sure Scan (Dual lead pacer) inserted two weeks ago as I had been experiencing low heart rate (as low as 22). I am 59 years old, height 5 feet 11 inches and weigh about 164 lbs. The place where the pacemaker was inserted feels heavy and the incision point feels slightly sore especially after walks. Otherwise I feel much better - no more tiredness like before, dizziness, presynoscope and breathlessness. At times I have pain in the back between the shoulder blades (usually after exercise) which I also had before the procedure. Any feedback from members is appreciated. Thanks.

6 Comments

Thanks

by Chelva - 2015-07-29 01:07:01

I had an angiogram done before the pacemaker was inserted. It was all good. Hopefully the pain goes away.
Good to read your experiences. Thanks and I feel much better after reading your comments.

Chelva

by zawodniak2 - 2015-07-29 01:07:24

After awhile your body will adjust to the PM and the trauma of having something different in your body. The main thing is the symptoms you were experiencing seem to have been successfully treated. I had the same symptoms and two fainting episodes and have had great success for the last eight years after getting a pace maker. I recently had my original pm replaced with the same model you have.

I must add that I ,too, had a discomfort in the back between my shoulder blades during and after exercise before I had my pace maker put in. Since it was minor, I discounted it as arthritis .. Sometime during this period, I was diagnosed during my yearly physical with a 80% TO 90% blockage of the left anterior descending artery, otherwise known as the "widow maker". They put in a stent and I no longer have the symptoms in my back. This was eleven years ago. I am currently 73 years old and weigh 162 pounds and in good health.
Not trying to play doctor and to make a long story short, , if you haven't had your heart's plumbing checked for blockages, you probably should consider doing so. Your heart's electrical system is now in good hands with the Pace Maker. I have read that sometimes the plumbing problems can result in electrical problems. Let me know if I can be of anymore enlightenment.
Rodger

Brick in your chest

by Lurch - 2015-07-29 02:07:26

Are you still reaching up to hold it in when you bend over? I did that for the first few weeks, until I finally got used to the feeling of it being there. Now (over a year after implant) I rarely notice it.

I recently back into some light exercise using resistence bands. When I do a series of butterflies I get sore where the muscle rubbed against my implant...

You won't feel it after a while

by MathTeacher - 2015-07-29 04:07:16

Hi,

I'm three months post op. In the beginning, you really feel the pacemaker. It feels heavy. As the pocket heals, however, it will hold it in place better. You won't feel as if you have to hold it when you bend over. Most of the time, I forget I have it. Just give it time. So glad it's working for you.

It is heavy

by Grateful Heart - 2015-07-29 12:07:55


At least, compared to what our chest and shoulder is used to. Think of it this way....if you ever broke a leg or arm for example and had a cast on it, it feels very heavy the first few weeks. After about the 5th or 6th week, your body has adapted to it. Once the cast comes off, usually about 7-8 weeks, your arm or leg now feels very light or unnatural until your body gets used to not having a cast again.

Other than that it sounds like you are doing well! It's only 2 weeks so you may feel some irritation until more scar tissue forms and your body also gets used to the repetitive movement of exercise. It takes a little time but your body will adjust to the few extra ounces in no time.

Welcome....glad you are feeling better.

Grateful Heart

I'm still holding mine

by vegigran - 2015-10-01 01:10:04

It has been 10 days and it feels really awkward and not natural at all.

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

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