New Pacemaker

I had a pacemaker put in Oct. 6th 2015 and everything has gone wrong. They say it is Minor surgery but mine wasn't. I had a big hematoma and lots of swelling and my lung was nicked so had trouble breathing for a while. The bruising has gone down my arm past elbow and under breast. I went to have it checked out and one of the leads to the Atium has come loose not of my doing so now have to go back in and repair it. I also have Afib and pulse is erratic and beats low so that is reason for Pacemaker. Not a bit happy to have to go through this again

4 Comments

A bad time

by Zetha - 2015-10-23 09:10:33

Yes Cuddles, you have had a bad time.... I am also a newcomer to this world of pacemakers. I can only assure you about the haematoma: I also developed a haematoma and that caused more pain than the small incision. It started healing in the 2nd week and it has gone down completely now after 6 weeks, blue/red bruising is still left on my skin.

For the rest, what happened with your lung is one of the complications, very rare, my dr warned me about and to have to go through the whole procedure again, one does not wish it on anyone, I would not have the guts, but if necessary to give you a good life, one does not have a choice. All my sympathy with that and all the best!

So sorry!

by JenSF - 2015-10-23 11:10:13

Hi Cuddles,

Yikes, you've really been having a rough time! I know what you mean about the procedure being described as "minor" when that's often not the case. I've now been through this 5 times, and it seems like something always goes not quite as planned.

I've also had the experience of having a hematoma and bruising, and mine took about 6 weeks to resolve and about 3 months before I really felt 100%. That said, you WILL feel better eventually. It just takes time. Even with all the complications I've had, once they're resolved I usually go about 8 years without really even thinking about the pacemaker. You'll get there too.

Best of luck with your next procedure.
Jen

It Takes Time

by PJinSC - 2015-10-24 01:10:52

You have had a hard time, and I am praying for you.

It sounds like a blood vessel was damaged to have that much hematoma, not to mention the lung damage, which I cannot imagine why they were in so deep. If it was me, (and I am somewhat assertive), I would have a literal face-to-face with the doctor and make him fix whatever is wrong. Don't take this lying down, literally. They screwed up and they need to fix it. My PM insertion went well, but they started reducing the sedative before they got done suturing the incision so I felt every poke and pull. I had a few words to say after the procedure.

IT IS YOUR BODY! You need to stand up for yourself.

Good Luck and Good Life. PJ

I can relate

by Val-8 - 2015-11-02 05:11:09

I'm sorry you had such a rough time. It doesn't make thinking about going back in easy. It's easy for people to say it's minor when it's not them... Kinda like when people say get it over with... Really then you do it!

I've had a pacemaker since I was 3, (I'm now 42) and my last surgery was rough. In 2 days I'm having #9 put in along with lead wire extraction. Let me tell you mentally this has been a very hard one to prepare for. So I get it. I won't in to all my "fun" times because that won't help!

Hugs and here's to a easier trip for you this time.

Valerie
Paced since age 3
Icd added in 2005

Unit #9 tbp on 11-4-15.... Lead wire extraction X4 on board as well...

Have had

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Member Quotes

I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.