pacemaker under the muscle

hi
August 2015 I got the pacemaker (bradycardia, sinus arrest, pause, nodal rhythm) due to damage to the sinus node because I had five ablation. After the operation was complicated and I got pnevmatorax. I got a pacemaker under the skin. After one month, my wound is infected. They found the bacteria Streptococus aureus. Treatment was carried out in the hospital with antibiotics into a vein for 4 weeks and remove the infected pacemaker. Then the new pacemaker inserted on the other side. Again, inserted under the skin. Two weeks ago, I had a kind of epileptic attack. Then I obrrnil pacemaker. The electrodes are changed, and the position of one electrode is stuck in the shoulder. Even the battery is no longer fixed. Surgeons have decided that we need to re-operate. They need to fix the battery and fix the catheter.They suggest to me pacemaker placed under the muscle. However, the operation was difficult and the recovery time would be longer. I would ask someone who has pacemker to tell me a little bit how it was.I would rather under the skin but because they now have as many complications would be too dangerous.What do you suggest me? Thank you all for your help! :)

2 Comments

6 pacemakers 3 sites

by donb - 2015-11-26 04:11:20

Hi Sunshine !! Just read your posting. As I've used left chest, right chest with 5 pacemakers. I"m now hosting my 6th in my right abdomen (belly).
My body as many others have had erosion, traveling implants, just implant site problems along with infection.
I've been the route since my original pacemaker in 1992.
Two years ago after big time antibiotic IV's to clean up my infection I had an International known EP surgeon put my 6th pacemaker under muscle in my right groin running leads up to my heart. It's been like a miracle as there was no limit on activity, pain no more than having a cath done through the groin area. After all these years I don't miss the constant reminder of having discomfort & pain from my chest sites.
As my local EP told me that originally all pacemakers were belly implants & also reminded me I should never had a chest implant because of my body build (skiney) and that I was not (ALONE).
DonB

Under Muscle

by PeteFindlay - 2015-11-26 08:11:33

I have only had the one pacemaker implanted under the muscle about 18 months ago, so cannot compare it with under the skin. However, my experience of recovery was ok. Some muscle aching, but no real pain. The big benefit for me is the device is completely out of the way and protected. It does not affect me in any way, and I cannot feel it at all.

It may have been a more complex surgery, but my surgeon didn't make any particular comment. It seemed ok to me on the operating table! It may be more difficult when it comes to replacement, but I'll worry about that in a few years. For me, it seems worthwhile for the more trouble free years in between.

Everyone is different, and different body types might be better suited to different procedures.

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