Going in tomorrow for a pacemaker

Hiding the PM

by Good Dog - 2016-08-25 15:51:25

Yes, you can ask your doc to insert it below the pectoral muscle. You probably should ask your doc well ahead of the surgery (maybe just call the office and ask them to advise the doc). It is a little more invasive, but many people have it done for the same reason as you. I am confident that you will find the results of the PM implant to be very gradifying. It is a pretty easy procedure.

I wish you the best!

Pacemaker Placement

by FaithGrace - 2016-08-25 18:25:54

Hey Pinkyswear, wow, we have very similiar stories...

I am also 47 and have never had anything wrong with me and just had a Pacemaker placed 3 weeks ago due to Complete Heartblock (3rd Degree).  My Elecophysiologist talked to me about placement beforehand.  He wanted to make sure that I was okay with how the device was going to look after the surgery.  He did say that the normal placement is just below the skin and he could also place it below the muscle which is what GoodDog had mentioned.  He did say that under the muscle was quite a bit more sore when healing.  There was also a third option, which was below my heart under my ribs, which was much more involved, but he was willing to do that for me if I was really worried about the apperance.

I know mine is not under my ribs & I think he ended up putting it under the muscle.    When I was in recovery, I remember the nurse telling me that he did an excellent job with my stiches and my scar would be very small.  She also said that I may be more sore because I have more muscle and it takes a bit longer to heal.    My bandage and steri-strips are off now.  Mine looks great and doesn't stick out very much at all.  

One tip.... make sure whoever is with you post op, reminds you what they said as far your instructions and limitations.  My family thought I would remember, but the pain cocktail they give you makes you forget a lot of things.  Also, go buy a good icepack or two for use after your surgery.  Get the good gel kind.  (Mine was from a chiropractic office)  You'll thank me later... those were a life saver for me the first few days. 

Good Luck

by Sarbear - 2016-08-26 09:29:46

Good luck on your surgery!  I'm 25 and had one place about 7 months ago.  Mine is honestly not very noticeable at all-you can feel it when you touch, but as far as appearances you wouldn't be able to tell. I'm fairly thin, so I was concerned it would be bulky, but its not nearly as bad as I expected!    It has also sunk down quite a bit in the months since having it put it in, so it protruded quite a bit more initially.  Good thoughts today on your surgery!

Thank you!

by pinkyswear - 2016-08-26 11:52:40

I hope I'm not to late to ask for it under the muscle and down lower, and maybe more lateral. My surgery is in 3 hours. I'm going to go in early with a note to give him just in case I can't reach him beforehand. He's very easy to talk to so I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem. I just cleaned my whole house and used my hibicleanse. Now waiting for the hubby to take me in in an hour. Thanks so much for the advice! I'm going to be on here quite a bit I'll bet.  

Next day after..

by pinkyswear - 2016-08-27 18:31:14

Well it's the next day after the surgery. And I feel like it was a huge success. I'm super sore but the Vicodin and Tylenol seem to be helping. The scar looks like it's going to heal quite well. I Talked to the surgeon before I went in and talked to him about my concerns about placement. He said that he totally understood. I asked him if he could make the scar diagonal so it wouldn't show with a cocktail dress and far enough away from my shoulder so I could play golf or tennis without it interfering. I then said.. I don't mean to be vain but I grew up playing barbies and I love pretty things.. Like pretty scars and no bumps.. He was sooo awesome and said that he would do whatever possible to make sure it was a "pretty" scar. Anyways.. my boyfriend has been spoiling me and  made me an amazing dinner last night and breakfast this morning, I couldn't raise my arm to put a pony tail in so he helped with that too. I slept with a rolled up sock between my breast which I read to do on here, it worked great,  and I put a pillow snug against my left side so I wouldn't roll. I had weird dreams because of the meds I think. It kind of looks bruised and the numb feeling has been replaced with a dull ache. I can feel the device in there but I really can't see any bulge besides the swelling. Thanks for advising me to talk to my Doctor about putting it under the muscle, and all the other advice! So cool!!