Pacemaker moved position

Me also

by confused - 2016-11-07 10:12:29

Hi,

I just went in last week for my 3 week follow up after my surgery and mine has moved.  Mine has shifted towads my armpit (sorry it sounds gross).  When I put deodorant on I can really feel it.  They told me to keep and eye on it and if it gets to uncomfortable to call them.  I see them again in January. They told me if it moves much more it is possible they will have to remove it and put it under the muscle.  

Please don't let all that scare you though because everyone is different. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone.

Good luck hope all goes well.

Tammy 

settling

by Tracey_E - 2016-11-07 12:34:49

I'ts normal for them to shift a bit as we heal and scar tissue builds up around it. The leads are screwed into the device and aren't going to dislodge, and even though it feels like it sometimes, it isn't coming through the skin either. Watch for new redness, new swelling, oozing, streaking, heat. Those are all signs of infection and need to be seen asap. It can take a while for them to settle in and get comfortable. You could consider having it repositioned but most doctors like to wait at least 6 months to a year before making a decision. 

Like Tammy, mine shifted some toward my armpit and I knock it when putting on deodorant. It's been 6 months and it has improved from 3 months ago, I'm hoping it continues to get better. I'm on my 5th, the first 4 were buried a lot deeper and never bothered me. For some reason they put this one closer to the surface. I'm not happy, but not unhappy enough to have another surgery. 

Pacemaker moved position

by Heartfelt - 2016-11-08 08:50:47

Thank you both for your comments. My EP said that the leads will not become dislodged as there is enough slack to keep them in place. However, the issue remains that the device seems not only to have slid, but to have rotated so that the sharper angle is becoming more and more of a hindrance to comfortable movement.  So, I am waiting to hear back or be seen by my EP as to what my options are. 

oh ouch!

by Tracey_E - 2016-11-09 11:28:39

If it doesn't settle in on its own, your best bet might be to reposition it. There aren't really many options. I haven't been through it but heard its considerably easier than the original placement. I've also heard of cortizone injections but that's more when it's not healing comfortably, not when the position is the problem. 

I'm reply to confused

by mefleming95 - 2016-12-16 03:22:46

Do not wait! The pain does not dull or go away, it gets worse I've been dealing with literally the exact same thing for 2 years and I've been miserable! But I'm finally getting it fixed.  Even tho it took me switching doctors! 

Wandering PM

by lisagaylepatterson - 2019-07-16 00:16:39

I’m having the same issue since yesterday.  It’s migrated up towards my collar bone and shifted outwards a little, I can feel the edge of it and it’s pretty uncomfortable.  I’m over 3 wks out and have my next f/u in a couple of werks.  Hoping it settles in some soon.