Post Op pain in ear & neck

I had my dual chamber PM placed 3-14-18. I went to my 1 week follow up to learn I had Seroma around he PM . The doctor stated it will clear itself up give it Time. 4 days later I’m in the er with severe pain , I have pneumonia in my left lung. Antibiotics it is. Well with both my sergeon and the ER dr I expressed great pain up my neck into my ear and possibly my teeth . I was told due to the seroma when I lay down this could be causing additional pressure. give it time! 

 

The pain is awful , nothing eases the pain in my ear , or my neck or my teeth ! Is this really normal and how long will it last ? 

 

i am sorry but but I was given NO discharge instructions no PM information no sheet with what to expect! 

 

BTW PM was placed due to multiple episodes of complete heart block and 6 months of syncope  episodes . And since the PM placement my heart rate is running 111 daily 😕! 

 

ANY information help or what to expect would be a GREAT help. 

3 Comments

Additional information

by Vbolton - 2018-03-31 09:53:18

Yes I am female I am 35. I had every test done under the sun before this pace maker was put in and showed less then 3% blockage in me LAD  only. EVERY test would come back “normal” my cardiologist  kept doing tests. The first  halter monitor  came back with  arrhythmia. The next Holter monitor reading came back 9 episodes of complete heart block,  arrhythmia , and 17 times my heart rate was over 180. I was  diagnosed with pots, and the pace maker was put in after 9 weeks to prevent heart block.  My cardiologist took me off of all of my daily medications to ensure they were not causing the complete heart block. Once it was confirmed that my medication was not to blame they went forward with the surgery the very next day.  After three episodes of complete heart block the previous day .

 

Board certified EP not sure to be honest I was sent to a general Sergeon on an emergency basis. I do know that St Jude was in the OR during the surgery. 

 

I have swelling still but i keep being told it is from the seroma. 

 I am not scheduled with a follow-up from my actual cardiologist until April 11 . 

 

same side?

by Washingtonienne - 2018-03-31 20:10:12

Is the pain in your neck/ear/teeth the same side as where your pacemaker was placed?  

While it is quite possible something more may be going on, or possible your pain is from pressure from the seroma, it is also possible that you are just tender and recovering.  I was surprised at the discomfort I experienced eating in the week or so after my pacer as placed.  Opening my mouth far enough to bite in to an apple was uncomfortable.  All those muscles and nerves connect in ways I didn't expect.  

I hope it is just travelling tenderness but, if it doesn't seem right to you, keep pushing for answers.  Like Robin1 said, things look different for women.  

Same side

by Vbolton - 2018-04-01 04:09:51

Thank you for that information . Yes the pain is on the same side as the PM . And the PM is a little higher then normal per the doctor. And I am fat 😂 so I am sure that doesn’t help ! 

One thing for sure being fat and fat and in pain is better then dead. I am just trying to find out what is normal and what I should be concerned about. 

And how long this pajn will last. They have given me pain medication but I have two kids .. zombie mom is not a good combination with teenagers and car keys ! 

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