Pacemaker Pain / Revision

I am 40 years old, a mom of three and very active. I had my first pacemaker placed 8 years ago under the skin. I have had no issues with the pacemaker all this time. I just had my first replacement in July and have had pain and irritation from the new pacemaker. It is very close to the surface of my skin. it sticks out alot more then the 1st one did and it is very uncomfortable expecially when I sleep. (it pokes and runs the skin) The doctor is offering to do a site revision but instead of putting it back under the skin is planning on putting it under the muscle. I am scared to go through this surgery. I know there are different ways to implant it under/through the muscle. Advise would be appraciated. They say this battery life is about 12 years, i really don't want to be uncomfortable for that long.

7 Comments

Pacemaker under muscle

by Richard F - 2012-09-11 07:09:50

When I had my defibillator/pacemaker implanted on August 1, 2012, they put it under the muscle. Other than a little (and I mean very little) discomfort for the first few days, I am now healed and have no pain whatsoever.

Under the muscle don't no it's there

by Debbee - 2012-09-11 09:09:28

Hi
I just had my first pacemaker yesterday and it's under the muscle. I can't see it and it appears that it will be hardly noticeable. It is a bit sore but it is only day 1
post op. I say go back and get it under the muscle.
Goodluck

Contact...

by donr - 2012-09-12 02:09:17

...TraceyE, the moderator - In think she is sub muscle host. Been one for a long time.

Don

placement

by Tracey_E - 2012-09-12 05:09:05

I've had mine under the muscle for almost 20 years now. LOVE it!! No lump, I can carry a heavy backpack, seat belts never rub. I was sore a little longer than most but nothing Tylenol couldn't take care of.

It's pretty deep, deep enough that I can barely feel the edges of it. I never thought about it covering anything in a mammogram but I haven't had any problems getting them done and I'm not worried about it.

Ideally you want it BETWEEN the pectorals, not in. Mine is under all that, put in from the side, which is why I don't worry about the mammo's. A plastic surgeon did it back when pm's weren't put anywhere but under the collarbone, they pretty much were making it up as they went along.

I've only found two downsides, other than the longer healing after replacements. 1) I had a lead go bad, running the new one was a little more complicated but that won't matter in your case because it won't be put in from the side and 2) after a lot of years and 3 replacements, the scar tissue started to build up and got uncomfortable. When I had the lead replaced with my last battery, we had a plastic surgeon clean up the pocket. Now it feels great.

What they told me

by Good Hearted Mary - 2012-09-12 09:09:36

I had my pacemaker installed 2 months ago and they put it under the skin. When I asked the doctor why they didn't put it under the ;muscle he said that the only issue besides just being a bit more complicated of a procedure and a bit more longer recovery time is that if it is under the muscle and you are a woman and getting a mammogram done that the pacemaker can cover up a possible spot that might otherwise be picked up by the mammogram.

thank you

by luveliviolet - 2012-09-12 10:09:48

thank you all for your quick responses. i'm talking to the dr this morning. is there a difference between going into the muscle or going under? a little confused about the options. any questions i should ask?

Feeling better

by luveliviolet - 2012-09-23 10:09:41

Thank you again for your comments, I am recovering well with my pacemaker under the muscle. It feels a little heavy but I'm thinking that will pass with healing. It feels much better then it did under the skin as it isn't scratching me anymore.

Very happy I did it this way, looking forward to getting back into the gym and back to my normal life. :)

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

Member Quotes

But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.