Pacemaker/Defib Questions

I had heart failure July 26th, 2019, while working. The next day, the doctors put in a PM/Defibrillator.  I have had several checks since and have a complete checkup for me as well as my unit next week.

I have experienced some transitional things such as it moving (slightly), mild pain and discomfort from healing and some mental adjustments. I am blessed to not have any major complications so far.  

Just in the last two weeks, I smell a tinny burning smell (ever so mild sometimes) and have ruled out anything extraneous and have found it is emanting from the area of my PM/Defib. From what I have read, there seems to be an impossibility that it is coming from my unit. I have to disagree but don't know enough about the technology and effects/occurances to verify the source.

Thank you for any feedback on experiences you may have had.  

4 Comments

Not possible

by AgentX86 - 2019-11-17 10:59:43

If anything were burning, your skin would be over 1000 degrees or at least the pacemaker would be outgassing (it's sealed in your shoulder), things that would be obvious. Does anyone else smell this?

Pacemaker/Defib Questions

by Sasani - 2019-11-17 11:09:44

Thank you for your feedback. I have read similar posts that a burning smell isn't possible as relating to the PM.  It makes me feel better on the one hand and on the other, I need to determine what the deal is on the odor.  I will continue to explore other possibilities but again, am glad that it isn't realistically associated with the PM/Defib unit. Appreciate the feedback.

Second opinion

by AgentX86 - 2019-11-17 19:54:11

Seriously, I'd see if anyone else can smell it.  It may be some chnge  in your sbody chemistry that is causing a change in your sense of smell.  If no one else can smell this, it may be of interest to your medical team.  It's worth asking someone who won't think you're looney tunes if they can smell it before your doctor fits you with a tie in the back jacket.

Pacemaker Question about smell/odor

by Sasani - 2019-12-06 16:17:42

Sorry it took so long to comment but thank you for the follow up on my question.

I can't tell what is what with my body since my heart failure and the addition of the pacemaker/defib back in late July.  I have strange uncomfortable feelings, aches, joint stiffness, etc. that I don't know if are "normal" to the aging process or related to the heart.

I haven't experienced the odor or smell for a couple of weeks now but is still on my question list for my next device checkup and doctor's visit this coming week.

The last thing I want is to be hypochondrial or imagining odors coming from this state-of-the-art pdf that I am deeply grateful to have. It did make me feel better that chances of the smell emanating from the device are slim to none (from the information/literature and feedback such as yours).

Thanks again.  I am learning as much as I can so if there is any other advice or articles to reference, I am open to receive them.  

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