New pacemaker

I had a pacemaker implanted about 10 days ago and all is going well. 

My question is this...I was due my regular mammogram next week and have cancelled that appointment. How long will it take to heal enough to get a mammogram ??

3 Comments

Getting a mammogram

by Gemita - 2020-06-07 03:15:10

I am glad things are going so well for you and I hope this continues.  It would be wise to ask your doctors for advice in your particular case and I presume you will be going back for a routine pacemaker check soon when you can ask when it would be safe to get a mammogram.

It is important that the radiographer carrying out the mammogram in the future is fully aware you have a pacemaker before carrying out the procedure so that they can take extra care not to cause undue discomfort or potential damage to the pacemaker system.

I would wait at least six weeks (or longer depending on your rate of healing/level of discomfort following pacemaker implant) which is the minimum period my doctors recommended to avoid any potential to cause damage to the pacemaker system from the pulling/compressing of the breasts potentially pulling or dislodging the pacemaker leads. Although a mammogram is often the preferred method of screening, an ultrasound of the breasts might be a good alternative, especially if you have dense breasts, so maybe worth asking about this.  

A mammogram is generally perfectly safe to have with a pacemaker although it can be more uncomfortable.  If you search this site under Mammogram you will find several posts that might be helpful and reassuring.  Regular breast imaging is so important to detect early breast cancer so it is important that we attend our future appointments.

I wish you well

mammogram after PM placement

by Sisterwash65 - 2020-06-09 14:15:53

Thank you, sounds like great advice.

mammo

by Tracey_E - 2020-06-11 17:37:14

I'd give it at least 6 months. If you need a diagnostic sooner, ask for ultrasound instead. If it's general screening, I'd wait longer. It won't do any damage but it can hurt if done too soon. 

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I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.