Pacemaker Pocket Discomfort

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to this board but was hoping someone could help!
I had my original PM done in 1995...battery change in 2005..last check showed battery life has about 2 years left. My problem is about 4 days ago, I started feeling major discomfort in the pocket area. At times it feels like the PM is trying to push out. I can't remember doing anything although, I know lately I have been waking up with my left arm under my pillow when I sleep. I have tried ice, heat and advil and nothing seems to help. Has anyone experienced anything like this, especially this long after surgery (7 years)?
Thanks for any help/info

5 Comments

3 months only

by cendmat - 2012-04-16 02:04:13

I'm having a lot of discomfort, but I don't know what causes it (the pocket, the scar, etc.). It has only been 3 months since I got my first defibrillator, perhaps it's normal to still feel hurten?

What's your feeling's like? Mine : I feel like when you're walking with shoes too small and it hurts your ankles (they bleed). It's like a burning sensation near my scar. I feel it almost 24/7, mostly when moving or bending.

Pacemaker discomfort

by Jennheart - 2012-04-16 04:04:28

I had my pacemaker my entire life. The pacemaker i have now is my 5th one, i experienced pacemaker pocket discomfort as well. It felt like it was sore around the whole area, but it was checked and everything seemed fine. I still feel it when i move around a lot or even when i'm doing absolutely nothing.

Pacemaker Pocket Discomfort

by keb3785 - 2012-04-16 05:04:45

I would have to say its a lot of pressure. Like a pushing feeling. Like I am very aware that is there all the time. The scar and skin covering it is very sore, but I think thats more from constantly touching it because I'm trying to get relief. I feel like if I could just push it I would get relief, but I don't dare. I've been monitoring my pulse and it seems fine. I just wish I knew what to do to make it feel better!

Pocket Problem

by donb - 2012-04-16 06:04:20

Hi, Happy to have you as a member. I experienced a similar problem about 3 years ago with my 3rd PM. I had a lot of itching around the perimeter of my PM implant within the 1st year after implant. Had all kinds of bloodwork prescribed looking for infection. No infection showed from tests. Next was an extensive alergy test which showed alergy to soft plastics (such as lead terminals going into PM) As it turned out a lot of scar tissue formed around the PM which also started to pain.
My Cardiologist kept checking my site & in about another 6 months one of the corners of the PM started a brownish spot in a top corner of the site. A PM removal was in order to prevent infection. I was put on antibiotics prior surgery. Later I had my 4th PM implanted (under muscle) right chest. As I'm a skinny person I'm finding this the best & most comfortable implant in the 20 years of living with my 4 PMs'

donb

Pacemaker Pocket Discomfort

by keb3785 - 2012-04-16 07:04:13

I've thought of having mine moved too...as I'm skinny and they say thats why I have the problems. I'm going to give it another day and go to doc if it doesnt ease up any! Thanks so much for the info, it helps to know I'm not alone!

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