post pacemaker change pain

I just had my pacemaker changed out after 10 great years of use. I have total heart block, so it is always pacing. The initial implantation was easy. Very little pain. This time I am in quite a bit of pain. During the surgery I could feel so much pressure, like my insides were being really pushed around. The wound is so sore that walking is difficult because my breasts pull down and I can't wear a bra. Everything feels bruised and I wonder if anyone else has encountered this. At times there are fast moving shooting pains. Is this normal or should I hurry to the doctors?

3 Comments

Not uncommon

by crustyg - 2023-06-05 03:17:25

Chum of mine reported that at his first PM change, the doc had to dig through a lot of scar tissue to remove the old box.  He said that it was a lot more painful for a couple of days post-op than the original implantation had been.

Some of us produce a lot of scar tissue, others less so.  Perhaps I have this to look forward to - who can tell?

Hope it's less uncomfortable for you soon.

Tell the doc

by Lavender - 2023-06-05 08:29:42

It doesn't hurt to report to your surgeon and see if they have any suggestions. Can you use an ice pack to calm it down? Ice near the device with a towel seperating your skin from the device for 15-20 minutes a few times per day. 

pacemaker change

by skigrl3 - 2023-06-19 21:25:20

I am only on my first so I didn't have a lot to go on. I had a lot of pain but I did have a cardiac loop removed during the pm procedure so maybe that compounded things. A little over a year later I have the occasional pinching itching and pulling, to be expected I guess and hate wearing a bra as the left strap is right in the way. Always good not to second guess a side effect, please be cautious and report it to the Dr. Hope you get some relief soon.

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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.