defibulator implant

Hello, I had a defibulator implanted under my breast on October 5th. It was a one night stay and the surgeon told me it would take longer than in surgery than if I put it in the usual place, but that's ALL he told me. It's now been almost 8 weeks, my breast is swollen and there are sharp pains. Has anyone else had a defibulator placed as I have, and if so, how long will this pain go on? I'm about to say take the darn thing out...

Many thanks for a response.

Kate

5 Comments

Be patient, but smart...

by bambi - 2007-11-26 07:11:22

Hi Kate,
I have a pacemaker in the usual, under the collar bone area, so I don't know if I can help you. There are people on this forum that do have their devices under the breast, or under muscle who could offer more insight. I have had 2 pacemakers in 5 years, and the soreness has never really gone away for me. I've just learned to tolerate it, and keep my left arm flexible and stretched out so it doesn't stiffen up. But pain and swelling usually indicate a problem, and is not normal. You shouldn't hesitate to see your Dr. and rule out an infection, or nerve damage, or something else. We, as patients are often made to feel like complainers when we think something is wrong, but in the long run, it's your life, your comfort, your right to be checked out and reassured! Please discuss your symptoms with your Dr.and be safe!
Good luck to you!
Bambi

defibulator implant - ty

by kate3554 - 2007-11-27 05:11:36

Thank you all for your comments. I did ask the surgeon about the swelling and pain and his comment was "that will take weeks to months to go away, but the incision is fine so you won't need to see me again".... I have an appointment with my cardiologist on Dec. 6 and will discuss with him. Thank you again

Kate3554

breast pain

by luckyloo - 2007-11-27 07:11:07

hi kate,

i try to warn people about this before they have surgery. it is much more painful having your device there. replacements will be harder too. it took about 12 weeks for mine tocalm down yet it still flares from time to time. these dr.'s think this is great where you can't see the device but the trade off isn't fun. i am also ready to say move my device and it's almost been a year!

luckyloo

Regular position vs deep implant..

by turboz24 - 2007-11-27 11:11:48

I actually was looking into getting mine moved once it needs replacement. I have mine currently just implanted under the skin, but I haven't found any good info on sub-pectoral implantation.

Unfortunately for me, being just under the skin it shows. I'd have to look at the pros and cons of having it completely visible vs possible pain and discomfort.

I still have some pain/itching/discomfort occassionally also. We can't forget that it's a foreign body.

Pain

by hooimom - 2007-11-27 12:11:16

Kate,

My pacemaker is around the collar bone but I did have a complication and ended up with a chest tube right after my PM was implanted. They went through breast tissue to put the tube into the chest wall. That hurt much longer than the actual PM site did. I can't remember exactly how long, but it seemed like forever!
I would call the doctor just in case. There could be an infection and you don't want to ignore that but if the doctor says all is clear just hang in there.

Michelle

You know you're wired when...

You have a shocking personality.

Member Quotes

In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.