Pacemaker Moved To Side

I just went for my 3-month pacemaker check at the doctor's. He said everything was fine and the CareLink phone check was the same as my first one - using it less than 1% - should last me for 10 years before replacement.

I told him that it had felt like it had slid slightly under my arm. When I lift my left arm to wash, I can actually move it and it kinda stands up. I am totally grossed out by it. I know . . . I have to get used to it.

He did not seemed concerned that it had moved and told me to just stop my worrying, that I am feeling better having it then no having it, and he wasn't going to take it out no matter what I said (guess he was waiting for me to ask him that next!)

He knows how I tend to panic, but I just wanted to ask someone if they have a similar experience with it moving. Apparently it isn't a cause for alarm from him, but paranoid me still wants to hear it from someone else too! Thanks :)

4 Comments

You aren't alone

by clemsongirl - 2008-12-08 01:12:19

I've had my pacemaker for almost a year and it still creeps me out. Within a couple of weeks of implant I noticed it had moved towards my armpit. My EP doc suggested using an ace bandage to "reposition" it while I healed. It may sound silly, but it really helped. Not easy to wrap an ace badage above the breast area, so that was a challenge.

Mine Too

by Paper_Nan - 2008-12-08 06:12:54

My pm has slid around a bit since I got it. None of my doctors seemed all that concerned about it. They said there are many reasons that happens and if it isn't causing any problems, it's not really an issue.

In addition to my pm, I have an implanted medication pump in my abdomen. That has also moved around a bit since it was put in. The doctors involved with the pump didn't seem at all concerned about it.

I guess things just slide around sometimes, huh.

Nan

pacemaker move

by aldeer - 2008-12-08 12:12:18

At about five weeks after getting my pacemaker (Aug 07) while swimming I felt mine move slightly down and again a few days later. Last check with EP and he said it was down about and inch or two but plenty of lead wire in coil, not to worry about it, that he could reposition it with the always chance of infection. I just left it alone and it actually is much more comfortable just where it chose to go. It does stick out slightly and the lead wires are very pronounced because "no fat there"... When they do have to replace it in about seven years, I want it just where it is now!... good luck
aldeer

Update On My "Slid Pacemaker"

by sonkitty - 2009-03-30 12:03:46

I had trouble getting my pacemaker inserted and only ended up with 1 lead due to the complications.

Long story short, my incision is about 4", as opposed to 1". The doctor has explained that the pacemaker only slid inside the pocket from the top part of the incision to the lower part. It didn't actually slid out of the pocket and under my arm.

Phew - thank God he clarified - it made me feel a little better!

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

Member Quotes

I am a 58 year old woman, race cars, ski at 13,000+ feet, work out daily, have become a second-degree black-belt in Karate, run a business - no limitations.