Pacemaker is migrating to underarm area!

Hello,
I have not posted in a long time because everything has been going well. Glad to hear many of you are doing well, but sorry for those who are having complications.
I had my second pacemaker implanted 12/10. It was done by a different dr, and I swear this must have been his first implant! It was very swollen and uncomfortable for several weeks. It finally seemed to settle in but never seemed "right." About a year ago it noticeably started to migrate toward the underarm area. I showed it to my cardiologist, my GP, and to the tech who does the interrogations. They all advised that I leave it alone. It would be OK. That each time it is opened up there is a chance for infection etc which I know and understand. However, it is starting to hurt and when I move my arm to a certain angle it seems like it is about to pop out! I am wondering if anybody has ever had to have theirs removed because of this. What was the recovery like and any advice and information you can give to me. I am also wondering if there are others out there who are living with it the way I am and plan to until time for replacement pacemaker. Thank you.. . .

4 Comments

I Undestand

by daisy0388 - 2014-03-23 10:03:10

Exactly what you are going through! I have had 2 pocket revisions cause my pacemaker keeps migrating towards my arm pit. On april 2nd I am going back in for another revision. On the last surgery I had a plastic surgeon try to make a new pocket by putting the pacemaker under the muscle, suturing it to the muscle then also using some kind of a mesh to hold it in place. Unfortunately it did not hold, right now you can feel the wires as it must have came uncoiled. I cannot sleep on my left side, it bruises underneath my arm pit, and when I move my arm I can feel it moving around. I am hoping this next revision will help, if not it will have to be moved somewhere else. My cardiologist has talked about putting in an epicardial pacemaker cause I'm so thin and do not have any fat to help hold it in place. My advice is if its causing you pain then it needs to be moved. I hope this helps.

Good Luck!
Holly

Pacemaker Movement

by donb - 2014-03-23 10:03:26

Hi Gail 4,
You are describing a problem common to what I've experienced a number of times of the 6 pacemakers in 22 years. After all the years my original Cardiologist finally told me that my body build being a skinny person with next to no fat layer under my skin is always a problem to house a pacemaker. Adding, being real active with upper body usually ends up with your implant moving unless your body has formed enough scar tissue to form a good pouch to support it.
Having the implant put under the muscle & securing by suturing to the muscle is sometimes done which I had with my 4th implant.
It's also normal for Surgeons not to remove & relocate a pacemaker because of infection risk. I could go on as I've been the route having used up both left & right chest site areas. My #6 pacemaker is now in my abdomen right side just above my groin under muscle. Having a fair layer of fat for protection it's been a real bonus as I have no limits on activities & sleeping at age 82 is really great. I can truthfully say that I can not feel this implant, no more seatbelt pain. The bad part is the memory of all the years of pain, but it does make me appreciate the care I have had in the years
past. If you want to do a Search using my name (donb) for details or private message with any questions.
DonB

Yes..

by deefromcalifornia - 2014-03-24 07:03:16

My pacemaker is migrating towards my clavicle bone. My cardiologist told me it was because of my upper body use. They are watching it as he told me the clavicle is like a saw and cut cut into wires. They could implant it under the armpit or stomach but I am choosing to leave it alone. Truth be known I can put up with this discomfort. I was in a lot of pain after my implant..don't want to go back there until I have too.

Thank you

by Gail4 - 2014-05-24 01:05:43

I appreciate your comments. I went back for my pacemaker interrogation and was once again advised to leave my pacemaker where it is. It is bothering me, but when the experts give me advice, I understand that they know more about this than I do. I am skinny on top, too. I can feel where my wires have uncoiled. Holly, how did your implant go? I hope it was successful for you. I would like to hear how you are doing. DonB, I admire your attitude! You have been through so much. Sometimes it gets so annoying, and I don't think people understand unless they have lived with this. I will have this pacemaker for about 6 more years, I think. Dee, like you, I am going to put up with this as long as I am told that it is safe to do so. I am 100% dependent on my pacemaker.. Again, thank you all for your comments. Stay well.

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