New Pacemaker - shifted in chest

Hi all - I can't tell you how relieved I am to find this site. I am a 52 year-old woman and I had to have a pacemaker implanted on Cinco de Mayo (May 5) because of a Bradycardia episode. I had a similar episode two years ago, but medical staff didn't witness it and couldn't diagnose why I had passed out a couple of times. This time, I went to the ER as soon as I started feeling weird and I passed out in triage as they tried to take my temperature. The Bradycardia happened again several times and, luckily, it happened while the ER doc was at my bedside asking me questions. They admitted me and monitored me, took blood samples to look for hypothyrodism (which can apparently cause Bradycardia) and my cardiologist (who I have been going to for PVC's) recommended a pacemaker.

I initially said no because I just couldn't believe I would have to have a pacemaker, but he said I wouldn't be allowed to drive if I didn't have it done (he played hardball!). So I agreed and here I am.

It was implanted on a Thursday and I went back to work for half days the following Monday and for two weeks thereafter. I just returned back to work full-time this week and am feeling a little tired, but it's going fine. I am still having PVC's and doc says that is normal.

I don't like the feeling I get when it kicks in. I'm always afraid I'm going to faint again or have a heart attack. I'm normally a "no-drama" person who doesn't like to be a baby and get's right back on the horse when I fall off, but this has me filled with anxiety. I got nearly no sleep the first two weeks. This week is a little bit better - probably because I'm busy at work all day and am more sleepy at night.

So I do have a question for you more experienced PM folks! One week after the PM was implanted I bumped my shoulder into a tall-boy dresser on my way back from the bathroom at night when it was pitch black and I was afraid I might have damaged the leads. The next morning I noticed that the pacemaker was no longer just below the incision, but off to the left and above it mostly. So - I guess it just shifted? Has that happened to anyone else? I went to my doc so they could check the PM to be sure and it was operating fine, and he said the incision looked fine, but I just wondered if anyone else experienced a shift of PM under the skin before it healed all the way?

So happy to find this group! Thank you for all your posts and replies - I've been reading, nodding my head and even choking up as I can relate to much of what has been posted and it makes me feel like I'm not alone and I'm not crazy!

Brenda

3 Comments

right there with you

by 6efrau - 2011-05-26 12:05:00

Brenda
No, my pacemaker didn't shift but have read that on this sight from others and it sounds scary and uncomfortable, but if your doc. said all is fine, then he should know. Just keep an eye on it and if you find it uncomfortable or shifting further, be sure to contact your doc. again.

Wow, I cannot believe you went back to work the following Monday. My doc. made me keep my left arm in a sling and basically immobile for the first 10 days and I was in so much pain there was no way I was functioning. Kudos to you.

I too do not like the sensation of feeling the pacemaker kick on. It is still unsettling to me so I try to make light of it by stating, "My pacemaker and I have not become friends as of yet." One friend told me to take it out for drink and talk to it and get to know it better. I replied that the problem is the darn thing never shuts up. LOL. :)

I couldn't sleep well intially because I would wake up every time the pacemaker would go off. At my next visit I asked the doctor if they could dial back the pacemaker some and explained why. Turns out my heart rate drops really low when I sleep so they did dial it back some which helped. On another note, I have learned that what I eat also affects how often the pacemaker works and it really has made a difference for me.

Wishing you all the best.

Hello; I am new...

by Juanita2 - 2011-05-29 07:05:35

So glad to hear someone else was in pain after getting their pacemaker. Not that I want you to have pain but to know that I was not alone.
I have Sick Sinus Syndrome and just got my pacemaker on 5-19-2011.
Were any of you told to wear an ID Bracelet? I know you are to carry your ID CARD in your purse or wallet.
Good luck to all my pacemaker friends!

Juanita

Medicalert Bracelet Recommended

by RavenOma - 2011-05-30 11:05:22

hi Juanita2 - thanks for your reply (and thank you 6efrau for your comments - it's good to relate to your experiences!!).

Yes, the docs at the hospital recommended I get a Medicalert bracelet or dogtags so that if I'm every in an emergency situation, medics will have the essential info they need on the spot and can find out more details from Medicalert. I didn't know much about Medicalert before this and was surprised to learn that they also notify family that I've been in an emergency medical situation. It's a good service and makes me feel better.

They have all kinds of different styles now, including sterling silver, gold and even some with Swarovski crystals. Go to www.medicalert.org and you can see the info about joining and the ID's.

Best of luck!

RavenOma

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