Nervous about surgery to move PM

I have asked a question similar to this, but now I have a surgery scheduled to move my PM next week. My cardiologist thinks my PM is too close to my shoulder. When I raise my arm overhead or to the side, the PM juts out at my armpit and I have somewhat limited range of motion with my arm. Just got my PM in November, I am in my 40’s and don’t have anyone to ask about what is "normal" position for PM. The doctor wants to move PM away from my arm a bit, but needless to say I am NOT fond of surgery and while I want full use of my arm back, I don’t want a surgery to fix something that may be "normal". I am pretty thin and the doctor mentioned that the PM could abrade my skin over time if it is left where it is. I would appreciate opinions from anyone. Thanks!

9 Comments

LOL

by Pookie - 2012-03-01 01:03:08

We really need a "like" button on here like FaceBook, eh?

Pookie

PM Placement

by Pookie - 2012-03-01 01:03:10

Hi Lucky:)

We have so many things in common. First our age when we got our pacer - I was 42. And I had mine inserted on Nov. 2, 2004. I however was very unlucky and had to have a total of 5 surgeries for this one pacemaker. The cardiologists I was dealing with dubbed me with the name "Lucky" when I got stuck in the hospital for 10 days.

My first surgery was to implant the pacer.
My 2nd surgery was to drain the blood from around the heart sac. (A wire had poked a hole in the heart)
My 3rd surgery was to reattach a fallen lead.
My 4th surgery was to reattach a fallen lead.
The above was done in a 10 day time span.

My 5th surgery was in March of 2005 - 4 months later - to reposition my pacemaker as it had migrated to my armpit. The last 2 surgeries were done by a Cardiologist who has a pacemaker himself. He usually only does open heart, bypasses, valve replacements, etc, but obviously he took pity on me and fixed my issues and my pacemaker hasn't moved and the lead has stayed in place for 7 yrs now:)

Please go into the Member Gallery and type in my username Pookie and just my pictures will appear - among those pics you will see where my pacemaker is placed. I'm not saying this is the ideal position for everyone as I've seen them much higher and way up by the collar bone, but this position works for me.

It really should be much easier having this surgery compared to the 1st as they are only going to open your pocket and reposition your pacer. It's when they get into replacing or rethreading leads that the recovery time seems to be much much longer.

I too am very thin and my pacer does stick out quite far, but it's deep enough I don't have to worry about it working its way thru the skin -although I did think that for many many months.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Best of luck. I know your mind is spinning, but I promise you it won't be as bad as your 1st surgery.

And hey Ian - I don't mind having surgeries at all - it's probably cuz I absolutely LOVE being put to sleep, is that crazy or what!!!!!!!!!! I've never been afraid. I'm just a total whimp when it comes to the recovery as I'm a very emotional person and I always want someone with me when I'm sick or not feeling well versus people who just want to be alone when not feeling their best.

Take care and please keep us posted.

Pookie

Suggestion

by IAN MC - 2012-03-01 01:03:53

Hi Pookie .. you are the first masochist that I've met ( in cyberspace that is....I've met loads at my golf club ).

Why don't you volunteer to be a guinea pig for lucky's doc... he could practise on you till he gets it right !

Ian x

wow

by Angelie - 2012-03-01 03:03:52

I forget how similar odds Pookie and I have.

AFTER 3 ablations,

My first surgery was the single chamber pacer 8/08

TWO more ablations, 1 cardioversion later.......

My second surgery was the dual chamber pacer 9/09

yet.....another ablation and 2 cardioversions

My 3rd surgery to re-attach my atrial lead 9/09

My 4th surgery to move my pacer under my muscle.

Not to mention being held hostage in the hospital weeks on end with semi-permanent IV lines from my neck and arms for Pacemaker site infections.....

ALL within a span of 2 years.

Anyway, to the question about positioning.

My pacer lies half way in my armpit sometimes. Yeah, it gets in the way. Sometimes, I think it pinches something because it feels a little uncomfortable when I lie on my left side.
Do I ever think about moving it? Yes.
Do I want to endure another surgery? No.
Is there a better place for it? Possibly.
Will it be moved eventually? Yes.

Until then, I'm holding on as long as I can. Until it becomes unbearable, I'm stickin with it. My pacer is under my muscle, but I'm thin and there's not a whole lot of bulk in my chest. I don't know anywhere else my doctor could have placed it.

I would say, if the placement is bothering you or limiting your lifestyle.....have it moved. I'm hoping mine can wait until battery change out.

crossing my fingers,
Angelie

Well

by Peg541 - 2012-03-01 03:03:56

My EP never touched me before he put my pacer in. So he never saw my chest until I was under the anesthesia. I imagine in a very practiced MD that might not be a problem but in someone not too experienced it might present a problem. I'd say mine it too close to my shoulder too but right now it's not a problem. I have the room.
If you are uncomfortable get it moved. Best advice
Good luck
Peg

Maybe there is a plus

by jane32 - 2012-03-01 07:03:08

to being a bit on the cuddly side. You can't see my pm at all. Hope all goes well with the surgery.

Best wishes
Jane

Get it done... moved that is

by bloc_de_branche - 2012-03-01 12:03:15

Totally get it moved. it shouldnt affect range of motion... what is stupid is that your surgeon put it there in the first place! Seriously have to wonder about the docs that do this stuff to us, some are great... some are total @#$%%^

Anyhow, good luck with the surgery, you need full use of your arm, it is worth the slight discomfort to get it done and fixed.

Best wishes

Only one course of action !

by IAN MC - 2012-03-01 12:03:38

Hi lucky ... I would change your name to "unlucky" because you shouldn't have had these problems.

A normal position for a PM should not affect the range of motion of your arm in any way whatsoever.

No-one lists surgery as one of their favourite activities but in your case you just have to have it done..it will be a minor op and shouldn't affect the leads so your recovery won't take long.

As a matter of interest what did the Dr say when you asked " Why on earth did you put it there ?" which presumably you did.

Best wishes

Ian

Thanks for Advice

by Lucky2b - 2012-03-02 10:03:30

I appreciate your advice/comments on PM relocation. My PM was an unexpected surprise...no prior heart problems. Woke up fine one day, ended up at hospital after breakfast and 45 minutes after meeting doctor I was in surgery due to significant AV block (I am paced at 100%). I thought my first doctor was great even though my PM is too close to shoulder. Because of good care, I am here and able to complain about a minor incovenience. Better than the alternative! I am with new cardiologist since we moved to a new city. Just nervous about Wed.

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.