Sleep

I had my first pacemaker implanted 3 days ago and have not been able to sleep since. Every time I roll onto my side I am in tremendous pain and have a tight pulling feeling across my wound. I was just wondering if anyone had any advise and how long this feeling lasts.

7 Comments

i soo relate

by Ouchthatssore76 - 2012-09-15 06:09:27

i too had mine fitted 3 days ago and find it hard to sleep.i am taking paracetamol and codeine phosphate which doesnt kill the pain but helps,at most i sleep for 2 hrs at a time but its better than not at all :) hope you feel better soon
abi

sleep

by manaman - 2012-09-15 06:09:42

Trying to get a nights sleep in bed didn't work for me. I slept like a baby in my recliner for four days then all was well (after I got situated in the bed. Those first days were a nightmare though!
CECIL

sleep on back

by Pollypacer - 2012-09-15 08:09:04

I wouldn't even try to sleep on that side. Sleep on back or right side...hug a pillow or put a pillow against back so you don't roll over to left side.

sleep the other way

by Mrs P - 2012-09-15 08:09:47

hi
had the same thing
i could also feel and hear my pacer working
7months on and i still sleep the other way or on my back
far less painful and tight now x

I agree

by ohiolaura - 2012-09-16 08:09:06

I used a pillow under the PM side arm,for support and protection,and it worked like a charm.When I can home I slept in the recliner for maybe 2 nights,which worked for me.Then in bed,I slep on my back w/the pillow to support,and I was fine.Ive been a stomach sleeper,so this was not easy,but had no choice and survived.
Also,I dont sleep away from home,and while in hospital for days,did get ambien to help me,and help me it did.
Took it at home for a good month,and it worked,for me.
Now 2 months out,Im not taking it,and back to sleeping on my stomach when I want,with no pain.
You need sleep,to heal,so maybe ask Dr for something to help if its a problem for a short time.

on back is way to go

by hoppenjan - 2012-09-16 10:09:26

Got mine on 9/6. First two nights had to put pillow under arm on side of pm. That helped in two ways. Would not allow me to roll to that side and kept it elevated a little which felt better than leaving it directly on bed.

After a week, I did not have much pain at all.

Good luck.

The Pillow method works

by ElectricFrank - 2012-09-16 12:09:38

Just sleep on the side opposite the pacer. Put a pillow in front of you and use it to support the pacemaker arm. The idea is to prevent that upper arm falling down in front of you and causing it to squeeze the surgical area. I used this method starting the first night after the implant and slept like a baby. I used it again when I had it replaced. Neither time did I need any pain meds.

Part of the pain is due to the "pocket" that they made for the pacer. It is really kind of brutal as they separate the skin from the underlying tissue. I like to describe it as tearing the skin off a chicken breast.

It will likely be a bit tender for a week or two but nothing like you are experiencing now.

frank

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Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.