PM generator removal

I am SOOOOO excited.
My PM generator is being removed this Thursday the 8th at 8:00 AM. I can hardly wait.
The dr is not happy about removing it but I agreed to leave the leads in; just in case I need a PM in the future.
The pacemaker has been turned off since January of this year with NO symptoms whatsoever so I think removing the generator is very appropriate.
With that being said, if anyone has ever had the generator removed, what was the procedure like? Did it hurt during the procedure/ after?
Any input would be appreciated.

4 Comments

good luck

by cropduster - 2013-08-03 04:08:53

I wish you all the best, but I wouldn't have it removed if it were me. My heart problem came on very quickly so I have seen how rapidly things can go downhill. Given that you've already had the need for a PM, I wonder what the odds are in you needing one again?

Also you doctor is reluctant in removing it, where does this leave you with insurance & driving & things of that nature?

Best of Luck

by pacergirl - 2013-08-03 05:08:06

I second the post from "cropduster". Heart issues came on very quickly for me too and nearly killed me before anyone realized what was wrong with me.

Pacergirl

Pain After Removal

by donb - 2013-08-03 11:08:25

Hi, I've had 2 previous Pacemakers removed, 1st one for 60 days before symtoms returned & my 2nd one just recently for 30 days. Again after 30 days my resting HR dropped to a very low rate. Each of these removals was for site restoration, scar tissue being a real problem. Yes, there was slight pain each time but not as bad as initial implant.
I just had a lengthy talk with my cardiologist about my erosion problems with both my left chest & right chest after 5 pacemaker changes. Statistics have shown that a skinny person has much higher risk of having pain & erosion as we don't have enough soft tissue to comfortably house our implants which naturally causes more pain & discomfort.
I just am healed up from having my 6th PM housed in my abdomen where I have experienced next to no pain immediately after implant & none with activity.
DonB

Thank you

by Happycamper - 2013-08-05 10:08:22

I do appreciate you honesty.
As far as insurance is concerned, the hospital verified that the procedure would be paid for.
As far as symptoms, the PM has been off since early January with NO symptoms at all.
I guess here are my issues: It looks HIDEOUS. I am very thin and the first thing people notice is this BOX under my collar bone. Also, when I sleep on the left side, which is where the generator is, it is incredibly uncomfortable. And lastly, I can not monitor over the phone. I don't have a land line so I have to go into the PM clinic every 6 months which is a pain in the bum.
I'm not going to lie, my cardiologist is against removing it, but we did agree that leaving the leads in would help him sleep better. IF it ever gets to the place where I need it again, a new generator would be easy to hook back up.
I have checked my HR since the PM has been turned off and the lowest it's been is around 50 which is good for me. I have no symptoms at 50. I was really active prior to my hip replacement so 50 is totally acceptable.
I was more interested in the removal procedure itself; whether it hurt or not.

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I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.