6 days post PM surgery

Hi guys,

I am now 6 days post PM surgery and am going a lot better than I thought I would.

The only query I have is that I have this dull annoying pain right under my sternum. Could it be the leads settling into place? Also, I'm getting a little out of breath with the pain.

Anyone else had similar issues?

3 Comments

OOOPS!

by Many Blessings - 2013-04-24 12:04:36

Sorry,

I wrote Addilia instead of Addlia!

Weird Pains

by Many Blessings - 2013-04-24 12:04:48

Hi Addilia,

Welcome to the site! I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better than you thought you would. That's great!

It's hard to say what could be causing your pain. I'm sure you are going to get a lot of different answers on what it could be.

For me, I had some weird pains here and there for a while afterwards. Nothing horrible, just somewhat annyoing as well. Mine were mostly sharp pains vs dull though.

When I mentioned it to my cardio doc, he said it could be anything from something they did during the procedure/surgery, to nerves being stimulated by the leads. With me, they did some actual cutting inside, ablations, and a few other things that could have caused those feelings.

I think it might depend on what you had done during your procedure. I had an AV Node ablation, along with some other things during my CRT implant. With you, it could be from something they did during yours. Or, even your body reacting to what was done to it. It's just hard to say.

Please make sure to mention what you're feeling to your doctor. Dont wait until your next check up. Give them a call and let them know what's going on. It's probably normal since you're only 6 days post PM, but just in case, you need to let them know what's going on. They may have an answer for you right away on what's causing it. Or, they may want you to come in so they can check things out.

Good luck!




POST OP COMFORT TIPS

by mpilgrim - 2013-04-27 03:04:03

HI ADDLIA;

I am now 2 weeks 5 days post PM and feel with
time your discomforts will lessen. However, I did find
that the use of frozen gel paks under my arm or over
the incision site were quite comforting. I used gel paks
because it is not recommended to use ice which can
melt and get incision wet. I also provided a small soft
pillow under my arm to alleviate some of the discomfort
as well as provide support. I did not experience the
dull sternum pain but do recall that on the 4th day
post op the battle between the pacer and my
heart trying to do its own thing, in my case an erratic
and slow heartbeat which caused me great anxiety
and tears. I took a deep breath, some pain medication
and calmed down. The next morning the transient
discomfort in my chest had resolved. I also
experienced some episodes of shortness of breath, but
remember your body is adjusting in the first week after
surgery. Take one day at a time and you will see
and feel improvement. The shortness of breath is
transient and if persists keep a record for your MD.
Like I say at 2 weeks out from my PM there is no
longer any shortness of breath. You may have to
deal with some heavier breathing once your exercise
picks up. Please remember to ask your MD for a
cardio-pulmonary rehab to help strengthen your heart
muscle. I also would take any pain meds that your
MD recommended. My MD gave me percocet in which
I eventually only took half the tablet when needed and
2 Motrin every 8 hours. By day 8 , I was only taking the Motrin. I started driving 5 days after
PM placed and experienced only 1 episode of sharp
pain in my heart 10 days post op that was as quick as
lightning and did not impress my MD.
Sounds like you are mending well. Always call
your MD if you have any concerns.

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

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