PM had to be placed two times

I've posted a few times, I'm fairly new to this group.

Is there anyone out there that got their PM put in and it caused so much pain they had to go in and relocate the leads?

From what my new cardiologist has told me, I am only the 4th person he has had to 'redo' .

Thanks!
BeckyJo

2 Comments

There have been several

by Theknotguy - 2014-02-24 12:02:58

There have been several who have posted on this forum about changing leads and moving the PM. But then, this is a forum for problems, so we'll see a higher number of problems just by the nature of the forum.

Some of the changes to PM sites and leads (as posted on the forum) have been due to; 1) unit or leads lying on a nerve, 2) PM rubbing on either a nerve or on the clavicle. 3) Sensitivity of person's skin and nerves. (Probably others but those are the ones I remember.)

Statistically speaking, it's a small percentage. With about 3 million PM people, seeing about a dozen problems with PM sites/nerves/skin/etc. is a very small percentage. Of course that is of little comfort when you're the one with the soreness. So your doctor is probably right in that he's only seen four.

Improper placement? Probably not. People have different nerve structures. So what bothers you may not bother me. Others have more sensitivity to foreign objects in their bodies.

For example, I had to have braces at an older age (about age 50). Drove me nuts and I was in constant pain for about 5 years. When I woke up with the PM, it was no big deal compared to the braces. But someone who hasn't had that experience may be more aware of the PM and leads.

Hope you are feeling better.

Theknotguy

relocate

by Ck - 2014-03-06 07:03:40

Hey BeckyJo,
I had my pm installed two years ago. About six months ago it came out of its pocket and I started having some radiating pain from the site to my left arm.
I'm pretty sure it's irritating a nerve, but my EP isn't concerned. When I asked the nurse about moving the unit or leads, she basically chastised me.
So I guess you're lucky your doctor listened to you. Are you pain free now?

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