Concerns about post-op pain and discomfort

• by zatt2m
• 2014-04-08 10:04:03
• Complications
• 1045 views
• 1 comments

Hi folks,

Just reaching out to see if anyone can relate to or offer support with something I'm experiencing with my most recent pacer replacement.

Has anyone experienced pain/discomfort with body movement due to the size of their pacer? Specifically with the pacer rubbing/jutting into ribs and collarbone or having to "reach around it?" Has anyone been able to get their pacer replaced for these reasons?

I am eight days post-op from getting my third pacer implanted. While the brands differed, my first two pacers were almost identical in size and shape, both being about 8cc in volume size, and fit nicely into the same place in my chest - just under the incision. My new, third device is considerably larger, being 12.8 cc in volume size. Calculated, this is a 63% increase in size, and has turned this last procedure into the most painful one I've had yet, particularly since the pocket in my muscle had to be enlarged to make room for the new honker. I'm not sure why my doc chose a device with such a dramatic size difference. My needs and health hasn't, nor my condition, changed or worsened. I am an active female, 5'4", 155 lbs, and still a young 32 years old in otherwise excellent health. I swim, jog, and do some light weight-lifting. All things my surgeon knew.

The device is constantly in the way. I feel like I'm having to "reach around it." It juts out at odd angles against my skin and into my ribs when I lie on my sides, as well as reaching up to my trachea when I lay on my left side, and pressing uncomfortably against my ribs. Can anyone relate? Anyone who has read this far? Lol...

I realize I'm only eight days post-op and, technically, I haven't completely recovered, but this isn't my first rodeo with these procedures and know what to expect. The first two weren't like this. That being said, this IS my first rodeo with a device size increase and am hoping to find someone who can offer any insight. I have my post-op appointment tomorrow and am nervous to discuss my experience with my nurse. I can't imagine living with this pain/discomfort for the next 8-10 years.