pacemaker problem

I had a pacemaker fitted about 5 months back. Some of the stitches didn't dissolve until recently so the area was quite sore but in the last couple of days the whole are has become painful. I cant lie on my side in bed its as if the pacemaker sticks out quite a way (top corner). Today if I move my left arm its painful.

2 Comments

Thanks for the reply

by jan003 - 2015-01-04 05:01:44

Thank you AngrySparrow for your reply
The skin is not broken and there does not appear to be signs of infection.
I will try heat treatment and see if that works especially as within the last hour I've had to try and avoid turning my head or bending forward as it makes it worse.

Can you tell me what the pacemaker is made of? Reason for asking is I have never been able to wear jewelry or have metal zips/buttons etc on my skin. I told them at the hospital I have a reaction to metals and when they implanted what I think is called a heart recording monitor I was assured I would not have a reaction as it was titanium. Is a pacemaker made from the same metal?

Thanks again AngrySparrow

thanks for the reply

by jan003 - 2015-01-05 07:01:07

Thanks for taking time to reply AngrySparrow1
I know the benefits of having the pacemaker, it took years and years for a hospital to discover I had a heart problem. I had been made to feel awful so many times when I would simply fall to the ground, walk into things, etc., and continuously told I was clumsy, not looking where I walked etc.
Worse times was when I would "come round" to discover I had fractures or dislocations. The loop recorder I had inserted recorded that my heart would keep stopping, if it was for just 5 or so seconds it wasn't so bad, when longer it was when I would loose consciousness and often have bad injuries so I know the pacemaker is essential and I have to put up with any discomfort.
At least it is improving my quality of life and will keep me alive.

Thanks again for comments.

You know you're wired when...

Your ICD has a better memory than you.

Member Quotes

Try to concentrate on how you’re able to be active again and feel normal, rather than on having a machine stuck in your body.