What to do?

I am 33 yrs. old and I got my pacemaker put in May 2006. Right after the sugery I felt chest pain and was told that I had an effusion. This went on for 6 weeks...they did an echo weekly and told me it would go away. I was very unfortable but hung in there thinking it would pass. Well it didn't, in July I had tampenade and almost died. They redid a wire that was loose and had to make a pericardial window in my heart tissue to drain the fluid, 16 oz.

I am writing this post because I just don't know what to do at this point. I eventually got better but not 100%. My doc. said I was fine and that the pain was musculoskeletal. I continue to have chest pain while moving, breathing and changing positon.
At one point I was feeling better so I decided to start working out again, doc. said that was fine. One week later I had another effusion and inflamation that he treated with steroids. He told me I was fine and that working out was not the cause and it should never happen again. Well I started to work out again and am once again in pain. There was no effusion but the pain feels the same. I feel so lost, I am not sure what to do at this point. I will be going in to see another doctor for a fresh perspective on my condition.

Has anyone had a similar experience?
Any advice?

Thank you for reading my post I know it is lengthy.
Mary

1 Comments

What frustration

by ela-girl - 2007-04-13 02:04:01

Hi, Mary.

A few weeks after I had my pm implanted, I was having very bad chest pains. I went in twice to see my EP about it, but he was out due to a family emergency. The doctor that I saw instead was a very young lady new to the office. She kept telling me that I was fine and that it was normal pain associated with the pm surgery blah blah blah. Well, I KNEW something wasn't right. When my doctor got back into town I went in again to see him. Sure enough, I had pericarditis for weeks! I couldn't breathe, sleep, or anything! In fact, my doctor could even HEAR the cardiac rub from the pericarditis! He gave me a course of medication then checked me after a week. The pericarditis was still there--only slightly. He watched me for another couple of weeks keeping me on a medication regimen. It finally went away without having to have a pericardiocentesis or an echo. All this took about 2 months!

I guess what I am saying is that we have to be our own best advocates because we do know our bodies best. I think your going for a second opinion is a good idea. In my own humble opinion, I don't think it was necessary for you to go so long without having the effusion treated. I realize effusions can go away on their own etc. and I am not a doctor nor do I know your medical history...but come on! I feel for you. Pericarditis can be VERY painful!!!

Please keep us updated on your situation. Feel free to private message me. I hope my words helped a little bit even if it was just to let you know that you are not alone!

I wish you happy, painless pacing,
ela-girl

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