pacemaker is lifting

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by rhythm - 2017-05-09 19:05:23

Thank you Robin for taking the time for me. I respect your comments and give your words much thought. 

I wouldnt mess with it

by dwelch - 2017-05-09 23:54:28

if concerned ask the doc.  I dont wear a bra (male) but can imagine it is as bad as the seat belt in the car which I do deal with.  Nature likes to smooth things out so with time your skin will stretch and your body will smooth it out with some fat around the sides, or so i was told when I was young and skinny with pacer number one.  which was huge compared to today.  got number five two weeks ago and it is bulging out way more than number four, so must be larger (three lead instead of two), will ask them next time, will also test this theory of does it smooth out.

I am pretty sure I remember when I acidentally moved pacer number one, and ended up with a lead on the top, surface/skin side of the pacer for the duration, doc didnt know how I could have done that, I probably said i didnt know either...Made for even sharper edges to deal with...I wouldnt try to move it around. 

Call the doc/nurse if really concerned, and perhaps go in and see what they say...

reading Robin's answer I do remember bashing pacer number 2 into something, a flat hit and the thing was padded, hurt of course, you got metal on one side of the skin, like pinching the webbing between your thumb and finger with pliers.  but no damage, wires were fine, etc...

on pacer number five now, 30 years with pacers.  the doctor broke a lead on the first replacement so I have a working 30 year lead, a working 23 year lead, and a working 2 week lead (three lead pacer now, you probably dont need to worry about that for another 20+ years) and an unused 30 year old lead.  very active those early years then less so now, but I have not myself pulled one out or broken one and I forget I have the thing from time to time.  My daughter hit it a few times as she was growing up, accidentally, climing on you or hugging you when at the right height, etc.  it happens.

doesnt mean you cant break one or cant pull a lead out, but from what I read here, odds are against that (dont go bashing it with a hammer or something like that)...

first thing is to check your pulse if concerned, if it is the wrong speed, too slow or fast (not sure what your condition is) call them.  if you have a fancy box at home, use it to send them data, etc.  quick and simple things to see if something broke...

unfortuntely we have to deal with these scars and bulges, on the good side it keeps us alive so pretty much tolerable...

30 years

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-05-10 07:24:10

With 1 year on my first PM I cannot add much to DWELCH note with 30 years experience and multiple PMs.

I find great comfort in reading about people living that long and having a decent lifestyle due to the PMs. 

Good to Know

by rhythm - 2017-05-10 10:13:52

Thank you dwelch, teebee1 and others for your info. It is good to know that some of you have experienced "moved" pacemakers as well. I will be seeing my Doc tomorrow and will discuss the situation with her. It is comforting to have folks who are on this same journey and are willing to share their experiences. I am truly thankful for my pacemaker and for living in a time where they are available. Also, noticed I misspelled the word "tolerated". :)) Oh well, life goes on. :)

Again, thanks to all.