Cosmetic concerns

Hi all.

Im brand new here. Got my boston scientifics pm in 2012 and Im 43 going on 44. Have had one incident or shock early in 2013 during a period of strenuous exertion. Recalibrated the unit and since then I have had no incidents, radically changed my diet and started excercising. The results of these changes have been fantastic to say the least. I have increased my fitness level enough to run two half marathons the previous two years and one unofficial self tracked full marathon this past summer. I have recently begun calisthenics ( push ups, pull ups etc.) and my physique is improved beyond my expectations. My only issue now is this awkward lump in my chest. I hate to be superficial but with my new 6 pack abs and otherwise shredded physique the lump looks a little out of place. Had hoped all these new lumps would kind of hide it but alas I still get comments while running with my shirt off or walking down the beach. "Why yes. It is a pacemaker. Thank you for noticing". I see there is a method of implantation that places the unit under the muscle as well as new smaller leadless units like medtronics that render the pm invisible. Has anyone on here had a leadless micro unit swapped out from their bulky unit or had the sub muscular implantation procedure done to replace their sub dermal implant for cosmetic reasons? Any input is appreciated. Thank you all.

3 Comments

stop whining about a little bump

by Pm - 2017-10-14 18:57:50

Why the huge concern about a little "bump" on your upper chest?   Most people don't say a thing, bit those few who do....i am so proud to tell them how lucky i am to be born in this day and age, where i can still lead a totally productive life even tho i have a heart condition.   Stop complaining about a little bump and start realizing how totally fortunate you are.

Thanks...

by Dmb4500 - 2017-10-15 23:13:44

For sharing your concerns, Eon. This is a legitimate concern and cause for anxiety for some folks. Your body has changed in many ways, it sounds like all for the good. I am sorry I couldn't give you any advice about sub-implant, but I have read that it is very successful for those who request it and have the determination to work through the tougher recovery period....and have read that it is so worth it to those athletic types! Best of luck as you decide what to do.

bumps

by Tracey_E - 2017-10-17 10:22:59

Mine is buried under the muscle so there's no very visible lump but when I got a new lead in 2010 they went in from a different place so a new scar, then when I got my last one they moved the whole thing up higher (more under pectoral whereas before it was under the breast) so now the scar is very obvious in a tank/work out clothes and it's half under muscle, half sticking out. Every once in a while someone asks, I just smile and say oh that's my pacemaker.  Usually it's more of a "wow you do that with a heart condition" than "oh poor Tracey has a pacemaker". I brush it all off, people follow our lead so if we don't make a big deal of it they won't either. 

I'm also in the best shape of my life, but without the pacer I couldn't even do a fraction of what I do so I see it as a tool that allows me to be fit .  I spent half my life unable to  be active so I'm grateful to have it and couldn't really care less how it looks. What I DO care about is how it feels. This new placement isn't as comfy as the old one so I thought about having it moved. I decided it's not bad enough to mess with the trouble and expense of another surgery, plus there's a risk of  infection with any surgery, so I'll wait it out until it's time for #6. It's up to you if you feel it's bad enough to have a surgery now to move it or wait until the it's time for replacement. If it's comfortable, I'd say probably wait it out and treat it like the badge of honor it is.  Face it, you are bada$$ :o) 

You are probably not a candidate for micra because they don't work with traditional leads. Also  they are only single chamber pacing and they won't give it to someone dependent. So if you fit in to any of those, it's not an option. Someday, tho. 

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

Member Quotes

I finished 29th in London in 2 hours 20 minutes 30 seconds which is my fastest with or without a device so clearly it didn’t slow me down ! I had no problems apart from some slight chaffing on my scar - more Vaseline next time.