Pain in pacemaker area since implant in October 2016

After 3 years of suffering pain and discomfort in pacemaker area which is affecting my left arm with numbness and tingling, my new Cardiologist suggested that I undergo another "ambulatory surgery " where he will open, clean and  reubicate the pacemaker behind the muscle.  He does guarantee that the pain will go 100%, but the possibility is same pain, less pain or no pain. I'm undecided cause I think that the implant caused a nerve damage or pinched. 

Has anyone had a similar situation?

5 Comments

Correction of sentence

by shalomjjjj - 2019-10-29 06:27:16

Sorry wrong spelling, but he DOES NOT GUARANTEE 

pain

by Tracey_E - 2019-10-29 11:01:11

If it hurts that much after 3 years, I don't think you have much to lose by moving it. 

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Time for a second opinion

by Gotrhythm - 2019-10-29 14:34:24

I get the feeling you're not completely on board with the cardiac surgeon's rationale for moving the pacemaker. What does he say is wrong with the pacemaker where it is? Yes, you hope for relief of pain, but do understand exactly what problem moving the pacemaker to a subpectoral placement would fix/make better?

There's a saying, "If the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail." Sugeons tend to look for surgical solutions. A doctor who is not a surgeon, or a cardiologist might see pain in the shoulder/arm associated with numbness in the fingers as having some cause other than pacemaker placement.

Anytime you're undecided about a surgery a second opinion is always a good idea, I'd certainly want to see an orthopedist to rule out pinched nerve.

 

Second the second opinion opinion

by AgentX86 - 2019-10-29 14:49:04

GotRhythm's hammer and nail analogy is right on, IMO. The problem may not be the pacemaker at all. It could even be a neck problem. Nerve problems can be very difficult to diagnose. It would be good to get an opinion from someone who can step back and see the forest. Someone who isn't invested in the problem already.

My pain has been since day one of implant. I do not tolerate pain killers, my body rejects everything and I have to suffer the pain in cold.

by shalomjjjj - 2019-10-29 17:04:42

I just don't want an additional surgery if it's not sure of results, chronic pain out. I'm almost sure the Cardiologist who put the pacemaker damaged, squeezed or what ever a nerve.

 

Thank you all for your input and advice which I will take in great consideration,  especially the 2nd opinion. 

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