Body swelling after getting pacemaker

My name is Lois I am desperate to know has anyone experienced body swelling in the abdomen and thighs after receiving a pacemaker.


4 Comments

Edema?

by AgentX86 - 2021-05-26 22:15:39

Hi Lois,

I assume your pacemaker was implanted in the shoulder.  It sounds like Edema, which a is the retention of fluids (water).  It's usually first noticed in the feet and ankles but it could be in the abdomen, as well.  You should weigh yourself periodically.  A gain of 5lbs from day to day or 10lbs in a week is reason to call your doctors under normal circumstances. 

Just after a PM implant it's much more important because it may be a sign of heart failure.  Before you panic, "heart failure" doesn't mean your heart is about to keel over, rather that it's not pumping enough blood to the body and water builds up in the body.  After a pacemaker implant, this may just be a matter of tuning your PM for optimal performance.  Call your EP.

not normal

by Tracey_E - 2021-05-27 09:15:30

Call your doctor.

Actually...

by ROBO Pop - 2021-05-27 17:53:57

TraceyE is right call your dr. But, for clarity - you should weigh yourself every morning before eating. A weight gain of 3 pounds over night or 5 pounds over a week is indication of edema and corrective action needs to be taken to avoid hospitalization. Call your doctor if he hasn't instructed you whatcaction to take. Edema (fluid overload) usually manifests itself in the feet and ankles but can occur in the abdomen, knees, and other areas. FYI a gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds. 

swelling

by Roger A - 2021-05-31 01:19:36

You are retaining water, you need to be on Lasix, contact your doctor before it gets too far and you will have to be hospitlized, I have gone through the same thing twice ending up in the ER.

 

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