PM Pocket Revision

Hi Everyone

I finally got my EP to agree to do something about all the pain I am having here.I think he has noticed that my Pm has moved also...Causing much pain.

I am having my surgery on Tuesday and they are going to be cutting the muscle & putting it behind there.

Does anyone know...Do they put you all the way asleep for this? They didn't the first time which was much better for me as I have a very hard time with it. How is the recovery time as opposed to just having your PM put in?
I am not sure if he is going to have to move my leads but..if he does then I am assuming that the recovery process will be the same as the first time.

Any help will be appreciated. I just love this group and can not even begin to tell you how much it has helped me. know I don't post much but,,I do read it all the time.

Thank
Gloria

4 Comments

Just Had It Done Myself

by TwoCents - 2008-01-13 03:01:13

Hi Gloria--Just before Christmas I had a pocket revision. It was supposed to be just a replacement pacer procedure as my battery was just about out of juice. They located my old pacer somewhere different than where it was supposed to be, thus the pocket revision. (my pm is under the muscle) I was 3 hours in the procedure room with some sedation, but generally was pretty much aware of everything. There was some minor discomfort, but nothing to write home about. Recovery was way easier than the original implant. I was anticipating the fair amount of pain that I had with the original implant, but that did not pan out. I had what I would call "toothache pain" (muscle aching) for the first 4 or 5 days and then that was it. Tylenol more than kept any discomfort at bay. I don't think you will have any problems that will cause you to lose sleep. The best to you--Two Cents

Hi gsue55,

by Gellia2 - 2008-01-13 03:01:54

I don't think they'll need to give you new leads for a pacer revision. Putting it behind the muscle is not too bad at all.
Sort of like getting shot, but they put the bullet back in! LOL Only kidding! You can probably have a local with some relaxation medication as the procedure really doesn't feel much different. I'm a wienie now and no longer wish to be awake at all, so they give me a wonderful very short acting drug called propofol that I recommend to anyone. I woke up feeling fine with no nauseousness at all! Entire time in the hospital was 5 hours. Recovery may be a bit longer as they do go through muscle, but hopefully it will resolve your pain problem so it really is worth it. As long as they don't touch your leads you don't have to worry about raising your arm either. All you have to do is recover and baby yourself. :) This has been my experience with both types of surgery. Hope it helps!
Best to you!
Gellia

PM under the Muscle

by Carol - 2008-01-13 04:01:50

Hey Gloria, I'm a first time PM recipient (4 months out)and mine is placed under the muscle. I was not put under, I can vaguely remember some pushing and tugging I assume as he was putting the unit under the muscle. I was sore, but I agree that the pain was well managed with Tylenol ES...never had to even get the prescription filled for the pain med my dr ordered. Of course everyone's pain tolerance is different. Now, the scar is still visible but fading. The PM itself is like an unusual contour near the top of my left breast, but I think as the scar continues to fade it will be hardly visible. Hope this helps, Good luck and best wishes. Carol

just had mine done

by alice G - 2008-10-23 12:10:09

ive just had mine done 6 days ago. they knocked me out for mine as mine was in a awkward position. i had suffered pain since i had it done 3 months ago. they said that it would stop when my pm settled down but it didnt . i had my ablation 3 weeks ago and they then said it wasnt going to settle in so they would move it.. iam in quite a bit of pain but as two cents said peoples tolerance to pain is different. it is a different pain from when i had it put in. i have some bruising not as much as when i had the pm put in as they had difficulty finding room so i was pulled about abit..iam hoping that this will solve the problem. i too am wondering how long this is going to take this time. iam hoping not too long it is worth going through the pain if its a chance to lead a normal life. i knew i couldnt wait until the batteries ran down as my surgeon had suggested..i was in too much pain with it moving about i hope things go well for you please let us know how it goes

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