My 17 year old son is having complications

Hi there,

My 17 year old son had a biventricular pacemaker implanted in October of 2008 in the epicardial area. It is not almost 4 months later and he is still experiencing pain over the pacemaker sight. We have been back to the doctors and had all the tests and they still tell us they cannot explain why he has pain and there is nothing that they can do...Does anyone or has anyone experienced anything like this?

5 Comments

Hi

by ajay - 2009-01-05 05:01:13

I had pm implanted 2005 and had severe pain for over 1 year. Drs didn't know what was causing the pain and said that perhaps it was a nerve. Even though some ultrasound scans had shown fluid around the site it was still dismissed. Finally, when a abscess appeared over the pm site - it was taken very seriously. There had been an infection in the site from day one. I don't want to scare you but my message is, believe your son - as Lotti above also said - just because they don't know doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist. I was so sick of professionals insinuating it was 'all in my head' purely because they did not know.
I wish you both all the best.
Regards Ajay

Hello

by Lotti - 2009-01-05 05:01:36

I had severe pain for at least five months. Head on the table crying sort of pain. I too went back to the surgeon and he did offer to move it if it was so painful but asked if I would wait to see if it got better. I also did wall walking with my fingers where i would put my hands on the wall and walk them up a little more each day. I am glad now that I did wait. After that it gradually got better and movement got easier too.
I still get days where it is sore (3 years on) but this passes and at other times I have full movement.
I hope your sons pain eases too. I have no other advice other than if it does not get better in a couple of months please do not take no as an answer from the medical profession. Just because they can't find a reason for the pain does not mean that there is none.
Good luck.
Lotti (UK)

epicardial placement

by ElectricFrank - 2009-01-05 10:01:18

The Cleveland Heart Institute web site states that the recovery time for an epicardial placement is longer than the typical under the skin placement.

One thing to consider is how active your son is. Sometimes vigorous activity can keep a surgical area inflamed.

If it stays painful I suggest getting a second opinion. There is no reason to accept being put off by the doctors.

frank

?PAIN

by peter - 2009-01-06 03:01:49

You did not say if the pain was really bad or just at a low level. Its not unusual to feel your pacemaker and get occasional discomfort. If its real annoying pain it does need futher investigation . Keep leaning on the hospital until they give you a straight answer.

Same as Peter..

by turboz24 - 2009-01-06 09:01:57

Just like Peter's comment.. Is is constant sharp pain?
My ICD is annoying 99% of the time and uncomfortable often, but I wouldn't call it painful.

There are those moments when it feels like someone quickly stabs me with a pencil where my ICD is, but it's usually just instant. Sometimes it's painful for upto 30 minutes, but then goes away.

I do hope most doctors indicate there is a decent chance it will be uncomfortable as long as you have it. My first doc acted as if it's no big deal, while my current doctor says no matter where it's placed, it will probably always bother me to some extent.

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