1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Pain around pacemaker site

Posted by dorothynoz45 @dorothynoz45, Jun 22, 2019

I am getting very frustrated with this situation. I have had my pacemaker for over 2 years and I still have the same cramping ache at the site that I experienced after the implant. No one takes me seriously. I have been trying to rattle the cardiology office cage for a week and 1/2 now. Several weeks ago it got worse; woke me up at night and in the morning it hurt so bad that twice I couldn't stand straight. It seems to harder to stand up when I get up and start moving. I can't get past the phone nurse. She left a voice mail for me ' that it couldn't possibly be the device because I've had it so long. That it must be something else.' Dr. told me they could re position it but didn't like to for fear of infection. I am posting because after this long of time, although I've been told nothing can be done about it, I don't want this in my life anymore. Has this happened to anyone else?

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Ceepster | @cmensinger | Mar 28, 2020
In reply to @cmensinger "I had a Medtronix pacemaker implanted in February 2019, so I am still getting used to..." + (show)
@cmensinger

I had a Medtronix pacemaker implanted in February 2019, so I am still getting used to it. Wondering if anyone has had sharp pain, stabbing pain at times, around the pacemaker site. It is not on the incision, rather it is "around" the site, especially near the shoulder and pec muscles. Feels like someone is stabbing me with a knife at times, and seems to generate in the area where I can feel where the lead attached to the pacemaker unit. My battery life has dropped significantly in my 4 months, and is now down to 4.5 years for replacement.

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Thanks for link and information! A friend sent this to me in May, and yes I do have one of the listed model numbers affected. My EP Cardiologist does not feel that has contributed, rather it is taking more voltage to contract my heart. However, I am going to Mayo in early Aug to get second opinion.

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starfirey2k | @starfirey2k | Mar 28, 2020
In reply to @cmensinger "I had a Medtronix pacemaker implanted in February 2019, so I am still getting used to..." + (show)
@cmensinger

I had a Medtronix pacemaker implanted in February 2019, so I am still getting used to it. Wondering if anyone has had sharp pain, stabbing pain at times, around the pacemaker site. It is not on the incision, rather it is "around" the site, especially near the shoulder and pec muscles. Feels like someone is stabbing me with a knife at times, and seems to generate in the area where I can feel where the lead attached to the pacemaker unit. My battery life has dropped significantly in my 4 months, and is now down to 4.5 years for replacement.

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Read your post last night and that you mentioned your battery going low, not sure what model you have but you should read the link below and check yours.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/fda-alerts-providers-and-patients-check-premature-battery-depletion-certain-medtronic-pacemakers-fda

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lov | @lov | Mar 28, 2020

<p>Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner & rate regulator and recent pacemaker with 2 leads implanted resulting in baseline of aching from it (12/23/19). On 4 meds for handling heart issues. Grieving over discomfort and fear of not being able to recognize signs of going into AFib. I know this sounds way out, but are there service dogs who can sniff out impending AFib like they sniff out diabetic crisis/low blood sugar, seizures, and breast cancer? Are there free emotional support groups for patients to work through their feelings about their declining health regarding heart issues?</p>

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5 replies
AFRobin | @afrobin | Mar 28, 2020
In reply to @lov "Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner &..." + (show)
@lov

<p>Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner & rate regulator and recent pacemaker with 2 leads implanted resulting in baseline of aching from it (12/23/19). On 4 meds for handling heart issues. Grieving over discomfort and fear of not being able to recognize signs of going into AFib. I know this sounds way out, but are there service dogs who can sniff out impending AFib like they sniff out diabetic crisis/low blood sugar, seizures, and breast cancer? Are there free emotional support groups for patients to work through their feelings about their declining health regarding heart issues?</p>

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Hello! Are your meds not controlling your Afib adequately...so you don't have to worry? I steered clear of the following to stop any Afib...even little blips. Coffee, tea, alcohol, cigarette smoke, chocolate, medications that could stimulate the heart like decongestants, dental drugs and even the drops that widen the eye pupils! I had it last week and my heart beat fast and heavily for hours...thankfully not flipping into Afib.

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1 reply
suzanne2019 | @suzanne2019 | Mar 28, 2020
In reply to @lov "Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner &..." + (show)
@lov

<p>Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner & rate regulator and recent pacemaker with 2 leads implanted resulting in baseline of aching from it (12/23/19). On 4 meds for handling heart issues. Grieving over discomfort and fear of not being able to recognize signs of going into AFib. I know this sounds way out, but are there service dogs who can sniff out impending AFib like they sniff out diabetic crisis/low blood sugar, seizures, and breast cancer? Are there free emotional support groups for patients to work through their feelings about their declining health regarding heart issues?</p>

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Sorry to hear! How bad was your afib when diagnosed? Was it all day, everyday? Heart rate? Sounds like they put u on a lot of things quickly and all at the same time. They tried to put me on a blood thinner and I refused! Put me on Metropolol for high blood pressure and afib meds. Stopped taking everything slowly. Blood thinner took 3 days with 2 many side effects. Dont get yourself all anxious since it will make your afib much h worse. Try breathing exercises, meditation. Yoga and walls in the fresh air help a lot

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Mar 28, 2020
In reply to @lov "Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner &..." + (show)
@lov

<p>Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner & rate regulator and recent pacemaker with 2 leads implanted resulting in baseline of aching from it (12/23/19). On 4 meds for handling heart issues. Grieving over discomfort and fear of not being able to recognize signs of going into AFib. I know this sounds way out, but are there service dogs who can sniff out impending AFib like they sniff out diabetic crisis/low blood sugar, seizures, and breast cancer? Are there free emotional support groups for patients to work through their feelings about their declining health regarding heart issues?</p>

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@lov, it is absolutely natural that you are worried––pacemakers can detect asymptomatic AF but are not routinely monitored for this purpose.
However, since you are taking a blood thinner, you you seem to be on the right track to prevent the risk of stroke.
Here’s a recently published study that investigated whether pacemaker checks could be used to identify patients with asymptomatic AF, who could then be given anticoagulation for stroke prevention. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151017152236.htm

I’d like to connect you with others who are living with a pacemaker like @dragonass @lmclaugh @lynjolo @exboater @danab @rog @elwood @maryrohrer1 @texas14. You can also read their stories in these discussions:
– Pacemaker recipients https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pacemaker-recipients
– KardiaMobile https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kardiamobile/

There are service animals–Cardiac Alert/Response dogs–that are able to detect various heart-related symptoms. You could ask your local ASPCA or Humane Society chapter for more information.

Recovery after pacemaker surgery takes time, @lov and everyone is different. Are you noticing any improvements at all?

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lov | @lov | Mar 28, 2020
In reply to @afrobin "Hello! Are your meds not controlling your Afib adequately...so you don't have to worry? I steered..." + (show)
@afrobin

Hello! Are your meds not controlling your Afib adequately...so you don't have to worry? I steered clear of the following to stop any Afib...even little blips. Coffee, tea, alcohol, cigarette smoke, chocolate, medications that could stimulate the heart like decongestants, dental drugs and even the drops that widen the eye pupils! I had it last week and my heart beat fast and heavily for hours...thankfully not flipping into Afib.

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I need to go to dentist and retina specialist: what are the names of drugs I need to avoid? Thank you, lov

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tdrohan | @tdrohan | Mar 28, 2020
In reply to @lov "Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner &..." + (show)
@lov

<p>Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner & rate regulator and recent pacemaker with 2 leads implanted resulting in baseline of aching from it (12/23/19). On 4 meds for handling heart issues. Grieving over discomfort and fear of not being able to recognize signs of going into AFib. I know this sounds way out, but are there service dogs who can sniff out impending AFib like they sniff out diabetic crisis/low blood sugar, seizures, and breast cancer? Are there free emotional support groups for patients to work through their feelings about their declining health regarding heart issues?</p>

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What makes you anti blood thinners.?? They are very useful to guard against stroke

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bill54321 | @bill54321 | Mar 28, 2020
In reply to @lov "Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner &..." + (show)
@lov

<p>Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner & rate regulator and recent pacemaker with 2 leads implanted resulting in baseline of aching from it (12/23/19). On 4 meds for handling heart issues. Grieving over discomfort and fear of not being able to recognize signs of going into AFib. I know this sounds way out, but are there service dogs who can sniff out impending AFib like they sniff out diabetic crisis/low blood sugar, seizures, and breast cancer? Are there free emotional support groups for patients to work through their feelings about their declining health regarding heart issues?</p>

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You should not have pain with a pace maker. There may be a problem with how it is anchored. Check with the surgeon who put it in. You may need a revision. I have no pain during about 8 years of a demand 60 and 1 visit a year to the cardiologist for an equipment check and review of battery life. I am good for another 10 years with the battery. I don't know I have one. Love your heart. keep the arteries open with diet and strong with exercise. It will love you for it. If it needs something, give it to it. The heart needs to be happy.

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deb1020 | @deb1020 | Jan 17, 2021
In reply to @cmensinger "I had a Medtronix pacemaker implanted in February 2019, so I am still getting used to..." + (show)
@cmensinger

I had a Medtronix pacemaker implanted in February 2019, so I am still getting used to it. Wondering if anyone has had sharp pain, stabbing pain at times, around the pacemaker site. It is not on the incision, rather it is "around" the site, especially near the shoulder and pec muscles. Feels like someone is stabbing me with a knife at times, and seems to generate in the area where I can feel where the lead attached to the pacemaker unit. My battery life has dropped significantly in my 4 months, and is now down to 4.5 years for replacement.

Jump to this post

Yes!!!! Had Medtronic pace and Defibrillator installed 10/20. I have stings and horrible burning. Have a large keloid forming. Told Doc. Waiting for appt with cardiac electro physiologist. Not that I am happy you have this horrid pain, but glad I found you. I called Medtronic, they would not talk except to say they had calls about the stings/burn and check with doctor. Had 3 month check. Technician said device working great...had knowledge that device feels like it stings/ burns worse on slight body frames...waiting...

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