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Pain around pacemaker site
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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I have had my pacemaker for 9 years had it moved 2 times but it still hurts it has got worst I the last week or two everytime I move my left arm it feels like someone it ripping it I won't to no can I have it took out I can't take this pain much longer
Welcome, @oldlady262. I moved your message to this existing discussion:
- Pain around pacemaker site: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cramping-around-pacemaker-site/
I did this so you can read the previous posts and connect with other members like @dorothynoz45 @yoanne @starfirey2k @cmensinger @texas14 @dennis0461 @sam0816 and others.
Oldlady, have you had pain since the pacemaker was put in 9 years ago? What might have happened in the past week or two that might have made the pain worsen?
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2 ReactionsHow do I get a list of Medtronic pacemaker with patient pain problems. Thanks
I honestly think those who have pain from their pacemaker is due to where and how the doctor placed the pacemaker. some always place it under the muscle and others do not, I think you will find that when they are placed under the muscle it has a higher chance of causing pain. just my opinion from reading patients descriptions of their pacemaker case.
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1 ReactionThank you, my cardiologist has agreed to move my pacemaker. I wouldn't do it but the pain has increased over the last year. This is my 2nd pacemaker and I never had a problem with the first, and it lasted 8 years.
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2 Reactionsthat is good news, hope this cures the pain problem with the pacemaker, good luck and be safe.
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1 Reactionmy first was placed so close to the collar bone, every time I turned shoulders for golf swing or reached up it would Hit the bone! Not real pain but scary feeling......I worked it down under skin over time.....then it was ok!
It sounds like I am lucky. I got my pacemaker January 2020. There was soreness for awhile. I connected with a pacemaker group online. I discovered where I could buy a protector between the pacemaker and my bra strap. It worked! The little square cost me $25.00 US but worth it. I only needed it for about 2 months.
My cardiologist has me come in and have a technician check every 6 months. I was rather concerned last time. It was a new technologist. He decided to up the rate from 55 to 85. This had me concerned because my heart rate from a teenager to until recently was 72. It seems to be OK.
I have a problem falling asleep at the computer. I got a special pair of glasses and a special cover for my monitor screen. It doesn't seem to do too much good. It's rather embarrassing when I am on a Zoom meeting and I fall asleep. Or I am focusing on keeping my eyes open. Does anyone else have that problem and have you solved it? i would appreciate hearing from you and if you solved it.
Bonjour!
I had my pacemaker installed in March 2021. Actually, I visited four hospitals. At the second hospital, they've tried once to operate but "couldn't find the proper vein" to pass the leads through (I have had surgeries as a kid). I was transfered to a third one where I was sent to a fourth, bigger, one for a second attempt. That has left me with a mild to severe permanent incomfort around the insertion area. Some days are better than others. I'm on a perpetual Ibuprophen/Acetaminophen diet to aleviate the pain. Most of the time, it's discomfort only. On humid days, I can feel stabbing pains. I was told that this is normal (up to a degree; never endure an incapacitating pain that may be a signal of a complication) as my body heals. The doctor didn't believe me when I told her that I feel this constantly. I can feel the PM constantly, especially when moving my left arm above shoulder level or when lying on my side to sleep.
Since the surgery, I have come up with strategies to reduce the discomfort. I move my arm a bit slower than before. When I workout, I'm very concious of my movements (no more ego-lifting or jerk motions). And the Tylenol/Advil when the discomfort grows too much.
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1 ReactionI have same symptoms. I also have a Watchman implanted.No one listens. I pitched a fit over teams lack of response that they sent me to ER. Just a waste of time and money. Ekg, bloodwork, xray, ct scan. Referred back to cardiologist who has ordered an echocardiogram. It isn't a heart pain but, like you, a pacemaker site pain. Symproms worsened after the Watchman. I guess it is just something we will have to live with.