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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

showe1975 | @showe1975 | May 13, 2023
In reply to @jebbss8 "I have same symptoms. I also have a Watchman implanted.No one listens. I pitched a fit..." + (show)
@jebbss8

I 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.

Jump to this post

I am just over two months from having my pacemaker put in. I woke up one night with a burning sensation by my incision area plus a horrible feeling of my skin feeling tight. My doctor said my incision was still warm and swollen so continued my restrictions. My burning sensation is getting worse, literally wakes me up at night. Can’t get comfortable to fall asleep and to put on a bra, FORGET IT. My doctor thinks it is going to take me longer to heal due to my fibromyalgia. Anyone else have any recommendations, I literally think about the pain and bringing all day! I go see my cardiologist next week.

REPLY
2 replies
vickylj | @vickylj | May 14, 2023
In reply to @showe1975 "I am just over two months from having my pacemaker put in. I woke up one..." + (show)
@showe1975

I am just over two months from having my pacemaker put in. I woke up one night with a burning sensation by my incision area plus a horrible feeling of my skin feeling tight. My doctor said my incision was still warm and swollen so continued my restrictions. My burning sensation is getting worse, literally wakes me up at night. Can’t get comfortable to fall asleep and to put on a bra, FORGET IT. My doctor thinks it is going to take me longer to heal due to my fibromyalgia. Anyone else have any recommendations, I literally think about the pain and bringing all day! I go see my cardiologist next week.

Jump to this post

Sounds like you’ve got an infection. Did they give you antibiotics? You know your own body, keep at it to get some answers. You are your own best advocate.
❤️VickyLJ

REPLY
1 reply
showe1975 | @showe1975 | May 14, 2023
In reply to @vickylj "Sounds like you’ve got an infection. Did they give you antibiotics? You know your own body,..." + (show)
@vickylj

Sounds like you’ve got an infection. Did they give you antibiotics? You know your own body, keep at it to get some answers. You are your own best advocate.
❤️VickyLJ

Jump to this post

Yes I was on antibiotics and steroids but still no change. Hopefully I will get some answers on Wednesday when I go see the cardiologist. It does seem to be getting a little worse (burning and feeling of stretching) more frequently.

REPLY
1 reply
silverfish0409 | @silverfish0409 | May 16, 2023

Pain is something I live with everyday it seems to come with covid,pain in my stomach, abdominal pain,eye dryness ,blurred vision,muscle pain,pain around my heart,even pain in my teeth ,feel out of breath, here is a tip if you have constipation use mirolax with a little bit of Metamucil works great for me.

REPLY
margreet | @margreet | May 17, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "Dorothy, I agree with Robin that this is something that should not be ignored. Whether the..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Dorothy, I agree with Robin that this is something that should not be ignored. Whether the cause is the pacemaker or not, cramping in the chest area requires attention.

I'm bringing fellow members @cmensinger @yoanne @exboater @eileena and @lmclaugh into this discussion. They all have experiences with pacemakers and may have some thoughts to add. You may also be interested in this discussion:

- Pacemaker recipients. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pacemaker-recipients/

Dorothy, have you considered getting a second opinion from another cardiologist? If the cramping continues, I too recommend going to the ER.

Jump to this post

I have a pacemaker now for one and a half year. Done under general anaesthetic, never any problems or side effects, I often forget I have it. I am sorry to hear about Robin. You should not have any pain. Go to Emergency, don’t give up. My best wishes Robin,
Margreet

REPLY
vickylj | @vickylj | May 20, 2023

My suggestion, go to emergency at the hospital.
Get a second or third opinion.
It’s your body, you know when something isn’t right. Guess it’s up to you to take the bull by the horns.
Best Wishes, Vicky J.

REPLY
vickylj | @vickylj | May 21, 2023
In reply to @showe1975 "Yes I was on antibiotics and steroids but still no change. Hopefully I will get some..." + (show)
@showe1975

Yes I was on antibiotics and steroids but still no change. Hopefully I will get some answers on Wednesday when I go see the cardiologist. It does seem to be getting a little worse (burning and feeling of stretching) more frequently.

Jump to this post

Keep us updated please on your recovery. It’s so nice to be able to converse with everyone with their different situation.
Hopefully you will find an answer on Wednesday.
🙏🙏

REPLY
1 reply
showe1975 | @showe1975 | May 21, 2023
In reply to @vickylj "Keep us updated please on your recovery. It’s so nice to be able to converse with..." + (show)
@vickylj

Keep us updated please on your recovery. It’s so nice to be able to converse with everyone with their different situation.
Hopefully you will find an answer on Wednesday.
🙏🙏

Jump to this post

Update,
Doctor told me I am just taking longer than normal to heal. My scar is still really pink, should be white by now. He is not worried about anything, everything looks good. I don’t go back to see him for six months now. Hopefully it starts healing faster, just so frustrated.

REPLY
1101 | @1101 | Aug 29, 2023

I am new to this discussion. I sought out a group that could answer questions about pacemaker problems because I had a Medtronic PM put in April 26, 2023. Here it is Aug 29 and I am still having sharp pain and burning . the 1st PM was repositioned and leads in the heart moved 2 weeks ago. I feel better, no chest pain or feelings of fainting but this PM is awful. I'm tired of complaining because no one understands anyway.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 30, 2023
In reply to @1101 "I am new to this discussion. I sought out a group that could answer questions about..." + (show)
@1101

I am new to this discussion. I sought out a group that could answer questions about pacemaker problems because I had a Medtronic PM put in April 26, 2023. Here it is Aug 29 and I am still having sharp pain and burning . the 1st PM was repositioned and leads in the heart moved 2 weeks ago. I feel better, no chest pain or feelings of fainting but this PM is awful. I'm tired of complaining because no one understands anyway.

Jump to this post

Hello @1101 and welcome to the Heart Rhythm Condition support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. If I understand correctly, the pacemaker was originally inserted in April of this year and two weeks ago it was repositioned, and the leads were moved. Is that correct?

Is the pain still the same as it was prior to the procedure two weeks ago? What has your doctor suggested to help reduce the pain?

REPLY
1 reply
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.