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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1101 | @1101 | Aug 30 3:35pm
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @1101 and welcome to the Heart Rhythm Condition support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. If..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

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?

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Thank you for the prompt reply. You are correct, the pacemaker was inserted in April. I was diagnosed with bradycardia. I was still having shortness of breath, weakness when walking etc. I then had a heart cath which showed 2 blockages, 1 only 40% and the other 70 to 80%. I was told the larger blockage on the left desending artery was located very close to the "widow maker" and it was best not to disturb it. Then I was ordered a ultrasound on my heart and after my electro physiologist recommended surgery to move the leads .. As far as heart pain, it's much better but the pacemaker ..is causing severe burning stabs when I move a certain way. I haven't talked to my Dr concerning this pain. Yesterday the device nurse removed my bandages and the site looks good. The pain last night was a shock. I do not want to go to ER . sorry this is so long.
Thank you Bonnie (I'm 75 years old, 4'10" tall & I weigh) 110 lbs)

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 30 4:00pm
In reply to @1101 "Thank you for the prompt reply. You are correct, the pacemaker was inserted in April. I..." + (show)
@1101

Thank you for the prompt reply. You are correct, the pacemaker was inserted in April. I was diagnosed with bradycardia. I was still having shortness of breath, weakness when walking etc. I then had a heart cath which showed 2 blockages, 1 only 40% and the other 70 to 80%. I was told the larger blockage on the left desending artery was located very close to the "widow maker" and it was best not to disturb it. Then I was ordered a ultrasound on my heart and after my electro physiologist recommended surgery to move the leads .. As far as heart pain, it's much better but the pacemaker ..is causing severe burning stabs when I move a certain way. I haven't talked to my Dr concerning this pain. Yesterday the device nurse removed my bandages and the site looks good. The pain last night was a shock. I do not want to go to ER . sorry this is so long.
Thank you Bonnie (I'm 75 years old, 4'10" tall & I weigh) 110 lbs)

Jump to this post

@1101 Hello Bonnie

I do think it would be wise to contact your doctor's office regarding this pain you are experiencing. I would also like to invite @danab to this conversation to see if he has any input.

From what I understand, the pain is a burning type of pain. Is that correct? Please explain that to your doctor's nurse when you call the office.

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