Post pacemaker pneumothorax

[seasider18]

I had to have air drained from my chest cavity on Saturday after Fridays pacemaker fitting. The same pain came back yesterday and has worsened over night so I am about to contact the ward where it was done. Any others been as unfortunate?

[cyrilbarnes]

I would suggest you need a chest Xray to check that there is nothing amiss inside. Better to be safe than sorry! Fortunately it hasn't happened to me, but I have read about it on other forums.

[seasider18 in reply to cyrilbarnes]

They said to come to the ward. I saw a young doctor who listened to my chest and said that it sounded OK but ordered an X-Ray. I had arrived there around 11.30 and told that X-Ray said that they could not fit me in until 4.15. The doctor pushed them a bit and it was done at 3.30 by when it was beginning to feel a bit better.

She said that the X-Ray looked OK, I could see it on the screen complete with the 'medal' on my chest. She said that I must be suffering from irritation from the previous pneumothorax and if it is not better in four days to go back to them.

Nearly six by the time we neared home and to late to buy the fresh fish we had intended so settled for Fish and Chips. I very seldom every have that but it was really very good.

[cyrilbarnes in reply to seasider18]

So sorry you had to wait around all day at the hospital, but happy that nothing showed up on the X-ray. Let's hope that the 'irritation' doesn't return and that everything else to do with the implant settles down too. Don't go overdoing things with that arm! Glad you enjoyed the fish & chips, it must've been really welcome after such a long day.

[seasider18 in reply to cyrilbarnes]

It was for my wife as she had gone swimming before 8am and I had not realised only had minimal breakfast on her return.

I'm taking it easy and she is knackered doing all the things I normally do.

I'm wondering how much posture played in this as I'm not sitting and laying down in my usual positions.

[seasider18]

I've now concluded that the more recent pain is from ribs that have been 'sprung' in some way as it had worsened during the night each time I woke up. Possibly need to sleep propped up for a night or two as when I have had broken ribs.