Right Sided Pacemaker

[Flutterbird]

I had a pacemaker inserted last year for sick sinus syndrome. Unfortunately it got infected and had to be removed. I found the whole thing very traumatic. Unfortunately had a four hour episode of low heart rate the other evening so might have to reconsider having another fitted which of course would have to be on the right this time. I am right handed so feel this would be more challenging. Have other people found it harder having one put in on their right side if they are right handed? Also, does everyone with sick sinus syndrome end up having to have a pacemaker?

[PJR1949]

I am right handed and have a dual chamber ICD fitted on my right hand side. It has been there for nearly 10 years and I have no problems at all during that time. pjr

[Flutterbird in reply to PJR1949]

Thank you. It is just that the scar on my left still hurts so much when I swim, cannot imagine being able to swim with another pacemaker in on my right. The procedure for the first took two hours and it was incredibly uncomfortable. It felt like a brick and there was so much I could not do for the first four weeks but at least it was on my left, not looking forward to the same amount of restriction on my right.

[Tricia239]

I have had a left sided mastectomy and so because of the internal scarring I have my pacemaker fitted on my right side; I am right handed and have had no problems. I have had it for 3 years now. I don’t think you need to worry.

[Flutterbird in reply to Tricia239]

Thank you. Glad it worked out for you.

[julesp]

That's the exact same thing that happened to me. Got infection and blood clot in my left arm and neck after the procedure plus had to go back down the next day as one wire wasn't long enough. Mine going in on my right as well. Mine going back in due to risk of my heart just stopping and afib so need a one combining pacing and defib. I was wondering the same thing as I'm right handed as well x

[Flutterbird in reply to julesp]

Let me know how you get on. Hope all goes well this time.

[Brian1111]

I had 4 serious infections from my pacemaker traveling down the wires to my heart in 2021. Had it removed at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield and had 14 days there having antibiotics via several cannula. Then having an external portable pacemaker outside my right chest. Finally I had my new MRI safe pacemaker fitted by an amazing doctor there with absolutely no discomfort or pain during the procedure unlike the two previous ones. My pacemaker had been removed once before because of infections.My new pacemaker in my right chest hasn't been a problem at all and I'm right handed so I wouldn't worry about it to be honest.

Good luck with yours.

[CDreamer in reply to Brian1111]

Getting the competent surgeon is key.

I had to have a revision meaning PM had to be removed, new wires placed & refitted. The difference in competence was quite evident & I suffered far less pain & soft tissue disturbance simply because more care was taken.

[Flutterbird in reply to Brian1111]

I am in sheffield too. They wanted me to stay in fourteen days but I couldnt because my husband who is older than me has dementia. They let me home on double antibiotics. It took them two hours to put the first one in and it was extremely uncomfortable. I had it for six weeks before they removed it during which time I found it very painful, felt like a brick and the scar is still uncomfortable and stings a lot. It was taken out last July. I have just had my first episode of low heart rate since then and also am in persistent AF now. Can I ask who put your present one in. Justin Lee put my first one in and Dr Lewis removed it.

[CDreamer]

I think you have some excellent replies which I hope had reassured you. Unfortunately infection is the big risk but I don’t think you or any of us would want to contemplate the alternatives of not having a PM with SSN.

[Flutterbird in reply to CDreamer]

Well I am contemplating it, thats the problem. I had the last one removed last July. I think the hospital have forgotten about me. I also think I may have EDS like you but have been unable to get a diagnosis. They did say last year they were concerned the same would happen again and they may have to put one straight into my heart. Not sure which carries the most risk. I have systemic arthritis and cannot lay on my back at the moment which would be a problem for either procedure. I know I should sort it out but the thought of another failed procedure just keeps stopping me. I had a five hour ablation in 2018 which did not help me and left me with a lot of other problems. I have a three page apology from the hospital for that admission so not much luck one way or another but I appreciate it would be better to have a planned procedure rather than end up in as an emergency. It was the ablation that gave me the SSS. It says so on my pacemaker card.

[CDreamer in reply to Flutterbird]

Very sad story, you have a very difficult choice to make and I do hope you get the support and attention you deserve.

[Flutterbird in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you.

[Icenae]

I am on my third pm. Left side. I got an infection due to an undissolved stitch after 6 months. Lucky for me prof Schilling dived in and sorted it without having to remove the lot. But I have sick sinus and they considered not giving me a third pm if my hr didnt drop below 30. So turned my pacing rate right down. But it did. So had third as otherwise no driving and a danger due to blackouts. They also tried to give me third lead so i could have 'the final cut'. But had to turn it off as it kept touching my phrenic nerve. Luckily I seem to be stable now and lot less af. More brady at mo. But changes month to month. But after 22 years and at age 70 I am very laid back about it all now. Hope it turns out ok for you

[Flutterbird in reply to Icenae]

Glad you are okay at present. Mine can go down into the 20s but it doesnt happen often. I dont drive and I havent passed out but sometimes I think I am too laid back about it and really should get on and organise another pacemaker. I just dont want to end up having to spend a lot of time in hospital and once you start a procedure thats the downside not knowing what is coming next. I will keep monitoring the situation until they remember to contact me.