Pain and discomfort after 5 weeks with pacemaker

[Beatles61]

Hello,I had a pacemaker fitted five weeks ago. I thought I would be getting more used to it . I have been driving for short distances now after not driving since early March due to waiting investigations. I am now finding the pacemaker seems to be more prominent and seems to be more "sharp " against my skin. Has anyone else had this issue when driving? . Unfortunately, my appointment for my follow up has come through and not till the end of August, 12 weeks after I had it fitted. Has anyone else had similar issues ,is it normal or am I just overthinking it all? Also 12 weeks seems a long time to wait till my appointment . Is this normal too? I was expecting it to be 6 weeks? Thanks

[Etzel]

I'm going from distant memory but pretty sure mine became more prominent over time, my guess was the area was inflamed to start and hiding the device a bit. Can't comment on the driving as I had an ICD but I know it took a few months before I could side sleep consistently and even now I get odd days where I know 'it's there'

Also fairly sure 12 weeks is normal, probably need a good run of data to analyse and decide if your settings need changing.

[fantasyfanuk]

Hi, my CRT-P pacemaker is very prominent and moved about quite a lot for a few months, sometimes tilting outward and seeming to get stuck. I used a baby sponge to keep the car seatbelt off it. I don’t drive but any movement which involved my left arm going across my chest was painful and problematic for some time. My cardiologist wanted to see it for himself and check it physically but decided not to attempt to move it as the third lead had been very difficult to place. To get access to him, I went through the pacemaker clinic, presumably you have a phone number for them? They are happy to answer queries outside of normal appointments and should be able to assist you with any problems or worries. I think you are supposed to be seen after six weeks but I guess staff holidays can get in the way of that. Staff at my clinic will ask me to come in if they feel it is appropriate and will fit me into an existing clinic if I need to be seen. I suggest you contact them but if I can help further just let me know.

[A246]

Takes time buddy I am an older lady, my skin is delicate. It will improve and you will feel better. I feel great four months on and glad that I have my ICD it is there to protect me from cardiac arrest should I need it.

[SchnauzerOtto]

I had a CRT-P implanted in March and was seen in clinic after 6 weeks for check-up and device optimisation. I also thought that the edges of the device are feeling more prominent, so I guess it is moving about a bit.

I still feel discomfort at the pm site every now and then, but it is getting much better as time goes on!

All the best!

[EMBoy]

I've had my PM for nearly 5 years now, and all I can say is that I know how you feel, but it does get better. I was very much aware of my pacemaker for a long time, but these days, I hardly notice it. 5 weeks is still early days, and we all heal at different rates, so please do not worry too much.

If, however, you get any swelling or severe pain, you should get medical help.

I was told that it takes 3 months for a pacemaker to "settle in", hence the 12 week wait for your first check-up.

[L8Again]

My wife had her pacemaker implanted in November last year. There were no obvious signs of bruising and her wound healed nicely. However, she has suffered from extremely painful ‘contractile fibroblasts’. These apparently are the result of the damage caused to the muscle during cardiac device insertion, and are related to the muscle healing process. These painful episodes have reduced markedly over time.

Our daughter (she has a complex congenital heart condition) is on her second pacemaker. Over the course of the last year, the device has done a 180 degree roll over and the wires are now clearly seen through her skin. Her cardiologist is not inclined to do anything as there is slack built into the wiring to cater for such events and the device is working as intended.

[Bruce67]

I had ICD implant and of April. Had considerable pain with my chest either due to muscles or nerves. Saw surgeon a couple of weeks ago, he said expect pain for six months! He said after that if still too much pain he can reset it or move to other side of chest, but warned in half the cases he does that the patient still has same amount of pain...so I have my fingers crossed pain reduces over time. I am skinny so my ICD protrudes lots which I feel means more knocks, more movement and general discomfort as well...am seeking some kind of protection/guard like sports people have.

[Thaifan]

Hi I had my pacemaker fitted 2 years ago. It took a couple of months for discomfort to ease. As a I have little fat in the area my pacemaker is very prominent but you do get used to it. When I had it fitted I was seen at 2 weeks, then 8 weeks then 6 monthly followed now by annual checks. I was driving from a week after surgery and have no issues. This will vary from person to person so just take it day by day for a bit longer. If you get really worried I have always found the technicians really helpful so just speak to them.

[JudiHalf]

I was told not to drive for 6 weeks after PM fitted, but I was also recovering from covid so didn't drive much anyway. I think 5 weeks is still early days and you still have to take things easy for a while yet. I've had mine a year now and forget I have one fitted most of the time! but very grateful to have it as its keeps my heart in sinus rhythm now which is great,

[GreenMoth01]

I had my CRT-D fitted in January 2022. I found the procedure extremely painful. I have small veins and they had trouble inserting the wires. I had a bleed which I didn’t know about until I read the Consultant’s follow up letter to my GP.

My six week follow up appointment in February was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, and I wasn’t seen in outpatients until April.

My device protrudes still, five weeks is still very early days for discomfort. It took some time to sleep comfortably on my left side, now I prefer it to right side as it feels as though the device is about to fall out!! I am hugely grateful to have my device as at risk of sudden death.

I had a visit to the pacemaker clinic last year in June as I could feel a thumping sensation down my left side to my abdomen . The technician very calmly adjusted my device and no further problems since. I am now waiting for my annual check up but no appointment so far.

I have a Boston Scientific device by my bedside which sends information back to the technicians. This is hugely comforting to have. Very best wishes for a speedy recovery for you , we are the lucky ones who have received the help we needed in time.

[countryinteriors]

Had my ICD fitted 12 years ago. It took about a year to get used to it and "forget" it was there. Even now I cannot lay on my left side for to long.