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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
I have a question
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
I have a question
by Diana__0__0, Jan 01, 1999 12:00AM
I have a question no one has been able to answer, and again im not sure if you will be able to. I recieved a pacemaker a few years ago. I am a thin woman a 103pounds 5 feet tall 21yrs old. My pacemaker has really been bothering me lately, it has really shifted itself really close to the skin.(they inserted it above my right breast). Now the wires are also really close to the skin, I can feel them very close to the skin. Im worried about my pacemaker breaking down the skin, and also its very uncomfortable and causes me pain at times where its located. Ive discussed my concerns with my surgeon, and he says that there is nothing that can be done, and also have recieved a second opinon with the same answer. There has to be something that can be done, do you have any thoughts on the situation. Im at my witts end, becuase I feel as though no doctors we'll help me. Is there any place that you can direct me to get some information on this subject where I can get an answer or perhaps you would know the answer. Could you please respond to me via email.
Thank you for all your help.
-Diana Ellis
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Dear Diana,
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately it is at risk for "breaking through" the skin. For this reason sometimes in thin persons the pacemaker will actually be placed beneath the muscle. However, unless there is actual skin breakdown I would not have anything done. When the pacemaker needs to be replaced it can be repositioned in a better location.
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
