Reddness above incision

It's been 5 weeks since my pm implant, and yesterday I woke up with a red patch above the incision. I saw the pacemaker nurse who didn't like the look of it and then was sent to see the surgeon who said that he was not convinced that it was an infection but said that giving me oral antibiotics would not help and that they would just have to see me on a weekly basis to montitor the situation, however if the incision opens or begins to puss then to call right away and they will have to remove the pacemaker and treat the infection. OK, now that I am completely terrified, has anyone else heard of this happening 5 weeks after the procedure?
Thanks!

3 Comments

Yes, 8 weeks

by bobad - 2009-09-18 09:09:33

My incision was beautiful from day 1. Within 2 weeks, the scar was just a hair line with normal color. After 8 weeks, it became red, and slowly began to break down.

It was blamed on either a reaction to the metal or plastic parts, or a "low grade" infection. The pacer was removed, and a new one implanted on the other side. Even with massive antibiotic infusion, it also became infected within 2 weeks. That pacer was removed, the pocket "cleaned out" with providone iodine, and that too failed within 2 weeks. I have no pace maker at this time, and afraid to get another one.

I have heard of pacers becoming infected even after much longer periods.

Best of luck,,,

Ditto

by maryanne - 2009-09-18 10:09:41

Yes infections can happen at any time.....even a few years post implant. Microorganisms can make their way either via a small opening at or near the PM site or even as a result of an unrelated infection and as Bobad said some people can just react to the pacer itself.

The most important thing is to watch it for any signs or symptoms....drainage at the site, reddness, swelling, heat, fever and discomfort at the site....I am glad you have had it looked at...if the doctor is suggesting you come in weekly to have it checked....might I suggest you take pictures of your wound each week and then you have a visual reference to how the site is progessing.

Best of luck....and stay healthy!!

Cheers, Mary Anne

Thanks

by Irishone - 2009-09-18 10:09:58

Thanks for the comments and I will take your advice Mary Anne and take pictures. So far no drainage but it feels a bit warm to me and is sore..but it has been sore from day 1 so that doesn't help me.

Bobad..what a nightmare! I am so sorry and I just hope I do not have to go through what you have been through. I already had to have my leads replaced after 4 weeks. They became disconnected so this was the second incision at the site.

I am just praying now that I don't have to have this pacemaker removed for them to treat this.

You know you're wired when...

Jerry & The Pacemakers is your favorite band.

Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.