Irritation

This is new... experience would help here. Everything seems to be irritating the PM site. It was not like this until the last few days. As if it is rubbing against the skin from the inside. Anyone have this. I have had little or no pain/irritation at the site until now. It feels as though the skin is chaffed, but no outward irritation. Even clothing touching it irritates. I just started driving. Could it be the seatbelt going across the PM? I see the EP on Tues. I hope nothing is dislodged.

Thanks for the info.!

GEAUX SAINTS!!!!! WHO DAT!!!!

4 Comments

irritations

by aldeer - 2009-12-19 11:12:10

Many things cause the sensitive feelings around the pacemaker site. Seat belts, bathing suit straps, bras, etc. You do have to experiment a lot and find out what works for you. Many automotive shops carry a lambs wool pad that fits over the seat belt. If your lead wire is just under the skin in a non fat area like mine, you really can feel it for a long time. I had to try many different bras, different swim suits, etc. You will find out what works for you. Lots of good luck. aldeer

Sounds pretty normal

by Angelie - 2009-12-20 06:12:37

I assume you haven't had your pacemaker for long. It will take a few months for everything to settle in and your incision to heal. Scar tissue is forming all around your pacemaker pocket so it will be irritated from time to time for a little while longer at least. If it's a constant pain, I would certainly inform your physician.

I've actually had a dislodged lead. I didn't have any pain at the site what so ever, other than from the incision because I was only less than one week post-op. I knew something was wrong because my heart rate wasn't normal and I experienced heart palpitations like I've never experienced before. The doctors stated that I should be feeling better- not worse, but I kept complaining. Turns out those not so right feelings that I was experiencing was actually my right atrial lead bumping up against my bottom heart valve. No wonder I was feeling uncomfortable.

The main point is, if you're feeling uncomfortable in any way it's important to let your doctor know about it. You know your body best and you're the one living with this thing- not them.

Good luck in your recovery. Just wait until it starts itching......LOL...

Angelie

Irritation

by annaelliott76 - 2009-12-20 09:12:15

I've had my PM 4 weeks, but was completely inactive and on a lot of pain meds due to a pnuemothorax. I was out of it the first week on morphine. Now that I'm off the pain meds and getting active, I'm noticing this. I have a feeling I probably would've felt something like this sooner if it weren't for that issue. My cardio checked the leads last week, so I really don't think I have a dislodge. I have SSS w/brady-tachy. So, a little tach is normal and being controlled well w/meds.With exertion, I'm only running around 100. I was much higher when I first got home. I think if a lead dislodges, I would likely see a drop below 70 or something. Vitals look good. My normal size is only 110 lbs., so there relly is no cushion at the site. No real pain, just irritation as I do more. I really feel good otherwise and I'm getting a little more stamina back. My EP should see something on Tuesday if something I not right...at least I hope he would :)

I guess this shall pass too! Thanks for the help!

I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season.

Anna

Thank You!

by annaelliott76 - 2009-12-20 12:12:48

Thanks for the insight! I did buy some kind of memory foam pad for the seatbelt. I haven't even tried to put on a bra LOL! Between the PM and the pneumothorax site, I just haven't been that adventurous! I have no fat where the PM is located.

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