Incision pain
Hi All!. I haven't been on here much because I've been feeling pretty good. My only problem now is I still have pain around my incision and I can't even tolerate my bra strap on it for very long. Even if I try to pad my strap it still hurts and feels irritated. And it's still tender to the touch. I had my pm implanted in February. If it wasn't for the pain at the site I wouldn't even know I had a pace maker. Will I ever be pain free or is this some thing I'm supposed to live with?
8 Comments
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Raw feeling
by cruz - 2010-06-07 01:06:53
For the first few months I had a feeling similar to a place where you might have scraped the skin sort of raw, everytime fabric brushed against the scar. Thankfully, it has slowly gone away. My scar is in a spot where the bra strap barely touches it so I don't have as much of a problem. The strapless bra, however, sounds like a good idea. I might try this myself. I'm still having horrible problems with the seatbelt in the car and I've had to wrap a fabric around it because it seems to just rub the spot.
Sutures
by ElectricFrank - 2010-06-07 02:06:56
My incision had settled down very quickly and then became irritable again after several months. I found a couple of stitches working out through the incision that were snagging on my shirt. I used a pair of tweezers to pull them out and all was well again.
Another thing I found helpful is Triflora Arthritis Gel rubbed into the incision area. It is available at health food stores. Forget the arthritis reference in the name...also any homeopathic claims. It just seems to be one of several creams or gels that soften the skin around the incision.
frank
sewnjoy
by LS - 2010-06-07 06:06:03
The "whiskers" are no doubt a run away stitch.
I had them also. Drove me nuts, but finally just went away on it's own. I was too chicken to pull them, but many said they have.
Liz
Me Too!!!
by sewnjoy - 2010-06-07 06:06:28
This is week 4 since my PM was implanted & seems like the pain is getting worse. I also have the feeling of something coming out of the incision like whiskers, but, not so visable yet. Wish I could just pull them out. I don't see my doctor till mid July, which I think is a long time not to see a doctor after a surgical procedure. I'm not sleeping too well the past 4 days either. Throbbing pain around PM site. Oh well, things have got to get better one of these days! Think Positive!!!
sewnjoy
tender
by LS - 2010-06-07 06:06:49
I had my PM "installed" in January & still have some days when it is more tender than other days.
Just recently I can actually put the bra strap over my shoulder. I would just let it stay off the shoulder.
Liz
No problem with mine
by heartu - 2010-06-07 08:06:01
All my sensitivities went away. The bra strap doesn't irritate it anymore.
There are numbing creams/gels on the market and perhaps applying those can help desensitize the pain- I think the chemical is called benzocaine (like they use in Ambesol for tooth pain.
Thanks :)
by DanaT - 2010-06-07 09:06:05
Thanks everyone. I will definately try the 5 in one bra from Lane Bryant because I too pull my bra strap off my shoulder if I'm not out in public. I will also try the gels that were mentioned too. I'll let you guys know how it goes.
Dana
You know you're wired when...
You run like the bionic woman.
Member Quotes
A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.
straps...
by justme - 2010-06-06 11:06:20
go strapless. I was always a "no way" type person when it came to an outfit or something that required a strapless bra, but after getting my wonderful device implanted in my left breast I couldn't stand wearing a bra with straps (and I sooooo can't go without one as I have a rather large chest). I found the cacique 5 in one bra at Lane Bryant as an amazing every day bra that has changeable/moveable/re-moveable straps that make it possible to wear a highly supportive strapless bra. I've tried wearing a 'regular' bra in the recent past and I quickly go back to the strapless.
I think that it can take a pretty long time for the nerves and things to not be raw and sore. For me it's been since september and I can just now touch the area without jumping out of my skin.
good luck!