Bleeding from Incision Site:Almost 1 month

I had a pacemaker implanted on Sept. 29, 2010. During surgery, everything was fine. On October 21st, I went for my pacemaker check. The pacemaker was doing great, however, I noticed that morning on the 21st that there was slight bleeding near the steri strips. At the doctor's office a nurse came in to the check the incision site and when she pressed on the site, blood was oozing out. The doctor immediately checked me in the hospital for cultures etc. While in the hospital for three days, infectious disease doctors, cardiologists, etc could find no infection and the site was not bleeding; so a culture could not be obtained. I did not sleep on the side where the pacemaker was implanted.
I was given an IV of vancomycin (excuse my spelling) and was released 3 days later with an oral prescription of the same anti-biotic. Since my arrival home, on Saturday (October 23rd) I noticed the next morning (Sunday) that the site has bled through the guaze again. It was not alot of blood, just about the same amount as was found at the doctor's office.
I am scheduled to see the cardiologist Tuesday, October 25th for him to check the site again. Tonight (Monday) I noticed the site bled again, still a small amount, but I am very worried and concerned.
I am on Plavix along with blood pressure medication. I am so afraid I am going to lose this pace-maker. Has anyone had this happen to them? There is no redness at the site. I do not have a fever or any signs of infection coming out, just blood.
I am so worried.

4 Comments

Same here

by kathykat11 - 2010-10-26 03:10:43

I am still having a bit of bleeding from my incision not the pacer site the failed placement site. My cardiologist was not concerned at all. I bled enough to ruin a bra and t shirt initially and enough to have to keep it bandaged so that i do not ruin anything else. The doctor said watch for redness,heat at the site and fever, if any of them occur head to the patient first. (My primary care) I went back to work today. I was still bleeding but it is not bright red blood it is old blood. I have red blood when I change the bandage I think from it having been stuck. I take coumadin and blood pressure medicine. I only worry about pus not small amounts of blood. I the bandage weighed 3 or 4 ounces more than when I put it on then I would worry not before. Perhaps I am too easy going about bleeding but after over 30 years on coumadin, several of them before my hysterctomy,if you get my drift, so you can perhaps decide not to be as worried or not depending on your own situation. Bye the way I am kind of a newbie too, 09/27/10 was my placement date.
Best wishes, this is a great site for learning.
Kathy

Plavix is likely cause

by ElectricFrank - 2010-10-27 01:10:38

Why are you on Plavix? Is it possible to cut down on the dose for a week or so while it heals?

frank

Re: Concerned: October 27

by concerned - 2010-10-27 04:10:40

Thanks so much for your comments. I did see my cardiologist Tuesday and as all of you have suggested, it is the plavix. I was taken off of it for a week and he is also reviewing my records again to see if I need it at all.
I see him again next Tuesday for another recheck of the incision site. He feels sure that I will not lose the pacemaker. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for your support and advice.

Interesting

by ElectricFrank - 2010-10-27 06:10:38

A question we all need to ask is why the suggestions made by untrained folks like us are so often ahead of the docs with years of medical school. I'm glad the cardio did take you off the Plavix. It wasn't because of our suggestions, but it took 3 days in the hospital, cultures, and antibiotics to come an obvious solution. Was it incompetence or $$$$

Doesn't give a person much confidence.

frank

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