Discomfort

Hi, I am 51 and had my pm fitted in Juy 2007. I am uncomfortable with my pm. I have been told that I have to wait for a period of about 6 months for this to ease. I have itching under the skin and also a pressure feeling when I move. Is this normal?
I do hope someone can assist with these queries.

Sheila

9 Comments

puffy

by jessie - 2007-09-26 07:09:11

hi i have had my pacemaker since august 2006. i still experience itching and also puffiness and tenderness at times. most of the time tho i don't know it is there. i am sleeping on both sides now and at first i couldn't sleep on the affected side. all in all no problems. i just had my check in august while my husband had bi-pass they checked me so i did not have to return the week after for my yearly check. they were very co-operative and kind to do that. i agree with smitty tho when they don't know they behave like toads. lol lol so hope that you keep pushing till you feel you get answers. don't be intimidated. regards maureen

Discomfort

by SMITTY - 2007-09-26 07:09:22

Hi Sheila,

Sorry to hear that you are having a problem with your new PM. My opinion of what you have been told (and I know my opinion may not be a universal) is they are a lying sack of toads.

Discomfort from your surgery should have been gone in a month at the most. For them to say you have to put up with this for six months is not right. You might try a call to the manufacturer and ask them for an opinion of what you are being told. I can tell you now that they will probably say "check with your doctor" but the important thing is I seriously doubt that they will tell you your problem is normal.

Unfortunately, Sheila, you have a problem like many of us have been through. Apparently the doctor doesn't have a hint about what to do and stall for time his only defense, while hoping the problem will go away or that you will move away. If it continues to hurt, continue to call as often as you feel up to it. While that Doc may not do much to help you he will be constantly aware that you have a problem, just as your are aware of the problem.

I wish you the best in getting the problem resolved.

Smitty

Discomfort

by Lydjahh - 2007-09-26 07:09:31

Hi Sheila!
Yes, mine itches under the skin too and I think it's because it's a foreign body and my body is trying to say it isn't supposed to be there. I have a little pressure sensation sometimes, but it's usually after a lot of activity. I've had my AICD for almost 10 months and am just now getting used to it being there. I suffer from a LOT of denial!!

Itching Too

by Vicki - 2007-09-26 07:09:41

Hi Sheila,
I got my PM in July also. I get itching around the site also and from time to time get a stabbing like pain which only lasts for a few seconds. If I move a certain way, I sometimes feel some pressure. I see my cardio in a week so I will discuss it with him then. Good luck. All in all I don't have discomfort much; just occassional itching, short pain and a tad of pressure.
Vicki

Itchy!

by bjmcpherren - 2007-09-26 09:09:04

I just had my PM moved in August from down in the breast area to up close to my collarbone. It is very itchy although is getting better. My bra strap, clothing, seatbelt, all drive me crazy! I never had that problem with any of my other PM's - I guess because it was further under the skin, not so close to the surface like it is now. Things rub on it and it's creepy.

I've also had several other problems since the surgery but gradually I am seeing some improvement. Part of it is as we get older it takes longer to heal (anyway I have noticed that - I have had a PM for 30 years!). Be patient but don't be stupid. Keep bugging your doctor if you don't see any improvement.

Bonnie

Discomfort

by Sheila - 2007-09-27 05:09:52

Thanks to you all for your comments, I would like to know what a keloid scar is about, I have a thick pink scar which is just below my collar bone. I can also feel the gut from the stitches underneath which have not yet dissolved. So I would take it that that is what could also be pulling.
I have already had one lot of undissolved stitches pulled out - I have just made an appointment to visit my cardiologist. He thinks that I should be back to normal and the Medtronic tech says no way take it easy and don't lift the arm higher than the shoulder - who do you listen too? I am very confused at this stage and really don't know which way to turn.
Thanks again,
Sheila

Follow Up

by Sheila - 2007-10-04 03:10:52

Hi There,
Made an appointment with my GP and my Cardiologist.
GP has said that I am anxious and depressed about the whole situation -he sat me down with a guestionaire - rate me on my answers and has now prescribed Esperide to ease me over this situation - Cardiologist has confirmed that I have a Keloid scar - suggests that I use an Anthisan cream for allergy skin and tissue oil to stop the itching:-
It does work but I feel very sleepy because of it. I am still not sold on this whole idea. I can deal with having a pm that really does not affect me - I can't deal with this continual itching and pain.
Is it possible that the Cardiologist has hit a nerve or something?
Thank goodness I found this site.
Sheila

Found relief

by Sheila - 2007-10-11 06:10:15

My daughter had a skin graft on her hand last year and her plastic surgeon gave her a pressure bandage to stop Keloid scaring - she gave me a dressing to try:-
Instant relief - the pains have gone but the itching is still there only after a couple of days and then I simply change the dressing. This dressing is making it a little easier for me to cope and I can now use my left arm with no problems. I couldn't believe the relief.
So for those of us who are not keen on needles :( this is also a great help.

Thanks for the help,
Sheila

No More Discomfort

by Sheila - 2008-01-05 05:01:04

Hi, compliments of the season to you all.
I had to le you know that after all the months of discomfort, I had my pacemaker resited. The Keloid scar was cut out and all my stitches this time were under the skin. The pacemaker moved deeper into muscle. I have recovered so much quicker this time and can already sleep on my left side!!
No more itching!! I had my operation on the 29th November and feel great.
Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous 2008.

Sheila

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