PM Wire Loose?

Hello,

I had my pm installed last December. Anyway, my chest started (not my heart) hurting about a month ago and went to my cardiologist to ensure my heart was ok... it was, so I was relieved and thought I must just be hyper-sensitive. Well,now I feel what seems to be a large gauge wire just below the skin above my pm. I know it's not my imagination as my wife and daughter can feel it too. In fact, my wife noticed the skin around the scar from my pm surgery look irrititated and that's when I first felt what seems to be a wire or tube beneath the skin. I have an appointment next week with my cardiologist. Additionally, I play golf several times a month...

4 Comments

QUITE NORMAL

by pete - 2009-06-27 03:06:11

Ive got plenty of excess wire that I can feel above my pacemaker and just under the skin. I dont let it bother me. The wires come in standard lengths and they have to be longer than would be required if they could fit them after putting the pacemaker in its pocket. Cheers Peter

Extra Wire

by mean18 - 2009-06-27 08:06:39

Thanks for the comments. I couldn't feel the wire previously, now it feels as if it is just under the skin. I'm seeing my cardologist for my pm check next week for my normally scheduled appointment and he can let me know what's he believes is best. In the mean time I won't worry about it.

Regards,
Steve

Feeling wire

by ElectricFrank - 2009-06-27 12:06:00

What you are feeling is the loop in the wire they leave near the pacemaker to allow for your movement. With activity the loop can move around and push against the underside of your skin. It generally isn't any problem as far as the pacers function, but can become irritating to the skin. It also makes the area more sensitive to clothing or straps pressing on it.

If it continues to be a problem it should be fixable. They might be able to manipulate the lead from the the outside or if not they would have to open the pocket and rearrange it. This would be minor surgery and nothing like the original implant.

hope this helps,

frank

me too! lol

by Hot Heart - 2009-06-28 03:06:06

I can feel mine exactly how you say. Just try not to mess with it. Keep the area well covered in the sun or use a good sunblock and keep the site in good condition by moisurising it every day. HH

You know you're wired when...

Your license plate reads “Pacer4Life”.

Member Quotes

In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.