Itchy Pacemaker

I have had this device installed for nearly 2yrs now...and it has been itchy...is that a normal side effect or is there something wrong!?
Thanks

4 Comments

Itchy Pacemaker

by donb - 2009-02-01 11:02:22

Hi!
I had the same problem with my third Medtronic pacemaker. I was told at the time of the replacement generator that one of the two leads had a break in the insulation where it connected to the PM. Also that on the next replacement I would need leads replaced. That was two years ago.

I've been on Cardiac therapy for the last two years and I believe that the arm exercise (cranking machine) caused irritation to the pocket area. I developed scar tissue around the PM pocket and especially around the top where the leads attach. After dealing with this for months, Alergy tests, Infection tests my Alergy test showed positive to the soft plastic used in the leads.

Finally one corner of the PM started to erode but not ruptured. My Cardiologist finally decided the PM has to come out NOW. So early last December my PM was removed, leads caped and a lot of scar tissue removed. I'm presently doing OK without after living with PM"s for 17 years. I still have 1st degree block where I had 2nd degree 17 years ago. I'm presently on an event ;monitor until tomorrow. This will tell or I should say "If i'm eligible for another PM" I will have to have new leads and PM on my right side. I guess I better get to the point, if in doubt about the itching don't wait, get to your doctor and get answers. I tried my best and left it go too long. If I known about this web and got some answers I would not have let this thing go, at least not play the "wait and see game". Good luck and if you have questions, send a note. DON

Itchy

by kish - 2009-02-01 11:02:30

I have had mine for about 2 years almost too and mine is always itchy and some times feels tight I have asked booth the pace maker guy and my all my Dr's They checked it out and did a x-ray just to make sure and they said theirs nothing wrong with it but it can take a while for the area to settle down.

One of my ECG lady's told me to try Vitamin E cream or something like that on it when it bugs me.

So just ask next time your in so they know and can check it just in case and if theirs nothing wrong then my advice is to lather on the Vitamin E!

If its really bugging you put the cream in the fridge to keep it cold it helps me a little.

I'd say stay out of the poison-ivy

by Angelie - 2009-02-02 03:02:16

LOL!
Sorry, couldn't help it.
As above, I think being itchy every now and then is just part of the deal. The things we have to put up with, huh?

ITCHYWHITCHY

by pete - 2009-02-02 03:02:50

Well a pacemaker is a foreign body which is mostly inert but can and does irritate some people like me with an itchy feeling. My itch is intermittent and I dont let it bother me but as it often occurs when im in bed I can turn over or change my position which usually reduces or stops the itch. I take it as par for the course. Happy itching Peter

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