CRT-D

Hello,

I'm approaching 4wks since my CRT-D implant and still notice some soreness and stiffness in the area...I'm assuming that is normal. However, since the swelling has gone down, I'm definitely more aware that the top of the device is NOT flush with my chest...protruding a bit. When the area was swollen I couldn't tell.

Are your devices flush and smooth with the chest or do they "stick" out a bit???

I see my doc on Thursday...assuming he'll probably say it's normal.

Thanks!

Ron

6 Comments

Da lump

by fred in Seattle - 2010-01-02 04:01:45

Hey my friend you will have swelling then it will go down. So do not play with it. I have a lump on my chest and I can feel the conections of the leads, this is life as we know it. No problem. FRED.

Lumpy Devices

by Pookie - 2010-01-02 05:01:33

Hi Ronnie & Happy New Year.

Most of us that have our devices have a protruding lump unless the device was implanted under the muscle.

Take a look on the Gallery and you will see most of us have lumps!!!!!!!! :)

And, unfortunately, ICDs are a lot bigger than a pacer.

Pookie

sticks up.

by turboz24 - 2010-01-02 05:01:43

My ICD isn't that bad towards the bottom, but towards my shoulder it sticks up a good 3/8", so yeah, most of us you can see the implant. I wish it was standard for the surgeon to place the pacer/ICD under the muscle, but it's not. My current EP does implant under the muscle in most cases, though.

I simply deal with hating what mine looks like by not looking and keeping it covered.

Pretty much all of them

by FirstDuely - 2010-01-02 07:01:53

I've had I think 8 pacers (not ICDs) over the last 23 plus years. Pretty much every one of them stuck out a bit, 5 on the left and now on the 3rd on the right. This last one seemed like it was too close to my armpit but has since filled in with muscle/fat and has a "built-up" cushion so doesn't bother me much anymore. This last one has been "installed" a year and a half now.
The first 5 (6?? can't remember exactly) were on the left and when the doctor had to move it to the right side (long story...but I'm still here) the pacers left a depression in my left, upper chest area where the pocket was. Kind of ugly but so what? I figure is someone sees my scars then I get to tell them that I am bionic and adjustable and they are not....lol

BIG BUMP

by wenditt - 2010-01-03 07:01:55

Mine sticks out tremendously! You can fully see the outline of the device, a wire running over the top of it and even a wire out the side.

If I run my fingers across it I can feel EVERY inch of it. The edges are still sore and I ice it often. Obviously you don't carry a purse but mine, even my bookbag bothers it as it is so close to the top of my skin.

But...what can you do? It's there!

Thanks!

by Ronniecolorado - 2010-01-03 10:01:15

Thanks for the feedback guys...precisely what I was looking for.

Ron

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

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