Scar Tissue and Checkups

My pacemaker was implanted October, 2009. Where the pacemaker was implanted, the skin/tissue is now raised along
that wound. It still itches a lot and often. Is there anything that will calm the itching? Otherwise, I am fine. Also, In April, I go in for my 6 months checkup. I am going in because when I had my 2 weeks check-up, the PM was fine. The clinician said she would send me out an instrument for monitoring so I would send my report in, via the instrument, in six months. She showed me how to operate it in the office in November, 2009, I have not received it, and I am not sure that I will remember the steps for operating the machine. It's probably simple. I think I would rather go to the office for checkups, checkups via machines or check-ups in office.
Are there a advantages in one checkup over the other???

2 Comments

scar tissue

by sam78 - 2010-03-12 08:03:02

Hi ECB.. I had a tremendous problem with my holter monitor scar becoming red and irritated. It then developed like a lump where the scar tissue was. I was sent to a plastic surgeon. She gave me a very strong cortisone cream to put on the incision. She said to use it twice a day for 6 whole weeks. If that didnt work then she was going to use a needle and injection some steriod just under the skin. Lucky for me, the steriod cream was enough to calm it down. Have you tried putting anything like a cortisone cream that you can get over the counter on it? The other thing she recommended believe it or not, was to rub it fairly hard when putting the cream on. She said it helps get it down in the tissue AND she said it forces the blood out of it so the inflammation will come down.

As for the monitor.. they are very easy to use and come with good instructions. Some of them only do just a battery check not necessarily a full download. Some of them do it all. SOME pacemakers are not compatible with the device. So you might call again, but where I am from they come from the actual pacemaker company (like Medtronic). The office staff kept telling me about getting the machine but when I called the company they said there was no machine to send out as mine was not compatible to do any sort of check over the phone. So you might give your cardio office and call and see where it comes from, you might have to call the pacemaker company. Good luck to you, hope that all helps.

Yes most do

by walkerd - 2010-03-13 06:03:31

come from the manufactor of the implanted device. They are very easy to use. Mine monitors my pm everyday and sends out the full info. Its what it sounds like a monitor that keeps check on info and if anything is abnormal at least that is what mine does gets sent to doctor. What does it save, ummm not having to go to the doc every three months, driving , waiting in the waiting room for the customary 15 to 20 min, and dont have to pay for an office visit lol.
As for the itching you did a very good thing by going back for advice and cream, it will itch as the site is healing, I wasnt to concerned about the scare what will be will be, I keep telling my self im alive and have my emt with me 24; so what about the little scar, it looks small compared to the one that goes down the middle of my rib cage....smile and well smile.
dave

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Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.