Can you see your pacing leads?

I think I can see/feel my pacing leads under the skin, above my pacemaker scar running up to my collar bone. Is this where the leads would be? Can anyone else see/feel theirs? I've only noticed it this week, so it might be all the swelling having gone down, or me just being more observant. It might have nothing to do with my pacemaker at all, but it feels weird!

Thanks,
Genie

10 Comments

yes genie

by Hot Heart - 2010-05-28 04:05:04

mine are right at the top near my collar bone, its the one bit of my body that is skinny typically! lol.

I've not had any problems with them being there, just try not to mess with them.

HH

Not me

by The Fish - 2010-05-28 09:05:42

Hi Genie
I can't feel or see mine. Just the actual PM outline. I can certainly feel it working once in awhile though.
Howard

maybe

by Tracey_E - 2010-05-28 10:05:24

I can't feel mine, but that's about where they would be. They would run from the device into the vein. This website has a good sketch of how it's placed
http://www.childrenscentralcal.org/HEALTHE/P01800/P01814/Pages/P01810.aspx

You're correct, you're probably seeing/feeling it now that the swelling has gone done. This is probably not how it will be when you're completely healed, however. It often settles in over the first 4-6 months. But some patients, especially smaller women, can still feel where the leads go long term.

Me Too

by westj814 - 2010-05-28 11:05:35

I am small(about 110 lbs) and can see the leads at the top of my PM. They stick out pretty far and my bra strap rubs against it sometimes which makes it uncomfortable. You can also see the outline of the PM as well as the leads. I am six months into mine and don't think mine will improve in the way it looks since I am so thin. I don't believe it is anything to worry about other than the way it looks. Better this than the ALTERNATIVE!!! :)

Sunny Days From Ohio,
westj

Yes,they surface...

by bunnykin - 2010-05-28 11:05:45

Hi Genie,
Glad you're feeling better lately. Yes my leads & even the device have surfaced to upper layer of skin level cos if we're basically smaller framed persons, and due to more replacements of implantation of devices, we'll lose our flesh and skin on the pectoral area over time.
Your feeling is real, cos you're probably feeling the leads where they're running into the blood vessel under the collar bone. Also in time to come when your swelling has gone down completely, if you're a slim person, you'll even feel or can see the shape of the entire device.
My EP has asked me to put on some weight...LOL. as if we can spot gain or spot reduce?? All the best..bunnykin

lead and pm

by aldeer - 2010-05-28 11:05:58

I only have one lead, but sure can feel it and see it and also my pm. They are about 2 1/2 years old, but because there is no fat there, they are both visible and sensitive to any straps or seatbelts. The sheepskin seatbelt strap really helps, but still often needs adjusting. My pm is felt more down from the scar. Nothing to worry about.. aldeer

Thanks!

by Genie - 2010-05-29 04:05:50

Thanks everyone - I am a small frame (5ft 6, 115lbs), and the pacemaker has always been noticable. It was just the leads that freaked me out! But now I feel better about it.

Unfortunately, if I put on weight it all goes to my hips, not my collarbone, so I can't see them disappearing anytime soon! LOL.

leads on the unit

by fred in Seattle - 2010-05-29 12:05:29

I have like two bumps on the top right on my unit, just feels funny, and I am not a small frame. 6 ft 2 in 260 lbs. And it does not bother my bra strap. LOL. You have a good one ok..

Fred in seattle

visible..

by turboz24 - 2010-06-01 06:06:19

Just like most people on here, my lead is completely visible. Just like Zombie, you can pretty much read the serial number on my ICD, so my simple solution is to keep it covered up. As a guy, that's easier to do with street clothes, it just means no swimming or doing anything that would require me to be seen shirtless. I will probably eventually get over it (accept it looks like crap and not care), but I doubt I will ever get to the point where I will look at it myself. The occassional discomfort/pain and constant awareness of it is enough, I don't need to add seeing it.........

Yep!

by cruz - 2010-06-01 09:06:40

I thought mine wouldn't be noticeable because a guy at work had ICD and showed me his scar. His wasn't noticeable and I was expecting the same, but I'm very thin and I can see the entire outline and the leads at the top. I try not to touch the leads because it freaks me out a little bit and I agree with Genie...if I put on weight it's not going to help unless they can move the ICD to one of my hips. I plan on going to the pool this summer and I'm sure it will be noticed, although I don't think anyone will mention it. I've decided that there are worse things than being able to see the outline...like death..and I'm just going to put on my sunscreen, my confidence and my usual summer attire.

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.