Pin prick discomfort at site of leads

My pacemaker was implanted in October 2015, so fairly new. I was told it would be the size of a quarter but it is as big as the palm of my hand. I have the PM because my heart was "pausing" for 6-7 seconds at a time when I was sleeping. During the day it would only be for 1-2 seconds but it has dome the short pauses all my life.
When I sleep, the PM seems to get pushed away from my shoulder so the muscle around it is always sore. But my real problem is pin prick pain at the points on the pacemaker which I assume are the leads - there are 5, I can feel them. It happens many times a day and after a few of them in any one one spot, the area is very sore for hours. It happens at one point more than the others but they are all affected. I find myself walking or sitting around with my hand over the PM site because it always hurts and it is just instinct. Do I need to worry about these pin/needle pricks? I asked the nurse at my first PM check and she said "don't worry about it" I don't like being brushed off and I think I deserve an explanation. It makes me nervous but admittedly less nervous than my heart stopping and starting again (which I can feel - too weird). But the pin pricks at the leads - is it when they have to send an impulse? I have an arrythmia as well so I assume it is when I just miss a beat too. So confused and not liking this piece of machinery in my chest. I did have some trouble with the incision and several pieces of suture worked their way out but that was about 1-2 months and was at the incision. OK - as you can tell I am frustrated. Can anyone help??









'pin prick

2 Comments

pin pricks

by Suz2015 - 2016-02-24 02:02:00

Not sure I am having the same thing , but I understand about "feeling " the wires...Weird, for sure.
I had my implant on 11/19/15, so it's still fairly new, to me.
I also have "skipped beats", the tech and monitor said so. when asked about it ( as they hurt like as if someone punched me in the middle of my chest), the tech said if they get really bad, and happen a real lot, (how much is that ????) , the Dr will put me on yet another med !!!
I will see my cardiologist on the 1st of March and plan on asking him, as I don't see the tech until the middle of April.
I'll check back to see if anyone else has ideas, but will write after my appt. to let you know what he says... Stay healthy
Suz.

Not to worry Ladies

by Grateful Heart - 2016-02-24 06:02:24


What you are feeling is nerve regeneration after the incision. It feels like pin pricks or ant bites....very sharp, quick and it hurts! LOL
If you've ever been bitten by an ant....you know what I mean.

Not everyone feels it and not with every surgery. It does subside after about 6 months to a year.

Yes Gama, it is bigger than a quarter size. If you have a PM, then you have 2 leads. The other "points" you may feel or see is at the ports of your device. I can see and feel mine too (and 2 leads). All part of your new normal.

Grateful Heart

You know you're wired when...

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