See approx 1.5 in outline of wire under skin next to pacemaker

Hi.  I had a dual chamber pacemaker implanted 4 months ago after a total heart block which happened during Open Heart Surgery.  Then, during the Implant Surgery, I developed some atrial fribrillation which I was treated for and seems to be under control at this point.  

Shortly after my implant surgery, I felt "pinching" next to my left armpit near the pacemaker when I leaned forward.  It felt like wires pinching me.  I told my doctor, but after a few weeks, the wire pinching sensation stopped.  

Recently, I can see and feel something under my skin (very close to the skin) that looks like a short (maybe 1.5 inch) piece of wire.  I took a picture of it and have a call into my doctor, but haven't heard back yet.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?  Would part of a wire be so close to my skin?  

Thanks in advance for any comments.

P&N

3 Comments

Normal

by Benjijohn - 2018-11-05 13:42:10

unfortunately,  for thin people who had their pacemakers implanted under the skin (rather than under the muscle) this is common

I have the same problem after my battery change. It is just under the skin, very visible, it has moved, and the leads including the knobs are visible as well

my doctors told me that it was normal as I am a skinny guy, and have lost muscle mass after my first surgery. They want to give it some  time to settle( it has been 2 months).

they do no want to risk an infection, and as long as It does its job, they do want to do any revision surgery. 

 

Thank you Benjijohn and Robin1!

by P&N - 2018-11-05 13:48:28

Thank you for your comments.  It seems like from both of you, I have nothing to worry about.  It is also useful to know that an interrogation would let me know if I had a damaged lead -- although I would have to do some research as to how to do that.  This is all new to me, so anything looks weird.  I will wait for my doctor to respond, but this has calmed me.  Thanks again!

Thanks again, Robin1!

by P&N - 2018-11-05 14:51:20

All interesting and useful bits of information.  Hope you are well!!  I am still recovering from my Open Heart Surgery.  Mostly recovered now, but have some days that are more difficult than others.

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