PM or PM wires protruding skin

I’ve had a PM for the past 22yrs with no issues or discomfort. In Feb 18 however, the PM started to move and eventually started pushing against the skin In the left region of my chest near the armpit. Had a procedure to shift it back in placebut then in Oct 18 a PM wire protruded the skin. The wire protruded from the site of an old PM surgery scar. Again had a reburrowing procedure to push the wire back under the skin.

Was advised by Dr that there is a 50% chance that the issue would appear again. Lo and behold the wire is starting to push against the skin again.

Has anyone experienced their PM or PM wire pushing or protruding the skin and has it reoccurred? Starting to get fed up and depressed as this will be 3rd procedure in the last 12 months.

 

5 Comments

yikes

by Tracey_E - 2018-12-18 10:07:28

Sorry to hear it's back again! How frustrating. Is this an active lead or one that's capped off?  If it's not working, can it be extracted? If it's at risk of being infected, then I would deal with it sooner than later. A third surgery wouldn't be fun, but an infection would be a lot worse. Maybe talk to a plastic surgeon rather than ep/cardiologist?

Infection

by doublehorn48 - 2018-12-18 10:16:39

I had a pm that moved over to my shoulder.  It didn't break the skin but it was close.  PM was then placed under the pectoral to keep it from moving.  My Doctor told me if the pm protuded through the skin infection could travel down the leads to my heart.

Update

by Darsh - 2018-12-18 11:28:24

Yes unfortunately it is an active lead (it was still conencted to the heart and PM when it protuded the skin). 

Saw the cariologist today (@ the amazing RBHT London UK), he has prescribed antibiotics to prevent an infection and it looks like another op in the new year.  

He suggests removing the whole thing (PM + wires) and replacing them entirely.

Hoping this will be the end of it. Will keep you posted. 

Good luck

by Benjijohn - 2018-12-18 12:39:26

seems like a good plan for the long run. Keep us posted pls

good luck, wish you the best

update

by Tracey_E - 2018-12-18 13:32:46

I"m sorry you need another surgery, but it's good that your doctor is being aggressive and proactive. Avoiding infection is key. 

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

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