Severe itching around device

Allergic reaction ?

by Gemita - 2021-04-09 20:11:02

Maryellen,

I would get the area checked by your doctors as soon as possible.  After three years this shouldn't be happening unless you have developed a delayed allergic reaction to your ICD?  It can happen. Maybe your doctors will want to carry out a number of checks.

In the meantime, whatever you do, please try not to scratch yourself raw and open/infect your device area.  You would really be in trouble then.  You sound like another lady who had a similar problem a few weeks ago.

Good luck

Itching

by AgentX86 - 2021-04-09 20:14:00

Yeah, that's one of the more common sensations felt while the wound is healing.  Nerves have been cut and damaged.  While they heal, all sorts of sensations ccan occur.  For some it's itching, some it's "ant bites", some have sharp pains, others more dull, but I think it's safe to say that we've all have had some of this. Unfortunately it may take a while for the damaged nerves to settle down.

I had severe itching after my sternotomy (CABG surgery).  My skin itched so much that I scratched the hell out of it while sleeping one night.  The sheets had blood everywhere.  Quite disconcerting until I figure out what had happened.  My nails often split.  Bad night to have that happen.

itching

by AgentX86 - 2021-04-09 23:00:12

Sorry, I didn't see that it'd been three years. Yes, get it checked out.

Yet another question answered

by TLee - 2021-04-10 11:40:15

Another thing I was thinking of posting about has been answered for me, thanks to your post. While you are dealing with odd sensations after 3 years--by the way, for what it is worth, I agree that it sounds like an allergic reaction, maybe even from something new or different coming into contact with the area (I have one undergarment that I might as well throw out, as the strap is just the right width to cause discomfort). As for me, I have only had my pacemaker for 3 months & I am definitely experiencing the tingling "ant bites" described in the comments. Glad to know it's normal and, hopefully, temporary. Good luck finding a solution for your itching.

Itching after 3 years

by maryellen - 2021-04-10 11:59:45

Thanks everyone - I will call my doctor and let everyone here know what happened.  

Skin care products

by Persephone - 2021-04-10 12:14:11

This may or may not be relevant to your situation, Maryellen, but scented skin care products, soaps, deodorants, and laundry detergents / fabric softeners are common skin irritants. Perhaps evaluate if you've been using anything new.  Sometimes people begin to react to fragrances in products that they've been using for years without previous problem.