Small infection treatment

Hello Everyone, Had my PM inplanted on 11/1/21.  Small pimple like spot on end of incision which looks like it might be infected a bit.   Red around edges, hurts a bit and it wasnt before..  The post op instructions  stated no creams or ointments.  Am I save in assuming they meant right after surgery? Since the surgery strips are off, sutures are gone, and wound is closed, would it be ok to put a dot on antibiotic ointment on it?  Has anyone else had a small infection and how did you treat it?  Thanks for any sugggestions!

4 Comments

Infection

by Gotrhythm - 2021-11-28 13:10:00

Even though it doestn't look too bad now, these are the symptoms of an infection.

Any infection in this area is potentially dangerous. Do not assume that the small amount of infection you can see is all the infection there is.

Do not try to treat it yourself.

Call your cardiologist. Insist on being seen. Do not allow them to put you off.

A possible infection ?

by Gemita - 2021-11-28 13:28:18

Disneyfan, it may be nothing, but if you have anything that looks remotely like an infection, however small, it needs to be looked at and treated quickly.  As you will hopefully know from reading past posts on this subject, an infection along the wound may quickly spread to the device itself and down the leads to the heart.  The consequences could be serious and ultimately lead to removal of your entire system.

As Gotrhythm suggests, call your doctor for some checks, or visit ER tonight if you are concerned. Your wound needs to be seen and the earlier it is assessed the better for you and for your own peace of mind (and for ours too).  And no, I wouldn’t put any antibiotic cream on the area or self treat without knowing what the problem is.  Keep the area clean and dry until you can be seen. Doctors may want to do a wound culture check to look for infection.  Good luck

Thank you!

by disneyfan - 2021-11-28 16:37:32

Thanks for your comments.  I didnt think it about it spreading to the device.  I will call tomorrow...thanks again to you both for your help.

what they said!

by Tracey_E - 2021-11-29 09:20:31

Don't ignore it and don't let them brush you off. If they give you antibiotics, ask for cultures to be sure you are on the right antibiotics. If this is a pocket infection, it needs to be treated quickly and aggressively. 

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