Sensitive Implant Area

PM was implanted 6 weeks ago. The steri strips that covered the site are just now falling off. I notice the entire skin area over the PM itself is red and tender, anyone else have/had this reaction? Talked to cardio office last week, thot I could start slowly on treadmill, etc. Since they didn't have opportunity to do stress tests prior to implant (was in cardio at 9:15 am, hosp at 10am and PM implant 2 1/2 hours later, pretty quick, lol) they have told me to slow down, no treadmill until more tests (sort of bummed me out, but took 24 hours to realize it's all good). We go for walks in neighborhood, helps my attitude, lol. Hope all are having a good recovery and great day. Fave saying "Remember blessings, never losses"

6 Comments

sensitive scar

by alice G - 2008-10-20 01:10:53

i have had my pm for 3 months now and although the surrrounding area wasnt red and inflammed my scar has always looked very thick and angry. the site behind my scar is also very tender and feels bruised. i went to the doctors and they said they didnt think i had a infection but to keep an eye on it..my surgeon said people heal at different speeds and some people never really go back to normal around the scar tissue. obviously you must keep a eye on it. things can change very quickly and its better to be safe than sorry. if you start to feel hot and unwell please go and see someone as soon as possible .

Good input, thanks

by PeggyR - 2008-10-20 01:10:58

I will watch it carefully. So far, skin red and area of PM tender, but it has only been 6 weeks. Other than that, feel great!! No fever, incision healing nicely. Thank you for taking the time to respond!!!

Might be adhesive

by BatteryOperated - 2008-10-20 10:10:11

My incision itched until I removed the steri-strips. Actually, it took a few days after that for the itching to disappear and all the adhesive to wash away. I can't believe you kept the strips on for so long! I peeled mine off about 2 weeks post implant. Ask your doctor if it is OK to peel them all the way off.

Same Here

by bobad - 2008-10-20 11:10:43

Hi Peggy,

I don't want to worry you, but the same thing led to all sorts of complications for me. It's pretty rare, so chances are, you're fine.

Watch the site closely. If the redness and inflammation slowly recede, you are probably OK. If the redness around the site slowly advances, you either have a low level infection or you're sensitive/allergic to the pacemaker materials.

Best of luck to you, and please keep us up to date.

Thanks for comment

by PeggyR - 2008-10-20 12:10:53

I go in Nov 13 for first checkup, PM 9/5 and they had no available appts until Nov -- busy office. If I had problems they would get me in quicker. Appreciate your input, I will watch the redness, would hope it is just the process of healing. Have good day!!

sensitive skin?

by mandogrl - 2008-10-21 12:10:38

Hi Peggy, The Steri-strips caused irritation to me, but it was nothing serious. If it's infection, you might also have fever, and the skin feel really hot. Right after implant you can have some of the other signs of infection: redness, swelling, etc. but if you get a fever, I'd call the doc rite away.
Hang in there; it gets better!

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