Lead working its way out

I have had my PM 4 mos and it has become uncomfortable in my chest over the last month. It feels like it has a stem on the top of it. Could it be a lead is working its way out? Has anyone had any experience with this? Thanks

2 Comments

Leads popping out

by Pookie - 2011-11-14 08:11:28

It is possible, but rare. I think there is a picture of either a lead or the battery itself working it's way out of someone's chest on the gallery.

Like Patch said, you have a foreign object in your body, and only after 4 months your swelling has probably finished and now you can feel what you couldn't before.

Main thing to look for is redness or oozing from the incision site. Infection can set in fast.

I can feel my leads - I'm pretty thin but working on getting bigger as I can't stop eating!!!!!! I am in LOVE with food:)

Just keep an eye on your pacer site and perhaps you can ask your PM tech or Cardiologist (whoever you see next) to ask their opinion, but I'm sure you're just fine.

Take care,
Pookie

Lead Problem?

by SMITTY - 2011-11-14 09:11:04

Hi Ann,

It may be a lead that you feel but that would not be
because the lead is working its way out. The leads are attached to the pacemaker with a set screw, albeit a very small set screw. The other end its attached to the heart wall by the lead end that may look like a cork screw or a fishhook barb. Both end types are used. If it is the lead itself you feel it will get to the underside of the tissue or skin it is beneath and stop there. If you think it is the tip of a lead, that is not likely to happen because it is held in place by the set screw. However, I have heard of people thinking they have a lead end trying to work its way through the skin because it was stickling them when in fact it was a suture working its way out.

If the discomfort is bad or you are concerned, the only solution is to see the Dr. If necessary an X-ray can identify the problem.

Good luck

Smitty

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