Incision Area at 4+ months

It's been over 4 months since PM implant and the incision area still itches now and then. I also sometimes get the feeling of 'pins and needles' (which my cardio acknowledged and said would go away) too. I resist scratching since I know it's not a good idea. The area looks normal. I thought it might be my hair trying to grow back (went through many itchy spells everytime they shaved my chest for Holter monitoring) but it doesn't look like that's the cause. It's more evident after I've done some exercise.

I can feel the tightness around the area as I tense my pectoral muscles, I guess that will never go away.

The itching is not a real problem but just wanted to check with experience here. When does it go away?

6 Comments

Itchy...

by dward - 2008-05-05 05:05:36

I am just past my first year and I still get itchy.
Not as bad as it was, but it's still there.

You can get creams etc., but I think I'm at the point where I am somewhat used to the itch.

Well...

by ela-girl - 2008-05-05 05:05:57

I know for me that the incision itched for a good year then kinda tapered off. I also got a tape rash after surgery because I was allergic to the clear tape they used over my incision--so, that didn't help matters right off! I know some people develop keloids and had to have injections...but I don't know much about that! I still get itching over the site from time to time even now (almost 2 years out) and just 'scratch' over it gently using a kleenex to 'scratch' the area.

I'm sure someone else will be along with more helpful advice! Hang in there! I know others have used different creams on the incision area, too.

ela-girl

keloid or hypertrophic scar?

by CathrynB - 2008-05-06 01:05:42

Hi axg9504,
It strikes me as possible that you have either a hypertrophic scar or keloid on your incision. Either one is an over-growth of scar tissue that causes severe itchiness and "pins and needles" kind of pain. Talk to your doctor about it, but if he/she doesn't know what to do to help you, please consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, for whom the solution will be a "no brainer". I, and a number of others on this site, have had this same problem. One common solution is to have Kenalog injections into the scar tissue administered by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. The pain and itchiness will improve substantially with one set of injections, but most people end up having more than one round of injections to make the comfort complete. This is an anti-inflammatory drug which is injected only into the scar tissue, not into the surrounding skin or pacemaker pocket. Use the "search" feature on this site and type in "keloid" and you'll find other postings on this same topic.
Best wishes for relief of your discomfort! Take care,
CathrynB

ITCHY

by peter - 2008-05-06 02:05:11

Took 1 year for itchy feelings to fade. You will preobably find the same. Cheers Peter

Thanks for the info

by axg9504 - 2008-05-06 08:05:17

Cathryn: I did read about your injections in one of your post. I'm pretty sure that I don't have a keloid because the incision is blending in very well with my skin and looks flat. I'll keep your advice in mind if it prolongs and gets worse. Right now it's just a minor nuisance.

Itchy

by OIMAPRINCESS2477 - 2008-05-06 10:05:34

Well its been 5 months since Ive had my pacer implanted and im still itchy at my incision site. I ocassionally get the pins and needles and itchiness but it goes away. I talked with my doctor and he said that it was normal not to worry unless it got really red... inflamed ... and was ozzing. Hopefully it will goes away soon. It looks kinda funny sometimes to see me just scratching at it through my shirt or rubbing it. Best of Luck

Britt<3

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

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