dull, localized sensation

I had a (Boston Scientific) pacemaker implanted six months ago. A couple of weeks ago, I became aware of a dull, localized, lingering, sensation just below the surface of my chest area -- not a pain, but a feeling as if someone very lightly touched his or her finger tip on a point roughly midway between my incision site and my left breast (I am a male). I experience the sensation most of the time now; feel it whatever my heart rate is (which, in a typical day, can vary from the minimum setting of my pacemaker of 63 beats per minute to around 90 or so); am not aware of injuring the area or pulling a muscle near it; and feel no other symptoms. If I knew it was not a sign of some complication, I could easily live with it. Of course, I will ask my doctor about it, but was wondering if others have had the same experience or have any insights. Thanks.

2 Comments

Surface sensation?

by jenny97 - 2011-10-26 10:10:17

I'm not sure if this is what you're experiencing, but I had a lot of numbness in the tissues surrounding my pacemaker for quite some time after the surgery. As the numbness started to wear off, I had various sensations that were mostly on the surface. The skin became very sensitive to the slightest movement or touch. Sometimes it felt like it was being touched when it wasn't. The feeling wore off over time as sensation returned to normal.

phantom pain

by drashmore - 2011-10-26 12:10:17

Funny you posted this. I was at my docs yesterday and was telling them the same thing. Just every once it a while it aches and shoots pains. Then it goes away. They said it could be a "phantom pain" and I may have it, to some degree, the rest of my life. They explained is as .... anytime you put a foreign object in your body there could be issues.

Debbie

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