Hard cord-like thing above pacemaker site?

I am 2 months, 11 days post pacemaker lead extraction ( atrial). Since January, I've been palpating what seems to a hard cord or tube-like thing underneath the skin right above the pulse generator. It start right after the incision line and continues on ( at least what I can palpate) up to my clavicle bone. Also, there is an area of what I call " hard swelling" ( but minimal) right next to this tube thing I feel. What could this be? My dad is an ultrasonographer and would like to do a sonogram to see what it is. However, if it's normal or nothing, I don't want to occupy him.

3 Comments

Hi

by daisy41763@yahoo.com - 2013-02-15 01:02:03

I see lots of reads here and no comments. I'm not
A expert but on my second OCD myself.
I believe that's your wiring and part of the machine.
Look up the image on google of the device you have.
It's sorta strange feeling. It's best not to handle it. It will settle down into the pocket under the muscle more as time progresses. I had my second one done this past 11/28/12 and it seemed to protrude at first. But it's way better now than it was at first. I am some over weight and I think my extra fat helps cushion around it. If your thin it may feel huge to you. I was having some strange sharp pains at the incision site. But it's gone now. Like it stap me there out of nowhere. Hope this helped some. Good luck. It gets better with time. 4 myths here I feel normal. Considering I have a timex implant. My heart does however feel better than it had in months literally.

agreed

by sam78 - 2013-02-16 10:02:14

I have something that seems to be just as you are describing and my cardiologist tells me that it is my excess leads. they wind them loosely up and it has hardened over time.

Sounds like the leads

by Grateful Heart - 2013-02-16 10:02:45

Ever since my lead revision almost 2 years ago, you can see and feel two of my lead wires protruding through the skin a little, right above the device and towards my armpit.

The Doctor looked at it and doesn't seem concerned. I just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't start coming through the skin. Ask about it next Doctors visit to ease your mind.

Grateful Heart

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

Member Quotes

I am a competitive cyclist with a pacemaker!