flip-floppings and pus coming from incision

I am 6 weeks post-op after having a dual chamber Medtronic PM implanted. I still get a lot of flip-flops after any exertion and have to sit down for a minute or two to get it correct itself. Is this normal? Is it supposed to happen every time I take a walk or clean, etc? My doctor says it's normal, but I thought that was part of the reason for having the PM put in.
But what is most disconcerting to me is that I now have pain and extreme tenderness at the incision site. I put ice on it at night because it hurt so much and seemed swollen at times. But then I noticed a white bulging where one of the stitches was. When I put my finger on it some pus came out. I cleaned it thoroughly and put Neosporin and a Band-Aid on it. But now it comes back every time I have the Band-Aid off for awhile. It's not much pus, but it doesn't seem to go away - have had this for 8 days. And the incision, while I thought it had healed so nicely and didn't hurt before, is red on that side and extremely sore with soreness under the skin at that site also. Has anybody ever had this problem and what was done for it? I have an appointment with my doc in 5 days.

5 Comments

If it were me...

by KAG - 2013-07-26 06:07:12

....I'd call my Dr and get the incision looked at. From what you describe it sounds like an infection. I wouldn't wait 5 days.

I don't know about the flip-flops.

Hope you're better
Kathy

be seen asap

by Tracey_E - 2013-07-26 07:07:09

Don't mess around, if there is even the tiniest chance of infection you need to treat it ASAP. Don't let them brush you off, pus is a sign of infection. You want an infectious disease specialist, not just your cardio or ep. Prayers this is a false alarm. Please let us know how it goes.

Be Careful

by LuCas - 2013-07-26 09:07:42

We definitely do not want to scare people, but it is all about your health. In any situation, pus is a sign that something is not ok. Go to an emergency unit (in Brazil you would look for a hospital emergency unit), tell them about your possible infection, the pus, the implant and you will be analysed by a cardiologist. They will probably contact the surgeons who performed your surgery to have a look at you.
The sooner you look for help, the better for your general health.
If you feel local pain, it could be the beginning of an unexpected situation. If you have had any fever, you should see the emergency as soon as possible. The sooner, the better.
We all were aware that 2 percent of more of people who receive PM implant could develop minor or important complications. We are all aware of that when we went to surgery and complications could show up weeks after the implant. I put my implant a month ago and I always check my stiches and check the movements of my shoulder and arm to see and feel if everything is ok. In case of any strange pain, we should be alert.
We are in winter here in Brazil now. Our wheather is wet. 5 days after my implant, my doctor asked me if I felt anything different. I told him that I shaked too much after shower and that I swet during the night and that I had pain around my eyes. He suspected about sinusitis and put me under strong antibiotics for 7 days. All the sweating, and shake and pain disappeared and nothing afected my PM implant. That is why it is important to be extremely cautious.

I wish you all the best.
Lucio

thanks for words of wisdom

by Mojo - 2013-07-26 09:07:58

I appreciate all of your comments and will take them to heart. I'm out of state but have a call in to my doctor asking for help where to go as I'm not familiar with the area and he is. I will do the right thing. I promise. I guess because it was so little pus coming directly from a stitch that maybe it wasn't too serious. So thank you, one and all for setting me straight. I appreciate it. I really do.
Marilyn

A little infection

by Jeanniebabe - 2018-02-13 00:19:07

im in the same place, that’s how I found this post. It’s on the left side, closest to my arm. I have a stitch poking out and a picker underneath, looks like funky suturing. Anyway, a small amount of pus came out and it’s tender there. My bra strap kind of hits that area.. I was sweaty and hot today and feel kind of off. So I calling in tomorrow and making sure I’m seen and it’s checked out. Thanks all for answering the previous post so candidly.. 

Beth

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