Possible pacemaker infection

Hi... Just joined the site as I am sitting here in the ER waiting for a room. Had my PM implanted 7 weeks ago and it seems as though one of the "dissolvable" stitches did not dissolve and was sticking out at the end of one side if the surgery site. When I called my cardiac nurse last week she reassured me it would be fine and would dissolve on it's own overtime. Other then minor irrigation when something rubbed against it, no symptoms. Yesterday it started itching and turned red and today there is a small amount of pus forming. Now being told the PM may be infected, which will require another surgery! I'm so mad and trying not to freak out! Anyone have this happen?

3 Comments

Update

by Gadgetgirl - 2014-08-26 02:08:23

Thank you... Your message and encouraging words have really calmed me down and given me a reality check. It appears I have the beginning of a cellulitis infection, but doc is curious as to why after 7 weeks this has started. Germs got in somehow... Seatbelt and bra have been irritating my incision! Giving me heavy doses, as you said, of antibiotics and will see cardiology in the a.m. Hate taking so many meds, but considering the alternative (surgery) I'll do it. Doc will not remove the protruding suture tonight....Also appreciate the other advice re diet, attitude.

Update

by Gadgetgirl - 2014-08-26 02:08:26

Thank you... Your message and encouraging words have really calmed me down and given me a reality check. It appears I have the beginning of a cellulitis infection, but doc is curious as to why after 7 weeks this has started. Germs got in somehow... Seatbelt and bra have been irritating my incision! Giving me heavy doses, as you said, of antibiotics and will see cardiology in the a.m. Hate taking so many meds, but considering the alternative (surgery) I'll do it. Doc will not remove the protruding suture tonight....Also appreciate the other advice re diet, attitude.

I had this

by my4turtles - 2014-09-11 03:09:50

I had this happen in January .. My pacemaker was 2 years old but after a ablation they ablated right where a lead was. A week later I had the lead replaced, and infection set in. Just like you the stitch did not dissolve. I notices it got very red and than draining. At that time we had a change in insurance ( worse time possible) so I went to a new family dr who told me it was all o.k
Next day greens thick pus was coming out so i called my new heart Dr and got right in. Every thing was infected and had to come straight out. My old pacemaker and leads.. They put a new one on the right side. I spent a week in the hospital as the infection was around my heart also, I went home with a pic line in for 6 weeks and the old site left open for 6 weeks. I also had cellulitis from it, if you see it getting worse go straight to your heart Dr do not take any chances.. God knows what could have happen if I listened to the family Dr who told me it was all o.k

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