Are these symptoms normal?

I am a 25 year old female and had my first pacemaker fitted almost 4 months ago. Recently the sight of my pacemaker has been really itchy under the skin and around the actual device. I sometimes get a sharp pain in the area which only lasts for about 10 to 20 seconds at at time . I also get a dull pain in my heart every so often. I was wondering if this is normal or if anyone else has had any of these symptoms?

4 Comments

Welcome

by Grateful Heart - 2015-03-23 07:03:59


The itchiness is most likely part of the healing process at this point. If it is not oozing, hot or any red streaks, then keep an eye on it.

The sharp pain: if it feels like an ant bite or a needle stick....very sharp and quick and really hurts for a few seconds, that is also part of the healing process. It may take up to a year for that to subside.....nerves repairing and knitting back together.

I can't address the dull pain in your heart that you feel. That one is kind of vague. It is common to need an adjustment or two after a few months when everything settles down and your heart gets used to having a PM.

Mention it to your Doctor to ease your mind.

Grateful Heart

Ran into the same thing

by Theknotguy - 2015-03-23 09:03:43

Mine was at 7 months. The PM pocket would start itching like crazy. I know you're not supposed to move the actual PM but the itching got so bad it was the only way I could make it quit. Took about a month to subside.

I'd still call the EP about the "pain in the heart". I sometimes get that but it's due to afib. Mostly it's a dull pain and it always comes after an afib session. Hopefully you don't have that problem and it's just part of the healing process.

Hope things continue to go well for you.

Itching and Pain

by Squad12 - 2015-03-25 12:03:19

I had your symptoms for over a year. They decreased as time passed. I still have itchy spells but not very often. Your body has to get used to it and everyone is different.

Take care

Thanks

by Grainne - 2015-03-26 01:03:41

Thanks for the advice everyone! Went to see my GP he said there is no infection but just to mention to my cardiologist next month. I am probably being paranoid as I am still getting use to having the pacemaker and don't know anyone else with one to compare symptoms. Thanks everyone :)

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I've seen many posts about people being concerned about exercise after having a device so thought I would let you know that yesterday I raced my first marathon since having my pacemaker fitted in fall 2004.