I can feel my ICD inside of me?

I had my ICD implanted when I was 16 years old. I have a very slim structure (currently standing at 6ft and weighing 125 lbs) so my doctor and parents made the decision to implant my ICD under my pectoral muscle. I'm now 19 years old; August 1st of this year will mark the 3 year anniversary of my device being implanted. I weighed a bit more the first year and a half after getting my ICD (around 140 lbs), but due to other complications with my health, I lost weight, and have been at 125 lbs for the remainder of the 3 years since implantation. Now, my defibrillator sticks out of my chest much more, and is very easily visible (not the ACTUAL defibrillator, obviously, but rather the "lump" it creates). Not only is it very visible, but I can "feel" it much more now, and it's very uncomfortable, often painful. I feel like it's almost pushing through the muscle it's placed under. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? Is it something I should be worried about? Any comments/help would be very much appreciated. I've had my ICD for almost 3 years, but I still feel like I'm so new to this lol. Thanks guys!!

3 Comments

No experience , but...

by oldearthworm - 2016-05-18 11:05:34

Activities and or exercise has made your muscles tight , too tight .. One for the doctors .. I think you may need more fat in your diet .., but that is only an opinion ...

ICD more prominent.

by Selwyn - 2016-05-20 08:05:31

This is most likely due to the fact that you have lost weight.
The loss of muscle mass ( for example due to illness) would also make the ICD more prominent.

A lack of padding ( fat/muscle) around the ICD can produce discomfort if there is pressure over the area ( seat belts, rucksack straps, tight clothing)

You can, of course, try to correct all of these factors.

My PM is prominent. I am described by doctors in their letters as "thin". I can see in the mirror, and feel, the leads coming out of my PM under the skin.

I would try to put on a little weight and muscle.

I swim regularly, no one at the baths, over the years, has ever commented, "What's that?"" That", being the pacemaker lump.

Hope this helps,

Selwyn

pacemaker implantation

by ann 2009 - 2016-07-13 21:41:31

i had my ppm fitted in 2009 but had about 3 more as ive had 1 that leaked n one that my leads cam off n had the latst one in 3 n 1/2 years as had a lot of problems with it moving as im of slim petite structure

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You can hear your heartbeat in your cell phone.

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