Itchiness around site 2 years on

I've been having itching in my breast tissue on the lower left quadrant for like 8 weeks. I've had the ICD for more than 2 years. My family practice doc says sometimes the pacemaker irritates a nerve and causes that itching, even later on. My OB/GYN gave me a course of antifungals in case it was something like that, to try first.

Has anyone else had itchiness? (It feels itchy inside the tissue, not on the surface, to be clear; also have not changed deodorant/bras/soaps/detergent brands). Can they even do anything if it's the nerve?

I also have pain at the site, and the electrophysiologist said that in some people, the scar tissue just keeps on hurting forever-- great! 

3 Comments

Itch happens

by Gotrhythm - 2018-01-05 13:32:50

Even after 6 years, I get the occasional itch and twinge. Fortunately today it's far less frequent than it was after two years, but I no longer expect it to ever go away entirely. Let's face it, there's a foreign body in there.

If I saw no other signs of infection, I wouldn't worry. I find an ice pack to be helpful in calming irritated nerves down. And I've discovered a way to trick my body into letting the itch go by scratching some other area of the body. Seriously, when there's no real problem like infection or allergy causing the itch, it often works.

Same here

by DampDog - 2018-01-06 05:09:46

The scar tissue around my incision is always a little red and dry, even at close to 2 years on. (i guess because the blood flow to the surrounding tissue has been disturbed.)  I've switched to using a mild soap and moisturisng the area each morning and that has helped quite a bit.  The scar itself is still tender to some degree. 

Someone metioned that "Bio-Oil" helps with scar tissue, I've been tempted to give that a go.  I just keep forgeting to pick some up.

the anti-fungal did nothing

by Meekmod - 2018-01-07 20:28:36

Thanks for the suggestions-- will try the icepack. It feels itchy from the inside, which is why I went to the OB/GYN to rule out breast duct cancer or something like that...

You know you're wired when...

Intel inside is your motto.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.