ICD seems to be getting hot

I received my ICD 5 weeks ago as a preventative measure.  I have CHF with EF of 25%  I have been healing very well but the past 2 weeks i have felt burning around one end of my ICD.  I chalked it up to possibly nerve pain. But it is now getting hot to the touch, and will swell quite a bit.  Its gotten so uncomfortable that ive put ice packs on it. I also get quite strong palpitations when this happens. My electrophysiologist said he has never heard of this and wants me to record the episodes for 6 weeks.  I am really worried, and wondering if anyone else has had this issue?  I have a Medtronics ICD.  Thank you.


7 Comments

GO BACK!!!

by Tracey_E - 2019-11-24 22:24:32

Those are signs of infection. Hopefully that's not what it is but if there's even the smallest chance of infection, it's important to act quickly and aggressively. You need to be seen asap and have cultures. Don't let them send you home with antibiotics, you need a culture to make sure you are on the right one. Speed counts, they have to stop the infection before it can get on the leads and go to the heart. I don't mean to alarm you but some offices take this more seriously than others. 

No infection

by Amylou44 - 2019-11-24 22:29:41

He said there was no infection or fluid build up. It only swells when it gets hot, but its been happening 2-3 times a week.  Im a newbie to any heart issues, and am very frustrated being told they "dont know" (how to fixme, why its hot) Quite scared also..

ICD heat

by Amylou44 - 2019-11-24 22:40:45

It could be infection even if its not constant?  It will only have the small lump from the device then all of a sudden the inside starts burning just on one end, then you can feel the heat from the outside, then the swelling.  The next day after this happens, the swelling is going down, no heat, but extremely tender around it then it will be ok fora day or two then do it again 

Thank you all

by Amylou44 - 2019-11-24 22:49:14

I was contemplating a second opinion, now i know i will seek one.  Thank you all!  

get another opinion

by Tracey_E - 2019-11-25 10:56:36

Whether it's infected or not, something is most definitely not right. Lump, burning, heat, swelling are ALL not normal. If they aren't going to take it seriously, that's not a practice you want to be with long term. 

Moving leads

by Benjijohn - 2019-11-25 14:00:47

I had a similiar situation. Doctors could not find anything. So it is my personal opinion, it may be totally wrong

after these burning sensations, I realized that 1 of my 3 leads had moved closer to my collarbone. So it moveda little bit after I played tennis

then the lead settled to its new place and the burning sensation and the irritationon the skin went away

1 of 3

by ROBO Pop - 2019-11-26 14:15:22

It's one of three things:

1. An infection

2. Your device is low on coolant

3. Your imagination

I'd guess #1 based on personal experience

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker has ultimately saved mine and my unborn child’s life for which I am thankful.