Weird sensations in device area last few days
Hi. First time posting, thanks for letting me be a member of the group. I have a Medtronic ICD for nonsustained polymorphic VT and electrical storm in the setting of stress. Stable, taking flecainide and nadolol daily. Recent checkups and stress tests have been A-OK, and I have mostly forgotten the ICD is there. But, over the last 4-5 days, I am getting random tickles in the ICD area. Sometimes below the ICD, sometimes to the side, etc. These weird sensations only last 1/2 second or so, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason. It's as if someone is just gently touching the area with the tip of their finger. Not painful, but definitely new. There is no consistency of time, place, activity. My heart rate is fine and I have no symptoms of anything other than my normal stupidity. Reported it to the cardiology office this morning, sent an ICD reading, but heard nothing back yet. Anyone ever felt these types of sensations? Thank you.
Robert
6 Comments
Sensations
by roberthd - 2023-10-10 11:35:05
Many thanks for taking the time to respond. I should hear back today, but your thoughts help me in my discussion with the cardiologist. Take care.
Sensation
by Vtl.3 - 2023-10-10 16:00:12
It could be a result of the operation itself, the muscle surrounding your pacemaker endured a lot of movement to secure the device. And although you didn't feel it because you were most likely asleep, your body will likely remeber it. Therefore leading to random tiwtching, muscle spasms and such around your pacemaker.
Spasms
by roberthd - 2023-10-10 17:16:17
Hi. Thank you for your thoughts. I think these could be random spasms, TBA, thanks for explaining. Hope that's all it is.
Sensations
by Old male - 2023-10-21 12:53:17
In my 9 years ICD experience there have been lots of varying sensations, twitching, etc. Nothing consistent and all just go away in a short time.
Thank you.
by roberthd - 2023-10-21 17:45:48
Old Male, your response makes me feel more confident. Many thanks.
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Sensations
by piglet22 - 2023-10-10 06:48:57
I can only speak for pacemakers not ICDs and looking at your date of implantation, my comments might not apply.
At battery end of life, my original Medtronic pacemaker changed mode and began making the pectoral and left arm muscles twitch. A very odd sensation and fooled the "normal" medics who had never seen it before. In fact the paramedics said it wasn't possible.
The PM had been scheduled for replacement.
It wasn't until the physiologist turned up with the programmer that the low battery voltage was confirmed, thresholds tweaked to reduce the twitching and the PM replaced the next morning.
So, unlikely in your case, but get it checked. Possibly just a nervous sensation like an eyelid twitch.
It always amazes me that you can find a particular spot in one part of the body, say the chest, pinch the skin and get a sharp twinge somewhere else like the side of your leg. Works every time.