Pacemaker area swollen and tender

[deerekid]

The area around my dad's pacemaker is very swollen and tender. Nurse measured it @ approximately 5cm by 8 cm. Dad is 77 years old and has more than a few health issues. Cardiologist refused to lance the area due to risk of infection and my mother had to ask the dr. to request bloodwork.

I've done a lot of research on the internet and not finding anything. The cardiologist is so casual about this, I'm very concerned and suggested that Dad get a second opinion. I'm 800 miles from my parents, so I'm limited on what I can do.

Does anybody have any ideas/suggestions/experience with this type of situation?

[lmcconne]

From a strictly layman's standpoint, sounds to me that there already is an infection.

[tmsmalley]

I agree that it sounds infected. But what they can or can't do about it isn't something that we'll be able to tell you from here. If you're worried (understandably), then call his cardiologist directly and talk to him about what is going on and what he's doing about it.

Tess

[hopeky94]

Seems like I've heard others on here talk about some sort of nurse's hotline, maybe thru an insurance company? Something where you can call and get free advice, based on the symptoms you describe... If anyone knows what I'm talking about and can explain it better, please post-- maybe this is something OP could do to get a professional but objective opinion...

Does your dad have a general practice doctor as well? If so, maybe he could go to him and get him to convince the cardiologist to do something...

[thecooperhouse]

It is normal for the site to be red. The area has had a lot of trauma and is recovering. Is the site warm? Or oozing any blood or puss? Is it "tender" or downright painful? If your doc says its ok, then I wouldn't worry. Just watch it - If it starts oozing blood, puss or anything green, hurts bad, or feels warm - call back or go to the ER.

[moxi]

Just a thought......Is your Dad (or Mom) downplaying the Dr.s reaction so you won't worry? I am glad your Mom demanded bloodwork, we are our own best advocates!
I hope it is all better soon.

[deerekid]

Just a thought......Is your Dad (or Mom) downplaying the Dr.s reaction so you won't worry? I am glad your Mom demanded bloodwork, we are our own best advocates!
I hope it is all better soon.

No, Mom seems upset the cardiologist seems so laid back about it. He told her he'd never seen anything like it. I should have it made it clear in my original post that Dad didn't just have the pacemaker put in. This thing has been in there for 2 - 3 years and the area has suddenly swollen and become very tender. DH and I wondering if there is a hairline crack in the pacemaker causing extra heat to seep out or perhaps there is some sort of internal allergic reaction to the pacemaker material?

[Merczilla]

Since this is something "new", yes it would be concerning. One thing that could be checked is if there has been a recall on the pacemaker. When it was inserted, they should have given your folks the registration paperwork. If not (and they should have) their doctors office should have it in the file.

From your statements, it almost sounds that since the doc hasn't seen it before, he doesn't want to deal with it. A second opinion is definitely called for. I don't know what kind of medical pro's they have in their area, if there's someone else or not.

That doesn't sound normal at all. I haven't dealt with pacemakers, but I do deal with cardiac . My daughter just had her second open heart surgery in December and my dad also had cardiac surgery years ago. Hubby has stents in and I deal with MVP. I would urge them to have someone else look at it.

[momtonickjustandrj]

Hello
I hope I am not two forward about responding but I am 42 and had my 1st pacer at 20 and have had 7 of them just had a defibulator a year ago and it sounds like infection, I would get another doctor asap, It is not normal at all.
sorry hope this is not to bold and forward
Chris

[dliver316]

I'm glad you added the info about it not being a new pacer. I was about to post that it sounded like a normal post op pacer site. However, now I would def say that it sounds completely abnormal. I agree with the pp who said to find out if there have been any recalls on his pacer. Most of the time, the hospital will give the patient a card with all the pacemaker info to carry in his wallet. There should be a number on there to call. But I would certainly seek a second opinion if the cardiologist has never seen anything like it and is just blowing it off. Good luck!