I 'see stars' when arm is raised

I have a pacemaker and defibrillator for atrial fib. I am 42. The ablation surgery did not workout. I believe the pacemaker ios dead, I was on a heart monitor and no pacing spikes were showing. I get it checked tomorrow for that. My question is when I raise my left arm I see stars- can someone tell me why!!??? It has been for quite a long time now and as a result I keep that arm low.

5 Comments

Are they gold stars?

by Christmmpace - 2009-10-27 02:10:22

I sometimes see those little gold stars as well, only when my blood pressure goes up. If I strain too much, I got them from time to time, but never when I just raise my arm. Maybe you should look into that, make sure you get your blood pressure check right away. Okay, I hope this helps, take care and let us know how your doing. I will say a prayer for you tonight, for wisdom towards your condition.

James

subclavian steal syndrome

by candi2059 - 2009-10-27 02:10:39

Inga,
Thank you so much, I think you are on to something. I have dramatic vision changes/balance problems/ numbness in my hands and arm that wake me up. I am also experiencing a foggy kind of state, like I can't quite wake up, it takes hours. I also have major hearing loss in my left ear as well, with ringing. I see the cardiologist Tuesday and will run this by him and post the results.

subclavian steal syndrome

by golden_snitch - 2009-10-27 02:10:56

Hi!

Just one thought: it could be a so-called "subclavian steal syndrome". Just google the term. I once saw a report about a woman who had this, and everytime she raised her arm she got very dizzy or even fainted.

Best wishes
Inga

Silver Stars

by Pookie - 2009-10-27 09:10:11

Ever since my pacer in 2004, I see stars only when I'm in the shower!!!!!!! My cardiologist said it could be my Neurocardiogenic Syncope and to take cooler showers.

Mine ALWAYS happened while in the shower shaving my armpits!!!!!!!! I thought I was losing my mind.

I too have balance problems and still get the occasional numb left arm and hand. Most docs say it must be nerve damage!!!??? But to this very day, I still have a very sore left arm exactly where one would get the flu shot; it's like someone has punched me and it never ever goes away. Twice in the past 5 years my left arm swell so bad I went to the ER, where they promptly measured my arm which was approximately 2 and a half inches bigger than normal, ran a d-dimer test for blood clots and it always came back negative.

One day I'll find out the answer.

Pookie.

Silver Stars

by candi2059 - 2009-10-28 01:10:23

Pookie,

I see the silver stars in the shower too. I first noticed it when I shaved my left armpit a few years ago after getting my second pacemaker. That was the first experience where I noticed the stars. I was stretching my arms the other day after I woke up and noticed it then as well. I paint pictures and holding that left hand above my head on the canvas leaves the hand and arm throbbing after a few minutes. I can see the wires very near my skin and I have wondered if the stars were from them wearing out, pulling on them or something?? Yes, one day we will find out what is causing it. I am glad to know it happens to someone else but I hope they can stop it for you and me. It is irritating and scary to say the least! I will let you know what I find out from my doc.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.