Arm Pain

Am learning to use site, posted message in chat then saw it was wrong timing.
Since Def. installation 12/29/09, even after 5 wk restriction time, I cannot lift my left arm above my shoulder nor pull it backwards without extreme pain. Some other movements start the pain also. The pain in the "balljoint" feels like a nail being driven into it and the pain between the shoulder and elbow feels like the insides are being twisted, burning and pain.
The Dr. pushed very, very hard to get the defib in place. The first movement I made after the surgery was painful and it hasn't stopped.
Did anyone have this complication and what did you discover
the problem to be. Did you see an orthopedist or nurologists? Even
though my energy was limited before, I kept busy off and on all day, now I can hardly do anything but nap several times a day. Dr. says the defib is working ok, but heart dr. says xray shows the lead is inserted so deeply that there is a bulge showing like it is about to go through. Defib. Dr. says as long as it is working, he doesn't want to move the lead. When it was checked the graph showed an "incident".
Is that when it shocks? Thanks for help and answers.

5 Comments

arm pain

by cfritza - 2010-03-29 05:03:59

Yes I did have pain and was unable to move my arm above my shoulder or reach behind without pain. I had my pacemaker put under my pectoral muscle so they say recovery is a little longer. I posted a similar question as you did and sin (user on site) suggested physical therapy because that is what she did and it helped her.
So I did go and have Physical Therapy and glad to say my arm is so much better! So if your able to go I'd say it's worth a try. It can be a little expensive I have insurance and the Chiropractor office I went to worked with me with the cost a little but cost me $600.00 but did help.

Arm Pain

by Pookie - 2010-03-29 09:03:16

Hi oldlady !!! and welcome to the club.

Something doesn't sound right to me. Emphasis on me. As the following is just my opinion:

* Perhaps you have Frozen Shoulder?

* If you heart doctor says he sees a bulge and that could be the source of your pain...why not have surgery to correct it???? especially if it is the lead causing this.

* It is your choice/right if you want the lead to remain in that position.

If I were you - I'd be getting a 2nd opinion from another doctor who deals with defibs!!!!!!!!!

You shouldn't be living in pain and being tired all of the time.

I hope you can get a 2nd opinion.

Take care,
Pookie

Pain

by timberhitch - 2010-03-29 09:03:34

Hi oldlady,

It sounds funny addessing someone as "oldlady". You must have a good sense of humor.

I had my 2nd surgery on the same day as you (not an ICD however), the first was the day before (lead mislodged). I continued to have pain so had another surgery to replace the position (not in the lead position in the heart) of the leads and stitching in my chest. That was March 10th. I still have pain but my mobility is better. My problem may have been something different than yours but it is something to consider and discuss with a doctor.

I'm with agree with Pookie on this because of the positioning of the lead in the heart. I know it's hard and uncomfortable to do, but I think you would feel better about it - get a 2nd opinion. Let us know how things go.

Best of luck to you.

Timberhitch

ARM PAIN

by oldlady - 2010-03-30 01:03:31

Thanks to everyone who shared info. regarding my problem.
The Dr. who put the ICD in did not want to reposition the lead,, in so many words, he said it was too much trouble. He retrieved info. from the ICD, said it was working good. More or less, that was that. He did not like me asking questions, said I was getting too deep. My husband and I were both put off by his attitude.
He said that the ICD surgery had nothing to do with my arm problem, although I never experienced any problems before the surgery and then he didn't want to talk about my problems since the surgery. I do not want to use him anymore.
I have a St Jude ICD that is involved with a study. He gets paid for every ICD that is involved in this study. The trial is concerning giving small shocks for certain rhythm disturbances and a big shock if my heartbeat gets below 40.
At least that was my understanding. The Dr. did not give me this info, somone else did.
I did some research today among some friends as to a good orthopedic Dr. and have selected one who performed surgery on a friend who has all the confindence in the world in him. I will have to drive an hr. and half, but it will be worth it if he can determine what the problem is and hopefully decide a course of action to take to "fix it". Hopefully physical therapy will be suggested to correct the problem.
Re: the oldlady name I have always felt younger in my head, I am 64, but the health problems that have clung to me for 6 months and the death of my 44 year old dght. has taken it's toll on my body and mind. I could really use the prayers of those who believe in God of the Holy Bible that my attitude will be lifted. My zeal and zest for life has diminished and I feel like an Old Lady. I still try to laugh at things and enjoy the friendship and vitality of local friends, but with constant pain and my "get up and go" has "gotten up and went" makes life less enjoyable for sure. HOPE EVERYONE WHO GETS THE ICD OR PACEMAKER HAS A BETTER EXPERIENCE. I think maybe, hopefully this is a rare problem but fixable.
Thanks again to all who sent info and encouraging words.

Arm pain

by hippie1234hippie - 2010-04-10 12:04:01

I felt the same thing right after surgery but it was in my chest instead of my arm. Actually i'm still feeling it as I can't raise my left arm above level without feeling a searing pain in my chest. Docs keep telling me it will go away "eventually" but I need to get back to work and can't do it like this...

You know you're wired when...

You have the perfect reason to show off your chest.

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