Any suggestions

I am 51 yrs old and 12 days post pm implant for 2nd degree heart block following syncope for the last 6 months. I had sustained a ?rotator cuff injury on the left shoulder on a blackout and was called to surgery just as physio was going to work on my injury. My consultant thought as I had some mobility probs with this side he would implant on that side. Post implantation I had a bleed which needed pressure bandages applied leaving me bruised from neck to stomach and elbow. This has really faded apart from the arm area near elbow which is still purple. Pain wise it has ups and downs. The cuff injury was sore before but the site can flare up on and off - alternating from feeling as if it's going to burst or that I have a coat hangar in there. The scar is good; although can feel hot - but then so does my shoulder. Has anybody had these difficulties? Positively since pm no blackouts, no brain fog or dizziness. The physio has asked me to get back to her as once she knew I was booked in for pm she felt her treatment would be unwise early post implant. Thanks folks for any suggestions.

4 Comments

Docs don't understand

by COBradyBunch - 2010-06-16 05:06:29

Doc's don't seem to get that pacemaker surgery does hurt. I was told to take a couple of Vitamin I and that in a couple of days I would be pain free. Now I used to get my teeth drilled w/o novecaine, have been awake for knee surgery when a spinal didn't fully take and have reset a broken hand myself when I knew I couldn't get to the doc right away so I am not a wuss but the pain I had after surgery knocked me down for several days. Pain went up my neck and radiated over to my shoulder and down my arm (really matched heart attack symptoms but it lasted for almost a week before antibiotics knocked it down).

Anyway, talk to your doc, explain your pain and realize that everyone is different.

Now as far as your shoulder, been there also. Had to have a total rebuild of my rot cuff. Don't recommend it because it hurts like hell and you never get full range of motion back. I would start up PT as soon as your pacer feels good. BTW, had a lot of your symptoms and glad to hear it is all going well. Just to let you know everything will get better I am getting ready to do a 120 mile bike ride (one day) through the mountains of Colorado. It will be done two weeks after the first anniversary of my implant. I am 51 also so you and I share a bunch...

Suggestion !!

by donb - 2010-06-16 11:06:01

I had left shoulder Freeze up with my original PM implant years ago with lots of pain. I should have followed up with therapy but didn't as that was not prescribed. After my 3rd PM I ruined my right rotator cuff, tore it up good, followed by surgery. Talk about pain!!! Well, I learned that therapy was a must as I have more range of motion than before the injury.


Recently I fractured 2 vertebrae upper back from taking an unscheduled ride stepping into our tub shower. It's been 4 months of healing and am now getting close to finishing therapy again. Again, there's been lots of pain but I can vouch for therapy as it has put the body back in shape and doing well.

Might also mention besides my PM's I also have right coronary stent and have followed up with Cardiac Therapy which has done wonders in keeping my body well. At age 78 I would not be as well without therapy. Yes, you can go online and do a lot of exercises but never get the results as going to a good clinic. Reason being the contant monitoring which I have always had with each program. donb

Rotator Cuff

by Pookie - 2010-06-16 11:06:20

I too have a torn rotator cuff (50%)...same side as my pacermaker (left side). I always blamed the pain because of the 5 pacemaker surgeries I had....

(I had had complications hence the surgeries) ...

but only this past Fall did I find out that I have a torn rotator cuff and I've been doing physical therapy daily as I will do anything NOT to have that surgery.

I had had the pain after the surgery and that was 5 years ago. Finally, I got a doctor to listen to me and had an ultrasound and a CT scan of shoulder and found out the news.

Good luck and take care,
Pookie

Many thanks

by Kitty5 - 2010-06-18 06:06:16

Thank you for your posts - it helps to know your not on your own; I will not opt for surgery and get physio resumed in the near future. As a new member I expect I will be calling on your knowledge again; that's after I've managed to get hold of the DVLA and ascertained when I can drive again. Was told not safe to drive after 1st syncope in Nov 09 - mind you it will probably be the shoulder that stops me now. LOL..... Thanks guys .....

You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

Member Quotes

Since I got my pacemaker, I don't pass out anymore! That's a blessing in itself.