#1grandma
- by #1grandma
- 2010-09-19 12:09:25
- Surgery & Recovery
- 3581 views
- 15 comments
I am having my first PM surgery on October 12th have a question or two. I have been told that some wear an arm sling after. Is this the best way to go and if so how long do you suggest one wears it?
Thanks
15 Comments
Sling
by ElectricFrank - 2010-09-19 01:09:26
I only wore a sling for a few days mainly to support the arm from the bouncing of my daily walks. My main problem with lifting my are over my head was stretching while sitting in my favorite recliner. I gave my wife the job of yelling at me if she saw my arm going up.
My take is that gentle arm movements will keep your shoulder from becoming stiff. It's really only a high stretch that has the potential for causing lead problems.
Another suggestion for after the surgery. If you sleep on the side opposite the pacemaker, and put a pillow in front of you to rest your upper arm on it keeps from squeezing the site which can be painful. I used this the first night after receiving the pacer and got a very good nights sleep. (by the way that was without any pain or sleeping meds).
wish you the best for your surgery. Let us know how it goes.
frank
Post PM Implant
by donb - 2010-09-19 01:09:48
Two schools of thought!! For years it was to really be cautious with arm movements. As over the years most implants are secured which allows more movement without disturbing leads. I was given the old rule in 1992
with my PM implant, sling and all. I did have my shoulder freeze up. I had 2 PM replacements over the years till 2009 and no arm rules applied as my original leads become imbedded with scar tissue so they can't move.
Later in 2009 I needed my 4th PM along with a pair of new leads in my right chest. As new securing methods were used I was ordered not to use a sling because of risking a frozen shoulder. I was told my body will tell me with pain if I exceeded movement. I did use a restraining cord around my waist so I couldn't raise my arm above shoulder level just for precaution while sleeping. I had no problem with pain compaired to my original implant. l would discuss this with your surgeon and also the securing of the PM. Too many people posting have had trouble with their PM moving around as many surgeons wont tie down the implant and it takes a long for our bodies to form a good pouch. My original pouch wouldn't support another PM after 17 years. As one of my leads also failed I have my 4th PM with 2 new leads in my right chest and very happy as being right handed I don't clobber my PM near as much. Guess using the right arm gives the PM site more protection. Guess you'd have to take this up with a good boxing instructor!!! donb
Getting A Pacemaker
by SMITTY - 2010-09-19 01:09:51
See what your doctor has to say for you. The most important thing is not to raise your arm over your head for a week or so. We are all different and a lot depends on how our pacemaker is anchored. The leads do from the pacemaker into a vein that is just a couple of inches away and on to your heart. Too much activity of the arm can cause a problem with the leads, but they get pretty firmly set in a few weeks. As someone said, you do not want to have that arm immobile for a long time. Anyway, my guess is that since you are a grandmother your days of a great amount of arm activity have passed, so again see what the Dr has to say. I wore a sling for about 2 days. After that I was careful about my arm movement for about 10 days.
Now we say all this about arm movement, but don't let it lead you to think that if you forget and reached for something on the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet you have ruined everything. Just don't make a habit of it for a few days because while the leads are fragile, they are not that fragile.
Good luck,
Smitty
sling
by LS - 2010-09-19 01:09:55
They gave me one in the hospital & said I only needed it for 24 hours. I only wore it while in there.
I wish I had the fore sight to wear it when I was out & about afterwards. It would make others more conscious of bumping you or giving hugs. LOL
Liz
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no sling!
by amethyst34 - 2010-09-19 03:09:33
I had my paacemaker put in three weeks ago, no one offered a sling due to the frozen shoulder which can happen.
My shoulder is still a bit stiff now even without not wearing one.
The advice about sleeping with the pillow is a really good one, it so helps with sleeping and support.
Good luck
Karen
sling
by Tracey_E - 2010-09-19 09:09:13
The dr only wanted me to wear it overnight. I wore it after if I was going out places where I'd get bumped in a crowd or at church where I greet most everyone with a hug. It was more a deterrent so people wold remember I was sore than because I needed it.
I would at night
by ABelle - 2010-09-19 09:09:34
Be careful about how you use it. My nurses told me to use it but not to raise my arm above my head and by the time I went back for my 2 week checkup my xrays showed that I had put a lot of tension on one of my leeds. I would suggest wearing a sling at night and being very careful dressing. I invested in a lot of button down shirts and pjs and tried to find clothes that I could pull on and over my shoulders from the feet up. It was difficult for me to get clothes over my head for quite a while. Good luck with everything. I'm a little over 3 months out now and feeling great. You'll be better in no time. Abelle
I used mine at night
by Heidiglassmeyer - 2010-09-19 11:09:09
Same thing, mr dr said it was not needed unless I could not restrain myself from raising my arm. I frequently sleep with my arm above my head so I used it only while sleeping. Fortunately I had no issues with my shoulder. Sounds like you have already received great advice! Good luck with your healing!
Heidi
You will be told
by Duke60 - 2010-09-19 12:09:21
I did for 6 weeks. Helps to keep you from raising your arm over your shoulder.
Most people do this in their sleep and never know.
The first 2 weeks are most important.
You can move your arm around and stuff.
You will be told upon discharge how your MD handles this.
DO NOT CHEAT!
Arm Sling ~ ~
by Carolyn65 - 2010-09-19 12:09:26
My cardio/EP told me in his office what procedures may include during my ablation/PM implant on 10/09. He said the Heart Hospital of Austin might put a sling on me after my implant in surgery. They did.
The Dr. came in to check on me & immediately took the sling off. He said the sling could cause my shoulder to 'freeze' and the monthsof re-hab would be very painful. The Dr. told me I would be moving my arm/shoulder just enough after surgery to keep it from 'freezing', as in normal, ever day use.
Let us hear of your Great Progress,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ Autumn Leaves/Cool Nites ~
willowrose
by willowrose - 2010-09-19 12:09:48
Hi, I got my pm three weeks ago & I am doing great. Your question about the arm sling, they put one on me right after the surgery, the next morning my doctor came in to see me, he said I want this off you need to move that arm, just don't raise it above your head, or pull it back, but you do need to move it or it will freeze. I wish you well with your surgery.
To sling or not to sling
by ldinkins - 2010-09-23 03:09:29
I wore a sling for 2 days......mainly to the grocery store, drug store, etc. just to remind myself that I shouldn't raise my arm too high. I have now started lifting a 5- pound weight 50 times with each arm each day to help retain muscle mass. Your stiffness will go away shortly and you'll certainly start to feel better. Good luck to you. L. Dinkins
Sling did not help keep armdown
by kathykat11 - 2010-10-17 06:10:36
I have had several strokes and need to be reminded about everthing, the sling only held my arm up it din't help me remember to keep my arm down. I found putting a tshirt on with my pacer side not through the arm hole helped me remember. I had incisions on both sides and am still having touble with the failed attempt on the right. I sprung a leak which is allowing the hematoma to drain and all of the swelling has left my right armpit. I have RA so I have very painful shoulders to start out. This has been the most painful sugical experience I have ever had and I have had a decortication for lung collapse, but It has been worth it. no more dizziness from 32 bpm or falling down from it. Even with all the trouble I have had I would do it over I just wish we hadn't tried to manage this medically since '05. My energy is back and I am hurting from tha hematoma still but I feel fantastic. I do have one thing to say about the anesthesia during the procedure, it was very painful because I metabolize novacaine and lidocaine really fast.Marcaine last a couple of hours. Unfortunately at 32 bpm my mind was not working enough to remember. so thsy went thru a bottle of lidocaine between the failed and successful sites. I love this site and am glad I found it.
Kathy
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by Beckes76 - 2010-09-19 01:09:05
I hated the sling and when the doctor told me not to have it I was extremely happy about that. I only had right after surgery. By the time they released me the next morning I was fine with out it. It literally depends on what your doctor wants you to do. Good luck with everything. We are here to help so ask any questions about the procedure or anything related. Welcome (early) to the club.