blood clot in arm after third implant

I read with interest a few postings from people who had blood clots in their arm after pacemaker, especially when dual leads were installed.I am on my third device since 1994 but this is the first time that the leads also needed to be replaced.I had no real complications on either of the last two implants and was unaware of a blood clot in my arm being a possible complication.I have full confidence in my surgeon and he has an excellent reputation in this area, I was just not aware that blood clots were a possible complication. I had my third device implanted on November 16,2010 and other than the normal swelling and pain, I had no real problems until December3,2010.Out of the blue, at 8 pm, my arm swelled, I could not believe how quickly those symtoms occured.One minute I was fine, the next, I was not.I could not straighten it, and the pain was excruciating, and it swelled to twice it's normal size.I still look like Popeye in my left arm.. I am not sure why, but I was thinking either infection or blood clot.When I went to the emergency room, this was exactly my doctors initial diagnosis. An ultrasound confirmed his diagnosis.I am now taking injections of blood thinners once a day and the pain has subsided some with the help of pain medication.I found this website after I returned home from the ER and was doing some research online about blood clots and pacemakers.I never thought about checking for a forum for people with pacemakers until today, I'm glad I found you.I should be good for about seven to ten years now. I have been joking to friends that " I just had my engine rebuilt". Good luck to everyone.

2 Comments

Blood clot in arm

by ElectricFrank - 2010-12-05 01:12:30

I’m wondering if the clots aren’t formed from the position of your arm during surgery. If you were out or heavily sedated during the surgery there is no telling how they positioned you. Having been fully awake during both my implant and replacement I’m very aware of things like tightening arm restraint straps enough to cut off circulation, etc. An hour or two on the table with restricted circulation could certainly cause a clot.

frank

Arm Positioning

by donb - 2010-12-05 08:12:03

I just want to add that I had my left arm stretched to limits during 3 out of 4 surgeries in early 2009. I was fortunate not to have a blood clot but had a lot of arm pain for a couple of weeks. These surgeries were PM removal, New implant right side 2 months later, 1st site restoration. At this point I asked WHY the 90 degree arm position and was told no problem, we can secure your arm along your side. This was the answer while on the table for my last restoration surgery. So, scarey aubject?? Blood clots are not a minor thing. I know also I have had my right arm stretched and restrained.

In the year 2000 I had a very lengthy major back surgery like 4 1/2 hours stretched over a saw horse, my chin and palms of both hands supporting my body. This resulted in bad injury to chin from lack of circulation and also both palms. Anesthesia Dr. got very concerned & bent. Again no MRI which extended the surgery. Having been on aspirin years prior may have helped not having blood clots. Frank, I must say I've learned from you that while on the table, just before they turn our lights off, their still is time for questtions!!! donb

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