9 days post PM implant...

... and I'm having the hardest time remembering to keep my left arm immobile. The pain from my incision is almost gone - I feel terrific! So... how do I remember to keep my arm down?

I wear the light-weight sling they gave me at the hospital, but even the PM company rep said it will only serve as a reminder. I've even threaded a belt around myself and through the sling, as insurance. My biggest concern is at night, since I normally sleep on my left side. I'm worried I'll automatically roll over and throw my left arm up over my head - my normal sleeping position.

I'm seriously considering tying my arm to my body! Any other suggestions? Will I feel anything if I do pull out a lead?

Thanks.

8 Comments

arm

by devonstarr - 2011-08-20 05:08:19

Let me clarify "arm in your sleeve", I mean put your arm in your shirt next to your body, not in sleeve. :)

arm

by devonstarr - 2011-08-20 05:08:26

My nurse practitioner suggested a great idea. I tried it last night and worked like a charm! Put your arm in your sleeve while you sleep. During the day is another story altogether, but I can really relate. Hope this helps. Good luck!

make your own straightjacket !

by GillyC - 2011-08-20 06:08:54

yep devonstarr is right thats what someone else here suggested, keep your arm in the sling and just put on a t-shirt with only the good arm out - works like a dream

I went...

by donr - 2011-08-20 07:08:56

...to an tent & awning place & had them stitch a belt to the elbow point on my sling. at night I just buckled the strap across my chest & it kept my arm where it was supposed to be.

Don

Warning device

by ElectricFrank - 2011-08-20 11:08:56

Wear a wrist band with a string tied between it and a big toe. Raise your arm and you will think you have a bug in the bed with you.

During the day I gave my wife the job of yelling at me if I started to stretch. She threatened to restrict me from my favorite recliner where stretching was most likely.

As for what you would feel if you pulled a lead out it depends on your need for the pacer. At the least you wouldn't notice it. At the most if you are totally dependent with no heart beat without the pacer you wouldn't feel much for long. LOL

frank

Pin the sleeve

by mdwhite - 2011-08-21 02:08:31

Good day. I have the best luck by wearing a light weight top and pin the sleeve to the top at the elbow works just fine. Well it's worked so far and I am on my third device implant. Good luck!

My advice: no sling...

by golden_snitch - 2011-08-21 03:08:07

Hi!

Just my two cents worth after six pacer surgeries (and three times new leads): Don't keep your arm immobile as it will only lead to a frozen shoulder syndrome.Yes, you should not raise your arm above shoulder level for a couple of weeks, but numerous doctors have told me that a sling is the worst thing you can do; don't even know any German patients who got a sling, seems to be an American thing. My cardio always says - because I have often been in great pain after surgeries and didn't want to move my arm - take pain killers and move it, otherwise you will end up with much worse problems. I have always been encouraged to use my arm - by the EP, but cardios, but cardiothoracic surgeons. And it worked out well.

So, don't worry too much. Just remember not raising the arm up high (especially not suddenly), and you should be just fine.

Best
Inga

Dont worry

by jane32 - 2011-08-23 04:08:51

Hi

I am 6 days post pm and I was really worried about moving my arm, but the Drs had my arm all over the place after it was discovered that they had collapsed my lung and they had trouble getting a drain in they said as long as you didnt do any quick movements that all would be well, hope this helps.

Cheers Jane32

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