12 weeks after op!

Hi All.

I had my first pacemaker put in, in oct last year. I had quite a lot of problems in the first 6-8 weeks. The wound would not heal and they were contemplating moving the pacemaker to the other side because of many infections. However thankfully the infections cleared up and the wound looks a lot better, not brilliant but it's getting there. 

Anyway after 2-4 weeks of no pain. I've suddenly got extremely bad pain in my shoulder and neck, it feels as though my neck is locked in once place. It's the sort of pain you get when you've 'slept funny' however it has come on after being up all day. I have not done anything different than I normally do and I have not lifted anything or led in any perticular way (and the pain is a lot worse than just 'sleeping funny') 

I should have said previously that the pain is on the same side as the pacemaker is. 

Any ideas if it could be pacemaker related?

Thanks in advance!

5 Comments

Neck pain

by Bionic Beat - 2017-01-08 14:03:12

Hi,

During your procedure, your head is turned very much to the right side so that they can splash disinfectant onto the neck and chest.  Your head is kept in that position for the duration and it does feel kind of 'stretched to the right' for awhile.  It will start to feel normal in time.

 

hope that helps.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Bionic Beat

Neck pain

by Beckiiejayne - 2017-01-08 14:05:37

today is the first day I've had this pain. Would it not have started earlier if it was due to the initial operation?

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2017-01-08 14:20:18

I've recently had my 3rd pacemaker implanted and I notice the surgical pain first, have only noticed the neck pain after stopping painkillers.

Is it possible that with concern over infections etc, you were distracted from the neck pain.

When I've had other surgeries, the pain is like peeling an onion.

The severest pain recedes and you notice the lesser pain and on it goes til it stops.  Do you know what I mean!

Bionic Beat

Thank you

by Beckiiejayne - 2017-01-08 14:37:12

I really don't no how I could have pulled a muscle. I've literally done nothing today.

thanks for the help though!

pain

by wallygatorsc - 2017-01-08 23:02:58

Not only do the put your head one way they also usually restrain the arm where the icd is being put in. My bicep turned black and blue two days after surgery. Also depending where they put the device it could be triggering a nerve. It just takes time to get over these operations...although we don't think about it ..it's pretty serious surgery and our bodies just don't bounce back quickly. Might want to get a massage to release all the toxins and relax the muscles but don't let them near the surgery site. Good luck!!!

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Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.