Dull pain across PM site

See your Doctor

by Paced2017 - 2018-06-05 07:24:46

I haven't experienced this, but any dull pain in the chest, left arm or jaw should not be ignored. These symptoms can occur with coronary artery disease which is not connected to your new pacemaker, but can be diagnosed initially with an ECG and blood test at your local Emergency Department. It's better to be safe than sorry so my suggestion is don't delay.

Another thought

by Gotrhythm - 2018-06-06 13:37:14

I certainly don't disagree with Paced2017, but I'd like to offer another thought. A condition caused "frozen shoulder" is all too common after pacemaker implantation. 

After a pacemaker it is normal and desirable that scar tissue develop to hold the pacemaker and leads in place. But scar tissue isn't as flexible as regular tissue, so it needs to be kept stretched, or it will become so tight that movement is painful. The condition is easily prevented by simply moving the arm, gently, through it's range of motion.

I was given arm exercises to perform, starting the third day, but many patients aren't.

The pain of frozen shoulder tends to come on gradually, slowly becoming worse over time. If you haven't been moving your arm though its full range of motion, it would be a good idea to start. It's important that you do it slowly and gently.

If you do have frozen shoulder, physical therapy may be needed.

moving

by Tracey_E - 2018-06-07 11:58:15

We tend to not move much the first few weeks, then when we get back to normal things pull and tug. Chest pain should always be evaluated, esp if it runs down into the arms, but it's more than likely just a normal part of healing.