should i worry??

i woke up this morning by my husband because i tried lifting my left arm over my head. it was the first itme since the 28th. i even wear a sling at night. it wasnt too far up. i lay slightly elivated and it was put up to about my neck. would my leads still be down where they should be or should i be concerned and call my cardioloist when they open?

5 Comments

Not to worry

by Theknotguy - 2018-10-05 10:25:38

There have been several discussions on this forum about leads being moved.  Most leads get dislodged because they weren't implanted correctly.  Over the last four years we've seen less and less discussions about that problem.  Apparently the doctors are getting better about implanting the leads.  Doctors also leave some extra lead space close to the pacemaker to allow for movement. 

Having said the above, you don't have to worry about getting your leads dislodged just because you lifted your arm.  Doctors and nurses are more worried about you breaking open the pacemaker wound site and try to limit your actions until the wound heals.  You only need your sling for a couple of days, then just limit your movement until the wound heals.  

I'm left handed, ended up with the pacemaker on the left side.  Tossed the ball a little too hard for the dog and pulled the pacemaker scar tissue area - it really hurt.  But no problem with the leads.  So waking up with your arm elevated isn't a problem.  

Hope everything else is going well for you.  
 

No, don't worry about it

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-05 10:30:37

If you don't notice any changes,  don't worry about it. The chances of dislodging a lead is very small. If you're really paranoid, you could do a remote interrogation and the PM techs will look for anything unusual. A broken lead will stand out. I wouldn't do it unless I had other symptoms,  though.

everyone does that

by Tracey_E - 2018-10-05 12:24:07

After the first 24-48 hours, the restrictions are just precaution, and no one goes the whole healing time without raising the arm by accident. It's fine!

Ditch the sling

by LondonAndy - 2018-10-05 16:40:14

No need for it now, and using it can cause frozen shoulder problems.

sling must go after a few days

by jessie - 2018-10-06 01:00:49

all these issues we worried about back then but really i lifted my arm by mistake and nothing happened and more than once. i have 3 leads now and i am doing ok. i was ist implanted in 2006. frank robocop peter to name a few were there...we actually had a difficult person. a woman cant think of her name. something to do with a cat. oh yes purrfect....after much drama she left. i am going to a funeral tomorrow for a 53 year old man. in highschool he was born to the next door neighbours there 6th. i cant help but think it will be heart. i feel so grateful to be 77 and still here. we had a big family as well. back then many did. i babysat them all so will enjoy reminiscing. jessie and give support

 

You know you're wired when...

You can feel your fingers and toes again.

Member Quotes

I am a 58 year old woman, race cars, ski at 13,000+ feet, work out daily, have become a second-degree black-belt in Karate, run a business - no limitations.