Pacemaker moving??

I have been having some slight and somewhat irritable pain in my underarm. I keep feeling like I need to lift my arm up a little to relieve it and sometimes put my hand under there to relieve it. Does anyone know what this is or is it anything to worry about? I go to my cardio next month. Do you think I need to request an x-ray to see what is going on? This is my second pacemaker. I never had any problems with my first one. I have a dual chamber but at the time can't remember the brand, sorry.

Worried...
Pacie


4 Comments

Armpit pain

by fishhook - 2008-07-11 06:07:37

I just received my first pacemaker, Boston Scientic, 2 lead May 9, 2008. Getting my energy back and having less pain has been a slow process but I thought things were smoothing out up until two weeks ago when I began having pain in my underarm and side of my chest. I was hospitalized for two days for evaluation and my pacemaker was interrogated but the final diagnosis was pulled muscle. I know of no activity that I did to cause it. It also sometimes hurts out of my armpit up to my shoulder. Shoulder xrays were negative but blood tests revealed elevated muscle enzymes. My GP prescribed Mobic but my cardiologist office said not to take that medication. I'm not sure if this will be true for all NSAIDs. I really curious to see any comments to Pacie or myself about others who have experienced this.
Fishhook

arm discomfort

by crimsonmarya - 2008-07-11 08:07:32

Sir:
I have just had a pacemaker implanted last April. I too dealt with similiar discomfort this did subside after a couple of months. I also, from time to time feel like the wires are jabbing me, and was told that it could take up to a year for things to mend.

Pacemaker moving??

by Stacey28 - 2008-07-13 12:07:27

You might want to request having a CT scan done rather than an x-ray. By having a CT scan done its suppose to be able to give them a better picture than a regular X-ray. I've been having shoulder pain, pain in where the pacemaker is and I thought the same thing that I should be requesting to have an x-ray done and the doctor says that it would give them a good enough picture as to what is going on and so he decided on a CT scan. I'm still having shoulder pain and the pain where the pacemaker is. If your doctor isn't willing to help you then you might want to go and see a different doctor. I don't know if you need a referral or not to see a specialist. I thankfully don't need referrals to see specialist. So I'm having to self-refer to the doctors I think I need to see.
My doctor didn't really help me so I hope yours does.
Sincerely,
Stacey

movement

by shanmp - 2008-08-13 11:08:26

I'm 25yrs old and had my pacemaker implanted in Nov 07. I have lots of movement when I lift my arm, sleep, etc. The pacemaker is very noticeable as I am thin and while sleeping will move over my collar bone and the top of it rubs against it. I talked to my cardi and he indicated that the surgeon did not suture the pacer to the pocket to allow lots of movement as a result of my age and changing body with possible pregnancy etc. It is normal for extra movement and with it comes increased discomfort :( If the pain persists they can open it up and re position the pacer. Not sure it's worth while. The tenderness, stabbing pains, and shoulder pain I'm told should resolve with time. My pain is increased with exercise or sleeping on that side. Luckily I had them place it on my Right side since I'm left handed. Good luck

You know you're wired when...

You can shop longer than the Energizer Bunny.

Member Quotes

I'm 44, active and have had my device for two years. I love it as I can run again and enjoy working out without feeling like I'm an old man.