PM installed over clavical

Hi--
I got a PM on New Year's. The surgery was difficult. Instead of going under the clavical, it had to go over. I have not had my first check up yet. I have spent the last two days in ER. My left arm turned red if I would stand up or sit up. All untrasounds indicated no blockage. But it seems obvious it has to do with the veinous return. Luckily my arm doesn't swell.
It also pulls on the left side of my neck. Maybe that is because of the swelling and that will get better. Then last night I felt the PM kick on--it woke me up-- and realized it for what it was. I felt a HEAVY pulse but it especially felt uncomfortable in my throat. Do I just get used to this? Has anyone else had the same -over-the-clavical situation?
Thanks,
eurekasue

5 Comments

Ask for a different test...

by bambi - 2009-01-05 10:01:06

It sounds like you may have a blockage in your subclavian vein, or a narrowing, or scar tissue build up. Has the swelling and redness let up at all? An ultrasound does not always show up a blockage in a vein! The only true test is called a venogram where dye is sent through your veins and a radiologist reads the test as it is being done. This was the only test that showed my 95% blockage of my superior vena cava, and my 85% blockage of my subclavian vein. If your arm continues to swell and turn red or you have an uncomfortable feeling of fullness and veins bulging, you may want to get your Dr. to order this test. Good luck - keep us posted!
Bambi

Adjusting to life with your PM

by maryanne - 2009-01-05 10:01:37

I gather this is your first PM, and having it positioned whee it is can be uncomfortable......the pulling in the neck is the tissue adjusting and healing to having this forgien object in your body....that part should eventually go away....

As for feeling the pulse in your neck....that could be caused by a variety of things,,,,,but the key here is that as you say you haven't been in to have any adjustment made to your PM as of yet. Keep a record for your symptoms, time of day, what you were doing at the time....the technician can then look at the history in your PM and see what was going on or if there was any unsual activity....also let the technician know what kind of life style you lead...are you active ...adjustment can be made to suit your lifestyle.....

Remember NO lifting above your head for 10 days post implant....the reason for this is that the leads need time to adhere to tissue....lifting above your head makes you prone to the possibility of moving the leads.

all the best.....

Thanks so much, Maryanne!

by eurekasue - 2009-01-05 12:01:04

That was very helpful and reassuring. Do you think as the surgical swelling reduces, the redness in my arm will reduce as well?
Thanks,

Lynda

PM over clavical here too

by Jade - 2009-01-06 11:01:17

Cardio said that is the only spot he places them. I thought everyones was there.

Mine was put in Dec 19, my arm did not swell. I only spent one night in the hospital, you must have something going on.

Stay in touch with us, let us know how you are doing. Get Pain Med before you go home!! Two days after surgery was worse for me, but it improved quickly.

Have similar situation

by furnhusch - 2009-02-14 11:02:58

I had a 2-lead Medtronic put in on Tuesday and I have some circulatory weirdness in my left arm. In certain positions (standing and sitting straight), The left hand and forearm turn red and I get numbness and tingling in my fingertips. There is only mild swelling in the hand (a feeling of "fullness" in my hand). They did two ultrasounds which found nothing. The surgeon hypothesized that the two leadwires were obstructing bloodflow. He discussed another procedure where they rewire the leads to the outer muscle tissue of the heart. It's a lot more invasive and apparently requires more frequent battery replacement.
I'm going to give myself a couple weeks and see if this arm thing gets better, worse, or stays the same.
The last thing I want is another surgery.

You know you're wired when...

You prefer rechargeable batteries.

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