Calling all sub-pectoral implantees!

Those of you that have a sub-pectoral implant (e.g. under or embedded in the pectoral or chest muscles)- how long did it take for you to have complete mobility in your affected arm/shoulder again? And, did you see a physical therapist or just do some sort of exercises yourself? I can raise my arm about 130 degrees versus 180 on the other side etc. - loss of mobility at 2 weeks post-surgery but I want to do whatever I need to in order to regain it. I have hardly moved my arm until about three days ago. Thanks for any comments/advice.

5 Comments

1-2 months

by jessnicole - 2009-12-06 10:12:37

I could move my arm with pain the whole time, but to minimize the chance of the lead being pulled out or damaged I kept my arm in a sling for about a month. I did not raise it above my shoulder and didn't do any heavy lifting.

I'd say it took me 2-3 months to be completely back to normal (however i had surgical complications that required 3 surguries, not just one). You should be back to normal in a month to a month and a half.

It will come back on its own as you heal, you dont need physical therapy.

Shoulder Stiff??

by donb - 2009-12-07 01:12:58

I had my 4th PM along with new leads right chest stall this year and was told NO SLING. My pain level was like no more than a simple PM change. As I'm an older person and also super cautious about lifting or raising arm but movement certainly left my pain level much less by not using a sling. DonB

subpectoral implant

by golden_snitch - 2009-12-07 04:12:03

Hi!

When I had my first subpectoral implant, it took me two to three months to get back to normal with the first two weeks being a really, really painful experience. After replacement it took about the same time, but then the pacer dislodged, I had to have another surgery, and now it has taken me rather three to four months to recover.

I did see a physical therapist, at least after the last two surgeries. It's something that's not normally prescribed so I asked for it, and it was no problem. I believe it has helped a lot. The shoulder/neck muscles were very tense after surgery because when you are in pain, you start taking a relieving posture and that's not necessarily good for the rest of your upper body. So the physical therapist also gave me massages to relax the muscles.

I have always been told not to put the arm in a sling; if you don't move the arm for a few weeks, the shoulder joint will stiffen, and then it takes much longer to get back to normal. Both my EP and my heart surgeon said that it was very, very important to move my arm as much as possible after surgery. Of course, some movements were not allowed like lifting my arm above my head, but otherwise I was told to try to use it like before surgery.

Best wishes,
Inga

2-3 months

by Tracey_E - 2009-12-07 06:12:57

Like Inga, I felt a lot better after the first two weeks, but it was a few months before I could easily bend or stretch in any direction without any pain. I never did therapy, just eased back into regular activities. By three months, I could do anything I wanted at the gym again.

3 wks post-op

by annaelliott76 - 2009-12-07 11:12:43

I'm 3 weeks post op on my left side. I have a good range of motion. Stupid things hurt like holding the phone to me ear with my left hand for too long. My arm gets sore. I did not have a sling or anything. I have been moving around and doing light things. I have no problem taking my shirt off and such, but I have reminded myself the hard way to watch it a few times. My plan is to do cardiac rehab as soon as I can. I have been out of commission for a year now with no exercise. Basically, just sitting here getting fat. I have SSS (brady- tachy) and I'm in my 30s. Due to this, drs wanted to try everything else first before doing a PM. -Anna

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