One pale arm

Hi,
I've had my Medtronic pacemaker since 2/2012 due to afib with tachy/brady syndrome. For the last few weeks I've noticed, especially in the morning, that my right hand and arm are paler in color and the left hand and arm are always red. No swelling or change in sensation just pale...then when I get in the shower with the hot water it's even more noticeable. Just wondering if anyone has had this happen? Maybe it's totally unrelated to the PM. I've also had frozen shoulder on the right so may be related to that...who knows?
thanks for any replies!

3 Comments

Suggest you get it looked at

by janetinak - 2013-03-22 03:03:09

may be nothing but I would get in to see your doc. Sure hope it is nothing.

Janet

don't delay

by Hope - 2013-03-22 11:03:07

I agree with Janet. If for no other reason than the symptoms are causing you stress, please get an answer now. I have not experienced the symptoms you described in your post, but they seem to be clear and persistent. Take care and please get checked now. Hopeful Heart

Me too

by Many Blessings - 2013-03-24 11:03:41

Hi cag5,

That happens to me too, since my implant almost a year ago. My left arm is the one that turns red. My right, is the paler one. My implant is on my left side. It's not a big deal for me, but you do notice it, especially after showering due to blood flow, etc.

With me, it gets worse after my shower and I'm putting on make up at my sink. I lean on my left side with my hand down on the counter while using my right hand for putting on my make up. This puts pressure on that arm, affecting the circulation. If I lift my left arm up over my head, it gets better and turns white again like my right arm. I figure as long as that improves it, I'm good to go. Try doing that and see if yours improves.

I mentioned it to my cardio doc once, just to see if I was right, and he said yes. Mine is due to the heart having to work harder than normal because of my heart problems themselves (I still have CHF, cardiomyopathy, A-fib, etc. which causes some blood flow issues anyway). And, now it's more noticeable because of some of the veins being impaired by the leads (you have plenty more so don't worry) and the actual PM causing pressure on things. For me, it's normal. It may be different for you, so please check with your doctor just to make sure yours isn't something serious.

Let me know what you find out, just out of curiosity.

Good luck!


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