Just got 16th pacemaker, arm PAIN

• by Shortcake
• 2012-06-16 10:06:03
• Complications
• 1240 views
• 2 comments

Hi all,
In April of this year, I received my 15th pacemaker. I have a bi-pm. My battery life is always short due to several issues, mainly voltage requirements. However, I went downhill after that pacer. Had some adjustments made and fell back into full blown failure. Had echo and some other very interesting test to realize the two left leads had gone belly-up. (I have 4 leads, one in each chamber). The left ventricular lead had formed such an exit block it was not working at all, the other left lead was well on its way to the same. I had them replaced on June 7. Surgery was over 5 hours and they decided to give me a new pacer (to save me from going thru a battery change in the next 6 months). The recovery has been a slow one but I am getting there.

My problem has been a severe pain in my right arm (my pm is on the right side). It is not under the muscle (changed to often to go thru implanting under muscle). The pain is constant, reminding me of a toothache pain. It hurts so bad I am unable to sleep. I have tried pillow tricks, ibuprofen, and actual narcotic pain relief and nothing slows it down. It is mainly in the muscle above the elbow but radiates down the arm into my hand. It does not hurt in my shoulder. It has hurt since I woke up in recovery.

I searched arm pain here on the site and realize a lot of people deal with it but could not seem to find any postings on the long term outcome. I hate to think this is a lasting effect that I will have to deal with. I see my EP next tuesday and plan on discussing but I seem to get most of the real life info on here.

I have had slight arm pain before (for just a few days after implant) and had a severe case once when I had a lead break and was being electrocuted down my arm (another story) but neither was like the pain I am dealing with now. It does not stop. There is no swelling, no discoloration, no outward signs of problem but wow, it is painful!

Thanks for any info you can share! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Susan