Persistent Left arm pain after pacemaker insertion

Hello, I had a pacemaker inserted for a low heart rate of 35/45 per minute. Since the surgery i have had persistent left arm pain. The pain starts in the upper arm and gets increasely worse in the forearm. I have been back to the doctor, they tested the pacemaker and all is well, but sent me home with pain meds, which i requested and hope for the best. I'm frustrated I'm not feeling better. Has anyone had this problem and how long did it persist if so. Any information would be appreciated.


5 Comments

Move over I'm rowing the same boat.

by shirley d - 2012-05-25 02:05:03

My Pm was inplanted in Nov 2011. It is such an adjustment and being part of this forum is agreat help. Your arm pain sounds much more severe than mine was, I had more pain up my neck, into my ear and eye. This has faded quire a bit and is more like a pressure pain than a sharp pain now.
I went through the same procedure of having the PM checked, cardio visits etc, but the PM was fine. My GP suggested that it may be nerve damage or pressure on same. Apparently nerves repair/grow at about 1 mm per month so this is a long process.
If pain-killers suit you - use them juciciously.
I find that massage helps. My phisio even did some work on the scar tissue forming in the shoulder area to mobilise the shoulder more and I think that helped.

Lots of luck, feel better soon.
Shirley

There with you

by kkc915 - 2012-05-27 12:05:25

I've had my PM since Nov 16, 2012 and I experience more weakness in my left arm. I have some tenderness around the area of my PM, almost like a dull toothache. (But not all the time) I notice that it is still uncomfortable at times to lay on my left side while I sleep. Remembering back the doctor who inserted put my PM in really had to push and pound around to create the pocket for the PM it sit in. I'm sure there was probbly some nerve damage don.

How long have you had your PM?

Persistent left arm pain

by afcappuccino - 2013-01-22 04:01:04

Hi Dixielil,
I had my pm implanted on December 18th 2012, just over a mont ago. I believe I am experiencing the same pain in my forearm that you were/are. I was hoping to get an update from you. Did the pain go away, and if so, how long did it take?

left arm pain

by rslasota - 2013-11-07 09:11:00

I just had my pacemaker surgery a little over a week ago.
I have been experiencing left arm discomfort in the area above the elbow. It comes and goes, but lately, it seems it is occurring more often. I did not mention to the doctor on my post op visit, because it was not a concern, and I thought it would subside. Well, it hasn't, and now it is more of a concern. When should I call doctor with this concern or will it subside? Will the nerves in my arm be affected?
It is a low-grade pain right now, and I avoid pain pills, if possible.

Me too!

by Giggi - 2024-07-07 09:40:46

I had my pacer implated in 2017 and my arm has persistantly been sore. It has been bothering me more so now, than before although I haven't mentioned it to my doc has I have has so many other medical issues going on throughout the years that were more important. After reading this I am glad I am not the only one which means it's "normal" somewhat. I can deal with this. Thank you for your comments from above. 

You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

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