just posted about numbness

i am also having problems with pain in PM site and it is painful to lift my arm above head 3 1/2 weeks later.....and i don't know if i damaged something....2 weeks ago i lifted something too heavy and my left arm gets weak very easy....or i should say it is in pain ....still can not wear a bra that supports me properly....i am very large busted and i was supposed to return to work on 9/16/2012 but i am questioning that because i honestly don't feel ready.....but i don't want to sound like a whiner to the cardiologist either as she acts like i should be doing cartwheels by now......i have a GREAT STD program through my work but i don't know how to approach DR to get her to help extend it. i am directly customer facing and confidence is HUGELY important in what i do on my feet for 8-12 hours a day....often need things off shelves above my head and i don't feel confident with my breasts sagging....as i am already a full-figured woman. i also have been having panic attacks and would be mortified if that happened while i am with a customer (i am in sales)
any advice would be appreciated
thanks
heather

3 Comments

i am confused

by blondie121074 - 2012-09-09 10:09:43

i was in hospital ready for discharge one minute and a cardiologist with hospital came in next and told me of my bradycardia they had been documenting overnight and all morning....which explains many things that led me to hospital in first place....and before night over i had a pacemaker...same doctor was my surgeon.....
i do not feel i was properly prepared or educated and no one has "handed me off" to a cardiologist....she is the only doctor i know of....i feel lost and confused. i am a 37 year old woman and i am still in shock when i look at myself in the mirror and see this incision/scar.....and then for the doctor to tell me just to take tylenol after the surgery and i will be ine in 2 weeks......didn't really set the proper expectations in my opinion......i didn't sleep for almost 2 weeks due to pain and the pain isn't as bad but is still there....my left side of neck and all through my shoulder is killing me and i am honestly just depressed...but i know i can snap out of that i just don't want to sound like a wimp when i talk to doctor
one last thing when i breathe in deeply or cough it shoots pain through PM site is that normal?

blondie

by walkerd - 2012-09-10 08:09:19

some patients have the same dr put the device in and see the same one after, I do my cardio doctor installed my pm and I still see him. The reason they see you a few weeks after is to check the site and change and or check readouts. I was one that ussually dont like to take pain killers tynenol is fine for me. Just make sure you express your concerns to your doctor on your next visit or call them now and tell them of the discomfort you are experienceing. If you think the scare for your pm is shocking try and come home from open heart surgery and look at in a mirror. It is normal to be shocked after any heart surgery especially other surgery also but heart surgery is pretty nerve racking. It takes time to come to grips with it, but to be honest its always in your mind just not as bad as the first few months after this kind of proccedure. The most improtant part is dont keep it bottled up inside talk with doctor on all concerns and dont be afraid to ask questions on anything your paying them for your health care, its not at thier convience to see you. Try and keep your chin up and always remind yourself if you didnt have the little friend where might you be without it.
Good luck and dont keep everything botltled up inside, fire away on here it does help. We are all here for you and everyone else oh yes and ourselves.

Dave

blondie

by NancyinMichigan - 2012-09-10 09:09:30

I had the same shoulder/arm pain and am a bit over six weeks out and still have some arm pain. I was surprised to read that you are lifting your arm over your head. I was given strict instructions not to do that for at least six weeks. Also not to lift anything more than ten pounds with either arm for the first six weeks. Hope that hasn't added to your problems.

I am now taking motrin regularly to help with nerve inflammation. Even though I am on coumadin, the doctor told me to take one motrin four times daily for a while. It is starting to help. Also, as I read on here, there is something almost magical about the six week point as far as pain and discomfort. My pocket is finally starting to feel healed.

I hope you can get a bit more time off work. Reaching and lifting aren't going to help you.

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