Shocking

Does anyone with a pacemaker experience shocking or stinging? When i put pressure or weight on side of incision it stings. I have been lifting weights and no problems. I am 5 weeks post op.

Cheree

5 Comments

are you mad?

by majellasharkey - 2012-12-30 07:12:28

I am on my 6th pm and there is always stinging in the site, but only 5 weeks in, I don't think you should be lifting weights!!

Pain

by ElectricFrank - 2012-12-31 01:12:38

Just keep in mind that the making of the pacemaker pocket disturbed a pretty good sized area. The pocket is made by separating the skin from the underlying tissue which is a fairly brutal procedure. (I remained fully awake during my implant and while the local anesthesia kept it from being painful I could feel the heavy pressure being used.) This takes a while to heal and there are some rough edges on the body of the pacer where the leads attach. So too much activity can irritate the inside of the pocket and make it sensitive. It was around 6 months before I didn't feel a twinge from reaching across my chest from left to right while driving for example. The shocking is likely caused by it rubbing on an exposed nerve.

This is completely different from the effect of arm lifting on the leads. Since the vein that carries the leads to the heart don't have nerves, neither does the heart you don't feel the pull on the leads from high lifting. You could be causing strain on the leads that won't show up until later by lifting weights. I'm not one to be overly careful in this regard, but I suggest being reasonable for a few more weeks. It also depends on what you mean by lifting weights. After all, just lifting a spoon full of food to your mouth is lifting a weight LOL

frank.

Weights?

by hoppenjan - 2012-12-31 02:12:32

Just wanted to comment on those bashing you for the weights. At my one week checkup after implantation, my EC said I could do ANYTHING I wanted to. When pressed harder by myself and his nurse, he said wait one more week (for a total of two) before weightlifting or riding my 850 pound Harley. All of us are different ages, different physical capabilities and have the PM for different reasons, Of course you should consult with your doctor, but I assume you have done that.

weight lifting

by daisy41763@yahoo.com - 2012-12-31 03:12:54

One more comment on weight lifting! I am positive you should not be weight lifting! a gallon of milk, maybe. Less than ten pounds at the maximum for a minimum of 6 weeks .. read the post op instructions please.
depending on why you got the pacer to begin with, in my opinion you should consult your doctor and ask if your allowed to do weight lifting. personally I am not allowed to do weights., with my heart issues. Its very stressful on the heart. I am post op 4 weeks past my 2nd icd implant., I'm still not alliwed to do certain things.

weights?

by jeanlancour - 2012-12-31 12:12:01

I think its a bit early for weights, and please don't put your arms above your shoulders yet. Give your self time to heal inside.

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