Unsure of Pacemaker related

Hi,
I'm new to this site, although have been looking at posts for some time before joining. I had a pacemaker put in about 3-4 months ago, and quickly had some complications (put in for bradycardia) with my HR doing the weird and wonderful and going very fast at rest, but especially when I tried to walk (very out of breath and sats would drop, dizzy etc). I have some other health issues too, but I'm posting because I wondered if anyone else has had issues with their left arm turning a funny colour?
It doesn't do it all the time, but has been diong it more frequently in the last few weeks. It goes a sort of darker blue/red/grey colour, and if it happens lots in a day or stays like it for ages, I start to get weird achey pains in my hand and lower arm. I've not seen a doctor about it yet but others who've seen it have noticed the difference (so I know its not me!) and one person mentioned it might be autonomic nervous system (mines possibly not working right), but they also mentioned it could be related to the pacemaker. The only other thing I've noticed is that the area over/around the edges of the box have recently become a little tender where they hadn't been before.
Has anyone else experienced this? I know I shouldn't leave it but equally don't want to go to the doctor if there is no need - I see cardio in about 5 weeks.

Thank you!

6 Comments

Extra info-all advice appreciated!

by FighterGirlxx - 2013-01-09 04:01:28

I just wanted to add I have a single atrial lead pacemaker. The op took much longer than it should have as the vein used to catheter us paced ones wasn't in the usual place and took over 30 mins to locate and access-they hadn't had this issue before and are among the best around-I trust them a lot but not sure if this relevant. Has anyone had arm problems? Any help would be appreciated!!!

arm

by Alma Annie - 2013-01-09 05:01:33

I think you should have this checked out asap. It could be something like a blood clot, or nerve damage, but it doesn't sound right. Go to your GP and if he is concerned he will phone the cardio straight away.
Good luck
Alma Annie

possible partial obstruction????

by abbassbagheri - 2013-01-09 07:01:25

plicatedC:

You may possibly have some minor complication!!
You want to make sure you don't have partial obstruction of your left Subclavian Vein, that is the vein which your PM lead is passing through to reach your heart. This could be due to infection or scar tissue or small clot formed at the site which the lead enters the Subclavian vein " under your collar bone ". The veins in your left arm eventually drains to the left Subclavian Vein, therefore, if you have partial obstruction on the main vein, the venous blood sort of backs up in your arm and that may cause the discoloration of your left arm and pain. In other word the superficial veins in your arm do not drain well and only drain off and on.
I would check with your MD as soon as you can, preferably prior to 5 weeks.
I hope this helps!!
Good Luck
Abbass

Make a fuss!

by Zia - 2013-01-10 03:01:12

You're entitled! If it's nothing, then no harm, no foul and you can be reassured. If it is something, it needs to be addressed ASAP.

Thank you

by FighterGirlxx - 2013-01-10 06:01:18

Thank you so much Abbass and Alma Annie - it is very much appreciated. So even through its intermittent it's still not something I should leave? (I hate going to the dr or making fuss...). Thank you!

See the Doc

by Ramnarayan - 2013-01-11 08:01:13

I am not a medical guy but the symptoms are scary. Pl see your Doc ASAP. Best Wishes. Ram

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.