Dominant side PM

Has anyone out there had a pacemaker inserted on your dominant hand side? I've had a PM on the left for @ 4 months with terrible pain and left shoulder impingement. A different dr. wants to take it out and move it to the right side. The leads are causing pain, too. He thinks this change MIGHT help. I rest on my right side and am concerned about being able to lie on that side after re-placement.

5 Comments

HI

by Jax - 2013-05-26 01:05:59

I'm so sorry that you're having such an issue.

I read Angry Sparrow's post to you and I feel it's very good advice. I really don't have problems with my left shoulder with the exception of my PM problem...

I would absolutely get another opinion before traveling to another state and having another procedure which may or may not work. I would try a physiotherapist or an
orthopedist and try to get more of a handle of what's going on.

Please keep us posted.

PM/shoulder,etc

by tigerlily - 2013-05-26 03:05:42

I should have had this shoulder worked on years ago. Too late, now. I also have fibromyalgia which makes all pains worse, I suppose.
Thanks for the responses.
Tigerlil

I am left handed

by Jax - 2013-05-26 04:05:51

I have my pm on my left side. My left hand is dominant.
I had a longer recovery because of this. My shoulder was killing me as well. I was suppose to have my pm on my right side but in the procedure room they told me that it would work better on the left side. I went to physical therapy for my shoulder. Within a week or so it was better -- like Angry Sparrow I don't like the word might either. The pt told me I had a deep bruise And gave me some exercise to do. I don't know whether you inflamed the site but I would try to see a physical therapist before I had another procedure. I've had my pm for just over a year now and I've been fine. I sleep on my left side and all is well.

Having pm moved

by tigerlily - 2013-05-26 11:05:33

Jax & others- I have had therapy on my left shoulder and it always makes the pain worse. I know something has to be done differently.
I live in Wyoming and must leave the state to have the next procedure. I must find the best solution, but don't know where to find that solution. I can't wait too long - pain and fatigue are intolerable and right now I cannot lie on either side.

see if you can have it placed under the muscle

by kathykat11 - 2013-05-26 12:05:49

I am left handed but my right side is stronger because I have had strokes affecting the left. My leads were impinging on my right arthritic shoulder before it was placed under the muscle. I got the additional benefit of no pacer bump as a side effect of the reseating of my pacer.I was in terrible pain from September until February. I felt better even before I was completely awake after the second surgery. I can only have my pacer situated on the right due to my innominate vein being tied off during my 3rd heart surgery. At any rate having my pacer moved did me wonders. I hope it works as well for you as it did for me.
best wishes,
Kathykat11

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