Soreness after implantation

Hello, new here. I am a 76 year old male with Sinus bradycardia and Sick Sinus Syndrome and I am on a low dosage of Sotalol to control my afib/aflutter. I just had a Boston College K174 pacemaker implanted 2 days ago. Everything seemed to go well and the x-ray showed everything normal with the pacemaker placement. Since coming home yesterday, I have been a little surprised with the amount of pain I am experiencing at the implantation site. As long as I am sitting or lying in a stable position there is very little pain, but when i get up and walk around the pain is still pretty severe. It feels like I'm caring around a five pound weight on my clavicle and any left arm movement is very painful, even at the back and top of my shoulder. I'm just wondering if this is normal and how long the pain will be at this level. Thanks for any input.

9 Comments

Ice

by kmom - 2014-05-02 09:05:43

Try putting some ice on it. They don't tell you that but thanks to some good folks here as soon as I got back from my procedure I had them get me an ice pack. It really helps.

Pain

by Tick-tock - 2014-05-02 10:05:33

My first pacemaker implant was very painful!! I was very sore for weeks. I used ice and took Percocet. My 2nd surgery was more invasive; however, less painful. I would say I had a lot of discomfort the first couple days them after that I continued to pack myself in ice for 2 weeks:) ice, ice, ice!! You are still early in the healing process- don't beat yourself up for still being sore a couple days post op. Your body needs time to heal, and we all heal at different speeds. Best of luck during your recovery.

Normal

by davidjb - 2014-05-03 08:05:57

This is to be expected. It took me 6 months and I can now not really notice the actual site. The pain lessens swiftly but laying down/sleeping remains an issue for up to 6 months. I still lie on my right side and lay my left arm along my body. Otherwise moving my left arm in other positions pushed the pacemaker into the muscle (pacemaker in left side). After 6 months even tat improved.

Thanks

by awcraig37 - 2014-05-03 10:05:58

I would like to thank everyone for the comments and advice on the pain issue. I will certainly try the ice packs and hopefully it will help. I'm having another issue with SOB with my new PM, but I will post that in a new thread. Thanks again for the replies,

I'm on day 8 post surgury

by 2219kg - 2014-05-03 12:05:01

That is exactly how I felt as well. The heavy weight feeling started to get better on day 6 for me which was a relief. My shoulder is getting a little better every day but I still have pain on the back, top and all down my arm. I also recommend ice. 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. It has been the most helpful pain relief for me.

Best of luck to you.
Kelly

Tendonitis

by NiceNiecey - 2014-05-03 12:05:37

I don't know about the pain you are experiencing when you're up and about but I'm sorry to hear it. Are you very thin? That can make a difference in where the doctor places the device: under the skin or under the muscle which is more painful but often used in very thin people.

My arm is still sore 4 months after the fact. It is tendonitis and you may need physical therapy. Resting that arm is good but nearly impossible for me. Two of my doctors were perfectly willing to order PT but I told them I'd like to check out exercises on the internet first to see if that helps. I'm a slacker and haven't looked yet (shame) but I'm going to, I swear.

In the meantime, use some Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen to help with the pain. Those first few weeks are the toughest but you'll be feeling better very soon.

All the best on your new journey.
Niecey

Pain

by Angelcat - 2014-05-04 04:05:54

I had a PM implanted 4 days ago and had to have it done twice as one of the leads moved, that was scary! Yes, it is very painful and I am very badly bruised plus it feels as though the nerve in my left arm has had a battering as well. Just two questions, is it possible to feel the pacemaker "taking over" when it has to?
At the moment I am sleeping on my back which is painful for me as I have osteoporosis which caused me to have 7 fractures of the spine, one in the pelvis and sternum. Can I lay on my right side yet?
Stay well all of you and thanks for any advice.
A

Feeling the pacemaker

by awcraig37 - 2014-05-04 09:05:23

Angelcat - To answer your questions:

No - I cannot feel the pacemaker sending signals when it has to. Other than the pain coming from the insertion site, I cannot feel it at all.

I am able to lay on my right side with a pillow as support for my left arm when sleeping with no problem. The doc said it would be ok - just don't lie on your stomach or left side yet. They gave me a sling type device when I left the hospital to stabilize my left arm while sleeping, but I haven't had to use it yet. I just place a pillow on my left side, so that I can't roll over on my left at all.

I feel for you with the osteo. I have it in both knees and my left shoulder. Good luck with your recovery.

Thanks

by Angelcat - 2014-05-04 12:05:56

I will try that tonight. No wonder you are very sore with osteo in your left shoulder. All the best for your recovery as well. I can identify with you regarding the pain when walking around, let's hope it gets better soon.
Take care
A

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