Post Pacemaker Surgery Arm Restriction

My cardiologist said that when my pacemaker is installed I cannot lift my left arm above shoulder height for 6 weeks.
Are there any devices that I can use to restrict my arm to meet this restriction?

5 Comments

don't sweat it

by Tracey_E - 2014-05-12 02:05:46

You don't want to restrict arm movement too much or your shoulder can freeze. Other than not raising it too high, it's important to move it normally. We all forget and occasionally reach up for something on a shelf or wake up with our arm up, it'll be fine. After the first few days, it's all precaution.

Common sense

by Gotrhythm - 2014-05-12 05:05:38

You'll probably be given range of motion arm exercises to do after surgery. They will include gradually lifting your arm higher. I think the exercise regimen I was given was for five days. (Or maybe that's how long I did the exercises before deciding full range of motion was back.)

After that use judgement.

Installing ceiling fans overhead---probably not a good idea.

Raising your arm to pull on a t-shirt, or comb your hair if you're a lefty---harmless.

Only during sleep

by Marie12 - 2014-05-12 06:05:04

You will remember to keep your arm down. You will be conscious of the incision and while you will make mistakes now and then most of the time you will automatically keep it down. Sleeping is the biggest problem. I used a belt from a bathrobe. Tied it around my waist and left wrist. It kept my arm down which was important to me because I have a tendency to sleep with my left arm up over my head.

sling

by Alma Annie - 2014-05-12 09:05:49

After 2 weeks when the pain had disappeared, I found myself lifting my arm automatically, so I put it in a sling to remind me. I did lift arm sometimes but all was ok. EP emphasised that if I was careful I would not have problems.
The exercises that I was given by the nurse, the EP said were totally wrong and I was to do what HE said. I did and had no problems in that area.
Alma Annie

arm restrictions

by Kluge - 2014-05-16 10:05:52

I'm 10 days out from PM implantation and like everyone else I was told not to raise my arm above my shoulder. I fail repeatedly to remember that. I don't lift anything heavy but I reach far. It doesn't hurt at all but I worry that I may be doing some damage or interfering with complete healing.
Comments please.

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Member Quotes

Sometimes a device must be tuned a few times before it is right. My cardiologist said it is like fine tuning a car.