burning in armpit

Hi just had my pacemaker surgery on 7/1/2014. have arm in sling, only taking tylenol for pain. i am having burning pain on the edge of my armpit and my underarm. has anyone else experienced this? Still not active, just resting, see the doctor on 7/10/14. have put neosporin on my skin which gives some relief. going back to ice pack today. Would like to know if anyone else had this problem and how long it took to go away.

4 Comments

Have it checked

by NiceNiecey - 2014-07-04 01:07:05

Is the armpit red or swollen? About a week or two after my PM was placed, my armpit on that side began to hurt a little and seemed a bit swollen (not red). On the second day, I went to the ER and was diagnosed with DVT (your basic blood clot). I know it's a holiday weekend but if you have any doubt, go to the ER. Your doctor's office doesn't have the equipment to diagnose a blood clot since you'll need an ultrasound.

All the best.

Similar Pains

by PJinSC - 2014-07-04 06:07:27

Had the same feeling, and still get random "stinging" and hot sensations after 18 months. Not to be discouraging, but consider that they cut you and inserted foreign objects in your body. Your muscles and nerves and skin have been disturbed and have to sort things out. You will feel different things as you heal, but as long as there are no signs of infection, tough it out. I use an extra pillow at night to sleep on my side and give myself the sensation that I am "protecting" my device. I did that during my recovery period and continue to do so today. It may be just a security blanket, but if it lets me sleep, I will accept that. Get back to normal routine as soon as the pain will let you, and never give up. I do pushups and bench presses now that I never thought I would attempt again (66 yrs old). Pain? It's there, but I wrap it up and go around it. Good luck and bless you.

Get rid of the sling

by Grateful Heart - 2014-07-04 10:07:09


You don't want to get "frozen shoulder", that would be very painful.

You can use your arm, just do not raise it above your shoulder for the 6 weeks or so that your Doctor advised. Other than that, you can (and should) move it normally. You don't want the muscles to stiffen.

See if that relieves the pain you are feeling. If not, call your Doctor.

Grateful Heart

Yes, I did

by Lurch - 2014-07-04 12:07:29

Had the uncomfortableness in my armpit. To me it felt like a bee sting. The others are right, you have to use your shoulder or it will lock up. My EP was unset when he visited me the morning after my surgery and found me with my arm in the sling. He said I should only use it at night to prevent me from raising my arm in my sleep. Cant raise it above shoulder level, but told me to rotate gently to prevent lock up!

The feeling in the armpit will get better soon. I think mine lasted about a week to ten days.

Good luck!

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