concerned n confused

Hi I'm about 4 weeks in with a one lead pacemaker. A paper I brought home from Hosp said that at 3 weeks I can start lifting my left arm above my shoulder with controlled movements and I have been, but as I read about these things I see several diffent time frames for doing this. I've seen up to 3 months. Also the lifting limits are diff also..I've been told 5 lbs, heard 10 lbs. And again the time frames on this are diff...I'm confused and sure don't want my lead coming out or loose😱

3 Comments

Apparently everybody does it a little

by Lurch - 2014-09-12 05:09:39

different.... I have read some here they don't use their arm at all, while my doctor insisted I use it, just not above shoulder level for two weeks.

From what I have read, the leads will be pretty well set after two weeks.

I used an old fashioned method for my rehab; if it hurt, I didn't do it. About 5-6 weeks after my implant I was bodysurfing with my Grandson and apparently no damage. Since then I really haven't used any restrictions. The only issue I have run into was recently trying to fix a very long set of vertical blinds. As I was adjusting them it came loose. Holding it up with both arms fully extended, it hurts so I let it fall. Still no damage, but when it hurt I stopped!

Leads can move

by Harrie - 2014-09-13 10:09:09

From what I've read the lead is most likely to move in the first 24 hours, but mine moved apparently after a week, based on the increased voltage. Whether it is something I did or a loose screw who knows? But because the dr decided not to reposition it, a straightforward procedure at the one month mark, I was left with a high voltage lead which rendered my MRI compatible device and leads, no longer MRI compatible.
So I've just had it removed and replaced, and I am following the doctor's instructions, and those of the company because I don't want to take the chance of the new one moving. Incidentally those instructions specifically warn against the danger of frozen shoulder.
I'm also not driving for the 2 weeks I've been told not to ( part of the guidelines for surgery here ), because should I be involved in an accident I know the insurance companies would void my insurance. Just common sense, not babying myself.
And I'm not as cynical as Angry Sparrow - I do think the doctor does care about the outcome.

thanks for the input

by mrsb - 2014-09-13 12:09:11

Thank you!!

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