Owww!

I just had a pacemaker put in today, and did not expect it to hurt THIS MUCH!! I can't sleep, or find any comfortable position - my whole left arm and shoulder feels completely frozen up and any movement is agony. It's less than 24 hours since they've done the procedure, so obviously it's really recent, and I am taking the recommended painkillers but it's just not achieving anything. Is this sort of pain normal? How long can I expect it to last? And does anyone have any tips for dealing with the pain/ getting comfortable?

Cheers :-)

11 Comments

Treatment after PM sugery

by saslas - 2014-09-30 05:09:05

I also had my PM surgery about 2 weeks ago, but I have been very lucky as it has not been very painful at all. Thank God. I did take the pain meds as directed and have been ok with that. I also did use the arm sling/wrap at night so as not to move my arm over my head or in any way I was not supposed to. I would like to know if anyone has info on when I can take a shower w/o worry of getting the wound wet. When is it safe to shower without that particular worry? I was told NOT to wear a bra for a few weeks or anything else that would pull or push on my shoulder above the PM wound, so I have not. I am so very glad to have found this site because it is so very informative!! So, thanks guys for all of the information, it is very helpful.

Brenda Davis

Ouch...

by Harrie - 2014-09-30 06:09:24

I've had 2 procedures, once to implant the device and the second to extract and replace a lead where they removed the device and then put it back in after they did the leads. I have to say they did a great job with pain management both times. In fact it was the canulas (canulae?) that caused more discomfort the second time. Reading these stories I'm extremely grateful to my anaesthetists.... I really couldn't feel anything at the site for 12 hours post surgery and they gave me iv Panadol to keep on top of it. Didn't need any painkillers once I left hospital. Discomfort yes, but nothing extreme.

So just seconding Ian's remarks for those who may be fearful prior to undergoing surgery. Everyone's experience is different.

Hi Brenda

by IAN MC - 2014-09-30 06:09:32

Have a shower NOW. If you are worried about getting the operation site wet try draping Clingfilm over it. I did that on Day 3 !

Ian

Thankyou!

by Pacey_23 - 2014-09-30 07:09:24

Thank you all for your messages and kind suggestions. I've been using ice now, and that's been a little helpful.
Still very sore, but just checking off the days as hoping it will improve day on day.

I was surprised by the pain, because I had an ILR monitor put in a few months ago, and it didn't hurt me at all, and thought the pacemaker would be similar, but I guess it's a bit more invasive.

I've felt very queasy and nauseous today, I think it's a result of the pain meds? And I've had no appetite - really hope things improve tomorrow!

Thanks again to you all anyway - this is such a great community!

Is this sort of pain normal ?

by IAN MC - 2014-09-30 08:09:20

If by " normal", you mean "do most people get it ? " then I would say that it is NOT normal to experience pain as severe as you describe it !

It can occur in some people either because of low pain tolerance or possibly because of poor implantation technique by the surgeon. The posts above give you good advice on how to cope with it.

I am writing this purely for readers who are nervously awaiting their first PM implant. I had virtually no pain or discomfort after the procedure and I know that many others have said the same.

Best of luck with your recovery

Ian

I felt the same!

by WillieG - 2014-09-30 10:09:24

I don't have much more to say that hasn't been said above, but wanted to let you know I had a great deal of pain, too. I couldn't lift my left arm to use the blinker light while driving. But that only lasted 2 to 3 days. I remember it took 2 weeks to sleep on my right side and 3 weeks for the left. The hospital forgot to discuss pain meds so I never took any. I should have called but too late now. I was a bit angry that they did not prepare me for the amount of pain or give guide lines for the time for healing. I would like to print out a page for future patients but it seems as if everyone experiences very different levels of pain. I wonder if men have less pain having a larger chest area and not a bra strap that rubs the area. Might be an idea for a future poll. This pacemaker club has been the best (and only support) group that I know of and I feel better knowing that others experience the same feelings.

Good luck and it does get better!

Wilma

pain after

by hjewest - 2014-09-30 11:09:33

Had my pacemaker inserted 2 weeks ago and as per earlier comments..don,t worry it will get better every day although now i am getting a sharp pain on the top end of my left shoulder blade, not from the actual wound and the place if insertion.. like somone puts a knife in.. this when i have the arm in a certain position.. i think maybe referred pain.. but things are looking up day by day..so dont worry by the initial pain.. you will feel better in a weeks time

Pain

by Grateful Heart - 2014-09-30 11:09:39

Pain is individual, so it's very hard to say. I have been told I have a high tolerance to pain. So when I feel pain, (and of course I do) it makes me wonder....does that mean it is REALLY painful? I dunno.

My comments were geared toward sleeping and trying to get comfortable. For me, that was the pain.

I found this site a long time after my implant.

Each day you will see some improvement. Like any surgery, it takes time.

Grateful Heart

Today is week three into recovery

by lhogue - 2014-09-30 11:09:55

I did not expect the incision to hurt like it did but it never hurt to the level you describe. I didn't take any pain meds after surgery and they offered morphine which tells me the pain level can be pretty bad. On the way out of the hospital I took one Vicodin and probably took two more in the days that followed. I started walking two miles two days after. I was mostly concerned with my shoulders freezing up as I have tendinitis in them. Today is the end of week three and I feel so much better. Each day you should feel better. Keep an eye on the wound. I took pictures of it every day. Make sure it doesn't heat up or get infected. I haven't had good sleep until the last night or two. Everyone has given you really good advice. I would reiterate to only wear the sling at night if you think you are going to throw your arm up over your head. It doesn't sound like you are sleeping so it probably won't be a problem. :(

We feel for you

by Grateful Heart - 2014-09-30 12:09:14


Follow all that Sparrow said.....great advice.

I remember having a hard time sleeping and getting comfortable was.....well out of the question for a while. Try all the pillows. Move them around until they work for you. Put a pillow under your arm so it doesn't feel like it is pulling....again, whatever works for you.

Move your arm...in and out from your side and up and down from your waist, just not above your shoulder for the first 6 weeks or so.

Each day will get better. Less than 24 hours so right now you just want to try to rest. Take the pain meds like Sparrow said. After a few days you will probably find you only need 1 at night for a few more days.

Day 1 is almost over. :-)

Grateful Heart

Soreness

by Tick-tock - 2014-09-30 12:09:26

I too was amazed at the amount of pain I had with my first implant. I slept in a recliner for the first couple nights. Opposite of what many say, I used my sling/immobilizer that I had from a shoulder surgery , only at night. I was paranoid I would would reach my arm above my head. As angry sparrow stated, it is important to move your arm; the last thing you need is a frozen shoulder. I did a lot of pendulum exercises with my arm to keep it moving with only using limited range of motion.I took my pain medication every 4 hours for the first 5 days. I found ice packs to be very uncomfortable over my incision; therefor I made my own ice packs by freezing rubbing alcohol in ziplock baggies. They did not solidify, and I could make them as light or heavy as I wanted. It does get better, but it takes time. I felt back to my normal self around 3 weeks. My second surgery was much easier . Best of luck in your recovery!

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