Shoulder pain

Hi I am Melinda New to the pacemaker world
.I am one month out from surgery.Still trying to figure how much or how little to use arm with implant. Any input on this would be helpful.Trying do what doctor says but several months of little use is a challenge. Thanks

7 Comments

Time to heal

by WillieG - 2015-01-03 03:01:03

We are all different but I was back to doing activities after 4 weeks. I was careful not to lift or pull with my left arm but did everything else after a month. I was biking, hiking, and playing racquetball and even went swimming, although I was careful and only did the breast stroke and did not get my arm over my head except for doing shampoos. I would guess that moving your arm would help it! I am surprised that they would tell you to rest for several months. That seems like a very long time. Just go gently and you should be OK.

Good luck with your recovery!

same question

by Charlotteis - 2015-01-03 04:01:11

Hi, I pretty much have the same question. I'm trying to figure out how to grocery shop, do laundry, basic household stuff, etc if I can't use my arm for several weeks. The thing is that I am wanting to be cautious as my lead pulled out the first week and I don't believe I was doing anything with that arm. Lead repositioning was way worse that the initial implant of pacemaker.

So I too am looking for that happy medium of moving forward, not freezing shoulder, yet not pulling out lead.

shoulder pain

by rejoicem62 - 2015-01-03 04:01:21

I was very shocked to be told to be extra careful for that long.I knew the first month by I expected to be doing a lot more after that.

Welcome Melinda

by IAN MC - 2015-01-03 08:01:16

Where did your phrase " several months of little use"
come from ??? . Whoever told you that is WRONG ! So rejoice !

Even the most conservative of doctors seem to agree that by 6 weeks pretty well anything goes . Some strenuous activities like swinging a golf club, or weight-lifting may take a little bit longer though

As Sparrow says , keep your arm on the PM side below shoulder level for the first 4 weeks or so . but keep on moving it and rotating it gently in the shoulder socket or you could end up with frozen shoulder.

Have you tried Googling " Recovery after Pacemaker Implant " ; you will find everything you need know.

Best of luck

Ian

After Surgery Instructions

by Artist - 2015-01-03 08:01:26

I am amazed that patients do not receive written post-operative instructions! I received my PM Nov. 7, 2014. My written post op instructions said no lifting of over 10 lbs. the first two weeks or 20 lbs. the third and fourth weeks. Also, no lifting of my arm above shoulder level or reaching behind my back during the first 30 days. I find at almost 60 days post op I can resume moderate weight lifting, but even at very light weights (5 lbs.) I cannot do the "fly" motion without feeling some warning pain and lingering soreness. Everyone is different, and it is important to pay attention to your own body and not overdo it. It's wonderful that you have such a positive attitude and are anxious to resume your normal activities ASAP! That's good for the mind, body and soul and should help avoid the depression that seems to be a common side effect for new PM recipients. I am a 73 year old female and have been active and fit most of my life, so this has required an attitude adjustment. The comments by club members have been a real help to me and hopefully will also help you.

shoulder pain

by rejoicem62 - 2015-01-03 10:01:07

Thanks for comments.I have been moving my shoulder so it won't freeze up. Doctor told me Friday to treat arm fragile for several more weeks.I was very frustrated with that news,going to find a middle ground that lets me get back to normal. Melinda

How about 4 days?

by justice - 2015-01-03 10:01:23


To make a long story short, I was very active almost immediately after the surgery, and that was 8 months ago.
I have no issues or problems and although I should not have done what I did, there has been no ill effects.

After my dual lead implant I was counselled by my Dr. and the staff, but was still groggy from the anesthetic. They went through all the details but IU just wanted to get home. When they said I was to be cautious about arm movements etc., I understood them to say 4 days.
So after 4 days I returned to my previously active lifestyle which included moving my boat (44 ft yacht) 550 km.
It was a 5 day t4rip and involved 44 locks requiring a lot of movement, lifting and stretching.
When I returned for my check up they told me the rest period should have been 4 weeks not 4 days.

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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