Raised Elbow

Been 4 days since ICD installed. Instrutctions state dont raise elbow above shoulder for 4 weeks. Awoke this morning with my elbow on top of me head. Sling wasnt sent or forgotten from hospital. Is this something of major concern. Dont have any pain. Not sure if resriction is for incision or the pulling of wires. Any info would be helpful. First check up is in 10 days. Thanks for your time.

5 Comments

Sling as a reminder

by ShanB - 2015-02-18 01:02:32

I was told to use sling while sleeping as a "reminder" not to raise arm. But I think if you pulled a lead out you'd feel it. My pacer is set to where every night at 1am it "tests itself". Cardiologist warned me about this. So I feel it kick in then. So that assures me that the lead must still be intact and working.
If you can get a sling for just sleeping then that would be good. But I haven't used it much in the give days since procedure. If you don't use arm a little it will freeze up potentially. I use my hand and lower arm but don't raise it up.
Good luck

arm lifting

by wjs1954 - 2015-02-18 06:02:57

Pretty sure restriction of 'Elbow above head" is mostly to allow leads to seat. Also pretty sure if you had moved them (pulled them out) you would know it.
so i would think if no pain you did no damage..

we all do it!

by Tracey_E - 2015-02-18 08:02:23

It happens to everyone at least once! The restriction is to prevent pulling the wires but in reality, most times leads come loose (which is quite rare), it has nothing to do with our movements but rather where they were placed. It's precaution more than anything. Odds are you didn't hurt anything.

Most of us do not come home with the sling. It's better that way because if you use the sling too much, the shoulder can freeze. Other than keeping it low, it's good to move the arm normally.

If you pull the leads

by Theknotguy - 2015-02-18 09:02:42

If you pull the leads, you'll know it. Like TraceyE says, it's more of a precaution than anything. Less movement allows the body to incorporate the leads much more quickly. As long as you don't hurt, don't worry about it. Just don't make it a regular habit if you can help it.

Yep, we all do it!!

by Lurch - 2015-02-19 10:02:55

I woke up a few times the first few weeks with my arm higher than it should be (I usually sleep with my arms over my head). My doctor gave me a sling, but told me to only wear it at night for the first week or so, or if I was doing something and needed to remember not to use my left arm.

Did you receive a home monitor? If so, it would be able to detect a loose wire and would report it (my system phones home each night at 2:00am and tells on me).

While I have not experienced it, I agree with others that if you pulled it loose I think you would feel it.

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

Member Quotes

Your heart’s electrical system has a manmade helper. A helper that only knows to do what it is programmed to do and will perform that function day in and day out, without fail. Now, go enjoy your new grip on life.