Limitations

hello all, I had my PM surgery on June 3rd and was wondering how long, generally speaking, is a safe amount of time to wait before it's safe to raise your arm higher than shoulder level after the surgery. Thanks!

5 Comments

Actually

by Theknotguy - 2015-07-14 11:07:51

Actually you can lift your arm above your shoulder right away. They tell you to keep your arm down to allow the scar to heal. By not raising the arm you are less likely to pull open the wound.

I was told not to lift it because I might pull the leads. But discussions on this forum are the leads won't come loose unless they would come loose anyway.

Everyone forgets and lifts their arm. Some people wake up in the morning with their arm over their head. Don't get excited about it, just don't do it on a regular basis. Once again, you might break open the wound and you don't want that. Big chance for infection - long term in hospital - big expenses.

You do want to keep the arm moving to prevent a frozen shoulder. Gently move it at first.

After the scar heals, then you can ramp up the exercise. However, the scar tissue will be very sensitive at first so you don't want to overdo it.

Hope your recovery goes well and you adjust to your PM quickly.

I had the same question

by MathTeacher - 2015-07-29 05:07:25

Hi,

I had the same question. I was petrified the day I finally raised my hand. Your doctor should've told you when you could raise it over shoulder level. I'm thinking my doctor said at least two weeks, yet other people said their doctors were telling them six. So, just call your doctor again and follow his or her advice. As the previous person said, just keep the elbow moving. Make sure you're raising your arm up to shoulder level, so as not to freeze it. I was fine raising mine higher after about two and a half weeks. I just made sure I was moving that shoulder.

Excercise

by joescuuba - 2015-09-08 04:09:30

I've had my double lead PM in for almost a month now. All is well . I was wondering when I can do push-ups and other exercises again? Does anyone know?

Lifting Arm

by Layne - 2015-11-03 12:11:46

I had PM insertion a month ago. I was told not to raise my arm above my shoulder for 6 weeks. I accidentally have raised my arm several times. I have been really worried. I am glad I found this site. I am still having symptoms tiredness, pain and the feeling of heaviness around the pacemaker. I was beginning to feel discouraged. I am 69 and was going to senior exercise 5 days a week. I have a Cardiologist appointment today. I am hopeful I can go back to exercise.

Lifting Arm

by Layne - 2015-11-03 12:11:57

I had PM insertion a month ago. I was told not to raise my arm above my shoulder for 6 weeks. I accidentally have raised my arm several times. I have been really worried. I am glad I found this site. I am still having symptoms tiredness, pain and the feeling of heaviness around the pacemaker. I was beginning to feel discouraged. I am 69 and was going to senior exercise 5 days a week. I have a Cardiologist appointment today. I am hopeful I can go back to exercise.

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