Postop issues

Hi. My name is Patti. I'm 55 years old and just had my pacemaker (not the leads) replaced on Friday. My surgeon told me no restrictions because I wasn't having the leads replaced. But I've had a lot of pain over the surgical area and occasional arm numbness. The pacer is on my right side. The dr acted as if it's the equivalent to having a splinter removed. My common sense says to go easy on my arm for a couple of weeks and pain is normal. Has anyone else had these issues with the pain and/or numbness?

2 Comments

Post-op

by Good Dog - 2015-10-05 11:10:24

I do think that the pain is probably normal. However, it is tough to know, because it is subjective. The numbness is also likely normal also if it is just occasional. Obviously, if these symptoms get worse, you should be concerned. I experienced some minor pain, but don't recall any numbness.
It never hurts to call the doc and ask him. It is always better to be safe than sorry. You should never hesitate to call the doc. He is working for you. If you call and it turns-out to be nothing, that is a good thing!

Dave

healing after replacement

by Tracey_E - 2015-10-06 12:10:32

Your dr is correct, it is considerably easier to do, and heal from, the replacement than the first time, but it's a little more intense than a splinter! Definitely go easy until you feel more normal. You won't hurt the leads, but pulling on the incision will hurt until it heals some. Ice helps. The arm numbness could be from being manipulated during the surgery itself if you weren't awake when they moved you off the table, or it could be from sleeping in an awkward position. It should go away, it's only been a few days. Keep an eye out for signs of infection- new pain or swelling, new redness, oozing, red streaks, fever.

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You play MP3 files on your pacer.

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