Using arm

use the arm!

by Tracey_E - 2017-01-16 15:08:16

Don't lift anything heavy and try to remember not to raise it overhead, but other than that use it normally. If you don't use it, you risk your shoulder freezing up. If a lead is going to dislodge, it'll usually be within the first 24-48 hours, after that is all precaution. For sure don't wear the sling after the first day or two, except maybe at night or if you go somewhere in crowd. There was a study of patients with no restrictions vs traditional restrictions (no overhead, etc)  and one group did not have any higher incident of dislodgement than the other. 

Shirt.

by Hamsquatch - 2017-01-16 15:12:37

I never had trouble forgetting to not use my arm, I was just stubborn about it. I had to have the lead replaced after 4 weeks. I would recommend wearing an oversized shirt and keeping your PM side arm in the shirt (don't put your arm through he sleeve) or tie your arm to your waist (wear a belt, tie a string around your wrist, another string for the length you want). 

Use Your Arm

by Artist - 2017-01-16 18:07:04

As Tracey said,  the concern is that your arm will stiffen up and  not using it could cause problems.  The day after my surgery when I was to be discharged my surgeon/EP walked in and saw the sling the nurse had just put on that morning, whipped it off and literally threw it away.  With his permissoon, I was driving two days after my implant. I was cautioned to not raise my left arm above shoulder level for 30 days and to not lift over 5 lbs for the first two weeks and nothing over 10 lbs for the next two weeks.  Doctors discharge instructions vary and usually err on the side of caution. We all seem to have some forgetfulness and raise our arm above shoulder level.  However, the incidents of lead dislodgement are very rare.  

Read this

by Lurch - 2017-01-17 10:45:43

It may help allevate some of your concerns:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2626349/

the price of not using your arm...

by Tracey_E - 2017-01-18 21:18:08

This was just posted today, and this is why a few of us here are a little zealous about encouraging newbies to use their arm. The risks of not using the arm are real.

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/30702/shoulder-frozen-up-for-lack-of-use

Using Arm

by Lalabuddy - 2017-02-20 11:48:42

I bought myself a very unique bracelet that I am wearing on my left wrist during recovery. It sort of jingles which reminds me not to raise my arm above shoulder level. 2 birds with one stone - lovely jewelry - medical reminder. Wonder if I can deduct the cost as a medical expense :-)