post-pacemaker pain

Everybody's different

by atiras - 2018-10-27 13:16:03

I'm a 60 year old woman who had a pacemaker inserted on 5th September, and then repositioned on 3rd October.  Both times, I needed paracetamol (Tylenol) for a 2-3 days, plus some support on the affected side (for reasons which won't apply to you). After that, any discomfort has been more of a nuisance than anything else. You will probably find it easiest to sleep on your back or your right side for a while.

Others will be by with more advice, I expect, especially if there are situations causing you particular discomfort after a few days have passed.

Please, make sure you're using your arm/shoulder within the limits your doctor has set -- if you don't use it, you'll end up with a frozen shoulder and that's a whole new world of pain. 

thank you!

by justinlathamxo - 2018-10-27 15:12:54

thanks! my doctor only gave me 3 days worth of pain killers, so hopefully that will be enough for my needs. they also gave me a sling for my weak arm to make sure i didn't go over my limit, which is over my head. thanks for the advice!

sling

by Shell - 2018-10-27 17:39:32

Just as a suggestion, stop using the sling. You want to use your arm with in limits so you don't get frozen shoulder. Just don't raise your arm up past your shoulder or lift heavy item (usually 5-10 pounds) for a bit. Your doctot prob gave you a time frame. If you feel like you sleep with your arm over your shoulder (or do it while sleeping with out realizing it)you may want to wear the sling at night. Usually with in 1-2 weeks the leads are secure.

Paain is different for everyone. Your young so it may not be as bad. For my first implant I filled the pain mediaction but only took 1 or 2 pills. For my 2 replacements (1 had a new lead inserted) I only yook tylenol and didnt bother with the prescription.

Pain

by El Gordo - 2018-10-27 19:24:45

I asked about the pain and the cardiologist told me it was from them creating a pocket for the pacemaker. The tissues get moved around a bit and a little stretching happens.

I took Tylenol after a day or so. After 4 weeks there was very little pain and after 6 weeks I felt as good as new. You might try sleeping in a reclining chair if you have one. Sleeping was the hardest part of the whole thing for me.

Healing time

by 21PMrunner - 2018-10-29 09:15:59

Hi! It’s been almost 1 year since I received my pacemaker, and the healing time should be pretty quick because you’re so young. I’m 22 years old, and I had a pretty quick healing time. The first few days are pretty rough, but I hated the pain meds and learned taking Tylenol helped me more. After about a week you will really start to feel like yourself again. Sleeping is the trickiest part. I 100% recommend sleeping in a recliner chair for the first week if possible.