Swelling of arm and hand after replacement of failed Medtronic Pacemaker

I had surgery two days ago to replace a Medtronic Pacemaker that had been implanted since 2014 when I had a heart transplant. It had done its job for 8 years.

That new replacement Pacemaker broke after 24 hours and was pacing at 49 beats per minute.

I went to the emergency room  and that new Medtronic Pacemaker had to be replaced with yet another new Pacemaker . They also replaced the original 8 year old lead with a new lead when they put in this new new Pacemaker. Seems the old lead had somehow become detached from the first replacement pacemaker, so they replaced both lead and pacemaker.

I have been home now for about 48 hours and my hand and arm are swollen extremely large with fingers that look like sausages. The only real pain is in my shoulder. Please note that my Pacemaker is implanted on the right side. All the swelling is happening on the right side also.

Has anybody here experienced such swelling? If so, any ideas on what to do or when it may stop of its own accord?

I wish to avoid going to the hospital again.

3 Comments

ER time

by AgentX86 - 2022-11-26 21:54:51

Go to the ER now.  It doesn't matter what you want to do. GO!

Go to the ER

by Aberdeen - 2022-11-27 16:43:12

Something is not right! As Agent 86 and Angry Sparrow said you must get it seen to now! Let us know how you get on!

swelling in left arm and hand

by eloc - 2023-03-06 18:39:51

i'm a new Pacemaker owner in day 6 of the procedure. Everything went well and even the first 3 days post-op , I felt like a million dollars. On day 4, I  woke uo in the morning with pain in my left arm and hand. The hand was swollen and it ached most of the day. It subsided that evening and I was able to get agood nights rest. Day 5 was not bad- some swelling but little paiin. at 5 am on Day 6, I had discomfort to the extent that I couldn't get back to sleep. When I got up my hand was swollen and I had that pain. I  had an appointment with one of the cardiologist who removed the bandage from the surgery and said everything looked good.. A check of the Pacemaker showed it was working good.. Anybody have this experience? 

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