Sore shoulders

Hello everyone,

 

I would like to inquire about a medical issue I have been experiencing. I received my implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) three years ago and have not had any significant problems until recently. Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing a persistent, dull pain in my left shoulder and neck. I have researched online and found various possible causes, but I would appreciate any insights or experiences from others who may have encountered a similar issue.

 

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

B.B.BY

2 Comments

Vein Occlusion a possibility

by Good Dog - 2024-05-12 18:54:37

I have not experienced this, but I did discuss with my Doc the possibility of a complication/side effect of the leads routed through our vein. It is very common for our vein to eventually become occluded (blocked/closed) after an undefined period of time. It can occur shortly after the PM implant or months and years after it. The good news is that our body begins to make a "new" vein (collateral vein) to restore the circulation of blood to supply the body parts that need it. This process is called "Angiogenesis". Depending upon when and the extent to which this process takes place determines if and when we may experience symptoms such as what you described. The symptoms can include pain, numbness, and swelling on the side where the pacemaker is implanted (neck, shoulder and arm). The better news is that if this is the cause of your symptoms, they are only temporary and will subside when the blood flow is restored to an adequate level. My Doc said that symptons can last anywhere from days to about a year. There is just no way to know with any certainty.

LATE EDIT: BTW; my vein is occluded and I have no idea when it occured. I had no symptoms that I can recall. I obviously do have a collateral vein. My Doc just tried to put a new lead through it without success. Unfortunately, althougth it has good blood flow, it also has a small loop near the SVC that prevents a lead from being threaded through it.

There is just no way for me to know if this is the cause of your symptoms. It may not be, but I just thought I'd throw this out there as a very real possibility.

In any case, I hope that you feel better very soon and wish you the very best!

Sincerely,

Dave

 

Sore shoulder

by Selwyn - 2024-05-14 11:21:27

This site is not really suitable for advice about sore shoulders, if I am offering advice.  Persistent dull pain, onset well after implant I would suggest a medical opinion is needed. 

Shoulder pain can be referred from the diaphragm etc. 

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pain-referred-shoulder-pain

Please get a medical opinion.

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