Re: Raising arm

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question; I know that when the pacemaker is implanted, you aren't supposed to lift that left arm (or whichever side its on) afterwards. By the way, I noticed that for most of you, your doctors say 6 weeks, ours in Canada say 2 weeks; but anyway, all the postings I have read here, made me feel better and I haven't really raised my left arm above my head yet (its been nearly 5 weeks now). But what I was wondering was: Has anyone experienced problems from usuing your opposite arm so much instead? Is it still possible that the muscle strain on the opposite arm can do harm anyways? I get quite sore somedays, maybe when I am doing too much?
Thanks, I hope this isn't a stupid question!!

Janice

2 Comments

Weight restriction

by ela-girl - 2007-10-15 02:10:41

Hi, Janice!

I had the same weight restriction as Cathryn. Nothing over 10 pounds period. And remember, too, that not only are you not supposed to raise your arm past your shoulders, you should also not stretch your arm toward your back or overextend it to pull anything. I think yuo are being smart taking the 6 weeks...I can't imagine 2 weeks being enough time to heal. I didn't even start to feel human again until week 4!

Best of Luck-
ela-girl

Raising left arm

by Vai - 2007-10-15 12:10:19

It sure looks like you have a trouble free post-op recovery and you're observing the restrictions on arm movement. Yes, you are right - six weeks seem to be the most often quoted time on arm movement restriction. For me, I avoided lifting heavy objects with the left arm for over 3 months post-op. Maybe I was being a little more cautious. You may want to move that left arm & shoulder a bit to avoid getting frozen shoulder (another rather painful condition). Your opposite (right) arm is probably sore from over-exercising it. It is no different from muscle pain after a strenuous workout. Just rest the arm a bit and let it recover.

There is no stupid question. Its your body and you are the best judge of how you feel. Any question is a fair question.

Good luck with your recovery.

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I've seen many posts about people being concerned about exercise after having a device so thought I would let you know that yesterday I raced my first marathon since having my pacemaker fitted in fall 2004.