Shoulder Pain, Stiffness

Hello everyone,
I am a new member and honestly didn't think I would need much outside support, since I am blessed with wonderful family, friends, and doctors...but I do.
My pacemaker was implanted under the muscle Jan. 10, a little over a month ago. The problem is I am a wimp! I have been fortunate to have little pain throughout my life and now find myself with a chronic ache in the area surrounding my shoulder. The smallest movement or reach can cause an acute pain that feels like my muscle is caught on a hook and then snaps. After these wonderful little episodes my pain requires stronger medication than Advil. I have never been one to take pain meds and try to refrain during the day because of my 5yr olds. At night, it is always more painful. I have been off work and am scheduled to return this week. I do not seem to have "frozen shoulder" as I can move my arm, but there is pain and resistance.
The question then is What can I do to make it better? and has anyone had a similar experience? My cousin has a pacemaker under the skin and returned to work in 4 days. The idea of trying to teach like this gives me panic attacks. Advice please! :-)

6 Comments

Sorry

by Peg541 - 2012-02-12 10:02:23

I'm sorry you are having a hard time. My first pacemaker is just 12 days old under my skin.

My EP told me under the muscle is much more painful with a longer recovery so maybe you are right on track.

My pacemaker seems to bang into my shoulder bone and once in a while it "twangs" a nerve because the pain goes right down my arm.

However, I am off of painkillers. Only ever needed Tylenol. My MD said the pacer has to settle down in its capsule and heal.

Have you spoken to your MD or the nurse? Maybe some anti inflammatories or one of those patches they use for arthritis to help you get over this painful time.

Hope something works soon.
Peggy

am new going to have pacemaker

by adairwic - 2012-02-13 02:02:31

Hi everyone my name is Carolann, at the end of this month I am having a pacemaker put in called a CRT, am very scared, I know this will help me, any advice? thanks
How soon can you get back to doing things? Just very nervous here.

Thanks so much for responding

by toots - 2012-02-13 08:02:50

Its always nice to hear from others. I have an appointment with my EP tomorrow. I am anxious to hear what he thinks. Wish I was able to enjoy the beautiful snow in Bulgaria... or for that matter the sunny skies and beaches here in San Clemente, Ca. But I know that with my new mechanical friend life will soon be improved! Thanks again for all of the support! :-)

The real world

by Tattoo Man - 2012-02-13 10:02:41

Hi Toots, its not easy giving 'advice' on this Forum. A million people have PM s with not a trace of any complication.
Many, and not a big many, and maybe some that might find this site, have concerns that are as real as there can be.
Its not my place to go down the "itll be ok" line.
But
It Will Be OK..because we are all set for "itll be ok",..and , hey !..without your new ' neighbour 'where would we be ??

Nobody wants a a souped up Rolex in thier chest.
Unless it keeps you going

Sometimes, toots , I really loath this thing stuck in me, then I look around and just love it, right now, fantastic snow in Bulgaria
Toots, keep in touch with the Forum....so many great people.
Dont feel alone

Tattoo Man

shoulders!

by Hot Heart - 2012-02-18 06:02:49

Try to shrug your shoulders regularly and roll them backwards and forwards, this should help prevent a frozen shoulder. Do arm exercises with your arms by your sides and in front, just dont overstretch upwards. The leads do tend to bed in very quickly so the 6 weeks of non stretching up is just an insurance policy.

HH

Physical Therapy

by toots - 2012-02-20 12:02:10

My EP has referred me to a PT 3x a week. He believes that I have a partially frozen shoulder. But he is confident that with some help it will soon be back to normal. Thanks again for all of the advice.
toots

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic man.

Member Quotes

Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.