Restricted movement?

Hi Guys,

I'm a newbie to this site but finding it so useful......thanks.
I had my Medtronic Biventricular PM fitted on 8th October and the pain is now becoming less as each day goes by.What I want to know is-Is it normal for my arm to feel really heavy/achy and sometimes a bit tingly too?
Also I am worried as I still have restricted movement & specifically....I cannot reach my right shoulder with my left hand because the pacemaker unit prevents me from doing this. It feels as if it's been implanted too close to my armpit. Will it ever feel any better and am I likely to be able to reach the opposite shoulder at all?

Thank you. Any comments would be much appreciated.

3 Comments

maybe

by Tracey_E - 2012-10-18 10:10:49

No,it's not normal to not be able to move your arm freely but it's also very common for them to settle as you heal. Hopefully it will resolve itself over the next few months as it heals. The tingles are probably just part of healing. Keep an eye out for clots- red spots, heat, numbness. The achiness is likely just lack of movement but keep an eye on it. When in doubt, call and ask them to take a look at it.

It's important to move the arm as you heal. No lifting and no raising it above shoulder level, but other normal movement is good so the shoulder doesn't freeze.

it'll get better

by ChristieD - 2012-10-19 03:10:20

I had my PM placed 9/19 and had difficulty reaching my left arm to my right shoulder. I had the same feeling you described, like it was placed too close to my armpit and "blocking" the movement. It's much better now. I can still feel tighness when I reach across and the feeling of the PM being in the way but it's much less restrictive than it was the first few weeks.

Hang in there, it'll get better.

Replies

by Fizzy Lady - 2012-10-19 06:10:39

Thank you both for your comments they are most welcome & helpful. ChristieD....you sound like you had the exact same feeling so it's very comforting to know you are feeling better, thankyou!

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