left arm weakness?

Hello. I had a Medtronics PM put in on July 1 for bradycardia. I have an intro post in this same topic. :) I have had a cold since I left the hospital. At first I thought it was a sore throat from the breathing tube, but it never went away. By a week after surgery I've had a stuffed up runny nose and coughing as well. At times I've felt short of breath, but it felt more like chest congestion than lack of oxygen. I've taken my pulse at those times and it's been around 70-80 I think. My left arm also feels weak whenever I use it with any sort of mild exertion such as opening a jar or folding clothes (feels like I've been lifting weights - which is how all of my extremities felt before I went to the ER two weeks ago). I have tried to be very careful not to lift things or use my arm above my head, but I may have forgotten a couple of times. I'm not getting any pain in my chest, arm, or shoulder, just the weakness.

A couple of my friends are worried that the shortness of breath might be CHF or pericarditis even though I obviously have a cold. I called the Nurse Line and was told I may have a sinus infection but she couldn't tell me whether any of this might have anything to do with my heart.

I'm not even sure why I'm posting this novel. I have an appointment with the cardiologist tomorrow to follow up from the surgery. I can make an appt with my primary doctor to see if I might need antibiotics or something. I guess 1. my friends have me spooked, and 2. I'm very curious if the left arm weakness without pain after surgery is a common thing...

Thanks for any light you can shed!

2 Comments

Weakness

by Grateful Heart - 2013-07-15 05:07:27

Make sure you mention it to your Cardio tomorrow, just so he can check it out. It may be from not using it much for 2 weeks. If you don't feel well or are concerned, go to the ER, better to be safe than sorry. It is difficult for us to help over the internet sometimes.

Don't be concerned about raising your arms over your head, try to remember not to, but many of us have forgotten and it's been ok.

Let us know how it goes, having a cold doesn't help matters.

Feel better,

Grateful Heart

symptoms

by Hope - 2013-07-16 12:07:02

Hi! Both unusual weakness in an extremity and shortness of breath are symptoms that need evaluation. I am on my second ICD, and while I refrained from lifting heavy objects and raising my arm up, I continued using my arm without noticeable weakness. Since there can be multiple causes of both symptoms, some more serious than others, please get checked. Hopeful Heart

You know you're wired when...

You have a new body part.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker was installed in 1998 and I have not felt better. The mental part is the toughest.