3wk old pacemaker implant

Im 46yrs and just had a pacemaker put in 3wks ago and im still in pain most of the time and some good days. I was just wondering what is the turn around time to feeling less pain and getting back to normal. Still some shortness of breath, sharp pain around the pacemaker, arm, neck and shoulder.. Doctor gave me no pain meds when i left the hospital and said to take motrin or tylenol. They give pain meds at the dentist here i had surgery and no pain meds, just until 1 wk ago they finally called some in.
this takes some getting use to , but sure hope to feel better soon truly working my nerves!!

4 Comments

recovery time

by trish - 2014-03-29 08:03:23

It took me 5-6 weeks to feel better. I did have a complication of R ventricle being pierced during implantation , so I think I took a little longer than others. I am now 10 weeks post implant and feel fine, can go days without thinking of pm. Occasionally have some shoulder discomfort if have overdone working in garden or at gym. I have children older than you. Trish

It varies from person to person

by Theknotguy - 2014-03-29 09:03:16

Recovery time varies from person to person. I still have some irritation and it's going on six months. Don't mean to scare you as I had a lot of trauma before getting my PM.

I was having pain in my left jaw, thumping from the PM, and sympathetic pain in my back from the PM pocket.

You should start feeling minimal pain at the 5-6 week period. You should also be doing some movement with your arm on the PM side.

Getting up and moving around will help. Drinking water helps. I was drinking 1/2 liter of water per 33 pounds per day. Tylenol does help.

I had worked with a licensed massage therapist before I had gotten the PM. As soon as I could I went back to the therapist. She really helped with the pain and sore muscles. So if you have access to a licensed therapist they can help.

They had the voltage on my PM turned up. That caused a heavier "pounding" with my heart which also caused some pain.

So tylenol, exercise, water, and some therapy may help.

Hope you start feeling better.

Theknotguy

SOME MORE HELP

by daynanestor1 - 2014-03-30 02:03:24

It will take time. I am going on 6 months too. I am still dealing with shoulder/neck pain issues. I am in PT now and dealing best I can.

I found camomile and green tea really calm me down so give that a try.

Just take it day by day!

SOB?

by FighterGirlxx - 2014-04-02 06:04:47

Hi,

I am curious as to why you say you are having shortness of breath and pain in the neck and arm and shoulder? Only reason I ask is that if it wasn't there before your pm implant, it might be worth checking with the doctors that all is well - could be that it is hitting a nerve or something and you never know, they may be able to help. I had SOB and pain post mine but I had a clot (really don't mean to scare you - it was just my experience but obviously every experience is very individual). I hope the pain and discomfort eases over time - be careful of not moving your arm at all, as much as moving it - the last thing you want is to get a frozen shoulder on top of it - PT is a good idea if that is something that is an option to you. It is a balancing act, but every week will get easier for you. As they have said before me, each individual healing time is different - we as humans don't exactly fit the text book tick box that medical schools and books like to think we do!
Best of luck to you

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I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.