Hurt Site around Pacemaker

Hey everyone, 

  I'm wanting to get some answers about something... I leave for a study abroad program in 3 days and I'm getting nervous because I've been in pain the past 2 weeks. So I've had a pacemaker my whole life and got the last battery change in 2014. No problems with it until a few weeks ago. I started doing heavier weights and seemed to have hurt the muscle underneath or something. I went to the cardiologist and PM specialist- everything looks fine. But I'm still in pain and it feels like after I have surgery when the PM is adjusting to its new pocket.

  Has anyone every had this before/advice abotu what to do? I can only rest for a few more days but I'm scared to make it worse abroad. Although I know its not dangerous because the functioning of the PM is fine, its still a lot of discomfort that I don't want to deal with abroad.

Thanks

4 Comments

overdoing it

by Tracey_E - 2017-02-17 09:24:07

I'm no doctor but sounds like you overdid it and aggravated the scar tissue that holds it in place. It's harmless but can hurt! BTDT. Have you tried ice and/or an anti-infammatory like advil? 

As long as you don't have any signs of infection- redness, swelling, streaks, heat, oozing, fever- then it's probably just discomfort that needs to heal in its own time. I'd lay off the weights for now. When you get back, you can try it again (slowly!) but for now don't do anything to stir it up more. 

Have a great trip! 

Changes

by dumb - 2017-02-17 12:31:26

I think you probably woke up some muscles, pulled some scar tissue.

When your body mass changes the rest of your body makes changes also.  Your pacemaker is a chunk of metal it does not cooperate with the rest of your body. 

Again I am guessing, I think you pulled some muscle and stretched some scar tissue.

I have done the samething recently.  I took on a new project, which required using my muscles in a different way. Wow, I really made myself sore, the whole area around my CRT felt like a massive bruise.

I used a lot of ice and very gentle massage, I took extra Magnesium. I kept working on my range of motion. I did not want anything to tighten up or get too stiff.

I would suggest Tylenol over Advil, because of the chemical make up of Advil might cause further issues with your heart function.  Ask your cardiologist if over the counter drugs like Advil are safe for you.

 

tylenol vs advil

by Tracey_E - 2017-02-17 13:26:47

Tylenol is for pain, advil is also an anti-inflammatory. My doc said taking it occasionally is safe, but all doctors vary so always ask yours. But, the two do not do the same thing. 

nsaids

by BOBJ - 2017-03-29 12:45:41

Be careful taking nsaids with heart meds. Check and cross check before you take advil/ibuprofen/naproxen. Tylenol is usually safe.

 

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